April 7, 2009
NORFOLK, Va. -- Old Dominion University senior wrestler Ryan Williams (Mechanicsburg, Pa./Cumberland Valley) was named the Colonial Athletic Association Wrestler of the Year today, following his terrific season on the mat for ODU. Williams was an NCAA Finalist, CAA Champion and became the all-time leader in wins for ODU this season and caps his career off with the league's top honor.
Williams was an eighth seed at Nationals at 141 lbs and won four matches before finally falling to the third seed and defending national champion in the finals. He defended his CAA title this season and led ODU to a top 20 finish at the NCAA Tournament.
Williams was a catalyst for the Monarchs all season, going 39-4 overall, including a remarkable 22-1 dual effort, leading the Monarchs to a 17-6 year. Williams became the highest nationally ranked individual under the Martin coaching regime, listed at third in the country in the final rankings, and he led ODU to its highest national team ranking in school history, at 16th in the country.
With his season, Williams became the all-time leader in wins at ODU, with 137. He led the team in major decisions this season with ten, and added five pins.
Hofstra's Tom Shifflet was named CAA Coach of the Year and the Pride's P.J. Gillespie earned Rookie of the Year honors.