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UNC Greensboro Add 10 More for 2010-11 Season
GREENSBORO, N.C. - The UNCG wrestling team has added 10 wrestlers for the 2010-11 season, head coach Jason Loukides announced on Wednesday. These 10 wrestlers join Derek Golner, Donald McNeil, Daniel Ownbey and Cody Rodebaugh who signed with the Spartans in the fall.

The 10 wrestlers are Elijah Adams, Keith Brown, Maisson Davis, Tony Gardner, Jared Holliday, Nic Lagriola, Jordan Nevseta, James Payne, Santonio Thompson and Terrence Zaleski. Of the 14 wrestlers joining UNCG in the fall, eight of them have claimed at least one state championship.

"I am very excited about this recruiting class and I look forward to the impact they will make on UNCG athletics," said Loukides. "Their desire to excel academically and athletically will continue to move our program forward."

Adams comes to UNCG from Raleigh, N.C. where he attended Southeast Raleigh High School. As a senior, Adams advanced to the finals of the 4A 171 pound bracket before losing. He ended his senior season with a 41-2 record. He finished in fourth place at the state championships as a sophomore and junior.

Brown is from nearby Burlington, N.C. where he shined at Williams High School where he won a state championship. He went a perfect 39-0 as a senior to claim the 3A state championship at 160 pounds. He finished in third place at 152 pounds as a junior to replicate his third-place finish as a sophomore. He also qualified for the state championships as a freshman.

A native of San Mateo, Calif., Davis will become a Spartan after graduating from Hillsdale High School. Davis battled multiple injuries in high school that limited his participation in postseason tournaments. As a senior, Davis won the league championship at 189 pounds and was also named the most outstanding wrestler in the upper weights. Unfortunately, he was forced to injury default from the CIF State Wrestling Championships this past season.

Gardner joins UNCG after having won a state championship for Calvert Hall College High School in Baltimore, Md. After winning the state title as a senior, Gardner went on to compete at the National Prep Wrestling Tournament. At the tournament, he finished in fourth place to earn All-America honors. He also finished in sixth place at the prestigious Beat of the East Wrestling Tournament that is held annually in the Bob Carpenter Center, on the campus of the University of Delaware.

Holliday is a four-year letterwinner from Burlington, NJ where he competed for Burlington Township High School. This past season, Holliday finished in fourth place at the New Jersey State Championships at 189 pounds. As a junior, Holliday came in eighth place at 189 pounds. He also earned All-American honors this past spring at the 2010 FloNationals.

Lagriola comes to the Spartans after spending his final high school year at Cardinal Gibbons High School in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. He was ranked in the top three at 152 pounds heading into the state tournament as a senior after winning a district and regional title. He was also a state qualifier as a junior.

A North Carolina native, Nevseta wrestled at Ardry Kell High School in Charlotte, N.C. where he was a standout at 171 pounds. He won the 4A west regional this past season where he advanced to the state championship with a 46-1 record. At the state championships, he finished in fifth place after qualifying for the state championships as a junior.

Another in-state wrestler, Payne will come to UNCG after wrestling at Erwin High School in Asheville, N.C. At Erwin, Payne finished his senior season with a 35-6 record as a heavyweight. He won the 3A west regional before advancing to the state championships where he finished in second place.

Thompson hails from Mooresville, N.C. where he wrestling for Mooresville High School at 135 pounds as a senior. This past season, Thompson won the 4A state championship at 135 pounds after finishing the year with a 45-5 record. He was also a state qualifier as a junior and sophomore.

Zaleski is another in-state standout to join the Spartans after wrestling at Havelock High School in Havelock, N.C. This past season he finally broke through and won the 3A state championship at 152 pounds after finishing the year with a 50-2 record. He finished in second place at 152 pounds as a junior and sophomore after qualifying for the state championships as a freshman.

The Spartans are coming off a season in which they won their first outright 2010 Southern Conference Tournament Championship and tied a school record by sending four wrestlers to the 2010 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships.
Former UNC Greensboro Spartan Joe Sheffield finishes fourth at U.S. World Team Trials

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa - UNC Greensboro alumnus Joe Sheffield recently came in fourth place at the United States World Team Trials at the Mid-American Center in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Sheffield qualified for the event by winning the Northern Plains Senior Regionals last month in Waterloo, Iowa.

Sheffield, who wrestled in the Greco-Roman 120 kg (264.5 pound) bracket, began the tournament by receiving a first-round bye. In the second round, he defeated Joe Rizqallah, 2-0, 2-0, to advance to the semifinals. Rizqallah was the runner-up at the U.S. Open earlier this summer.

In the semifinals, Sheffield fell to eventual champion, Dremiel Byers of the U.S. Army, 1-0, 6-0.

He then moved to the consolation semifinals where he was pitted against Frank Workman, who was a member of the USA National Team in 2006. Sheffield used a 1-0, 0-1, 1-0 score to defeat Workman and move into the third-place match. In that match, Sheffield fell to Brandon Rupp from NYAC, 3-0, 1-0. Rupp claimed the U.S. Open title prior to the World Team Trials.

AGATE

First Round:

Joe Sheffield (Y.E.S. Wrestling), bye

Quarterfinals:

Joe Sheffield (Y.E.S. Wrestling) def. Joe Rizqallah (Michigan WC), 2-0, 2-0

Semifinals:

Dremiel Byers (U.S. Army) def. Joe Sheffield (Y.E.S. Wrestling), 1-0, 6-0

Consolation semifinals:

Joe Sheffield (Y.E.S. Wrestling) def. Frank Workman (N/A), 1-0, 0-1, 1-0

Third-place match:

Brandon Rupp (NYAC) def. Joe Sheffield (Y.E.S. Wrestling), 3-0, 1-0
UNC Greensboro's Hojilla, Sheehy Named to NWCA All-Academic Team

GREENSBORO, N.C. - Senior Victor Hojilla and sophomore Travis Sheehy were named to the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) All-Academic Team for the 2009-10 wrestling season, the NWCA announced on Wednesday

"The student-athletes on this All-Academic Team are a great example of the hard work and dedication that the sport of wrestling teaches these young men," said NWCA President Jim Beichner. "Not only are they achieving winning a National Championship, but they are also showing that they are champions in the classroom as well."

Hojilla earned his spot on the team by having a 3.63 GPA in chemistry and earning a bid to the 2010 Division I NCAA Wrestling Championships. He earned that bid by winning the Southern Conference title at 165 pounds after finishing as the runner-up at 165 pounds as a junior.

Sheehy has a 3.21 GPA in pre-business administration and had a 17-10 record this season at 157 pounds to qualify for the team.

"The All-Academic team is a testament to our member coaches that they are striving to make their program as competitive as they can," said NWCA Executive Director Mike Moyer. "Academics plays a huge role for the student athlete, especially after they are done competing and out in the working world as our next generation of teachers, coaches, and businessmen.

"There is so much more to wrestling than what is done on the mat and the All-Academic Team is a great way to acknowledge those efforts," said Moyer.

To qualify for the All-Academic team, a wrestler must have at least a 3.2 cumulative GPA, and either been an NCAA qualifier or won 60 percent of his total schedule - and must have competed in at least 60 percent of said schedule. The other way to qualify for the All-Academic team is to have a 3.0 GPA and been an NCAA All-American.
UNC Greensboro's Saunders Falls Just Short of All-American Honors at NCAA Championships

OMAHA, Neb. – Junior Andrew Saunders came within one victory of becoming the first Spartan All-American as UNC Greensboro wrapped up competition at the 2010 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships on Friday in the Qwest Center.

Saunders, who began his day in the consolation bracket after falling in the Round of 16 on Thursday, started things off with a bang as he pinned Patrick Bradshaw from Edinboro in just 1:22.

In the fourth round of consolations, Saunders avenged his only loss at the Southern Conference Championships by defeating Chattanooga’s Jason McCroskey. Saunders scored a first period takedown and had a reversal and a takedown in the second period and held on late for the 6-5 decision.

Saunders sat just one match away from becoming an All-American as he was pitted against No. 9 Phillip Keddy from Iowa in the fifth round of consolations. Keddy held a 4-1 lead after the first period and Saunders was never able to recover as he fell by major decision, 14-5.

Byron Sigmon was also alive for day two, but he fell to Edinboro’s Philip Moricone in his first match of the day, 12-2, to be eliminated from the tournament.

174 pounds:

Philip Moricone (Edinboro) maj. dec. Byron Sigmon (UNCG), 12-2

*Byron Sigmon eliminated from the tournament

184 pounds:

Andrew Saunders (UNCG) fall Patrick Bradshaw (Edinboro), 1:22

Andrew Saunders (UNCG) dec. Jason McCroskey (Chattanooga), 6-5

No. 9 Phillip Keddy (Iowa) maj. dec. Andrew Saunders (UNCG), 14-5

*Andrew Saunders eliminated from the tournament
UNC Greensboro's Saunders Earns At-large Bid to NCAA Championships

GREENSBORO, N.C. - Andrew Saunders will join teammates Ivan Lopouchanski, Victor Hojilla and Byron Sigmon next week at the 2010 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships in Omaha, Neb. after earning one of 50 at-large bids, the NCAA announced on Wednesday evening.

The 50 at-large wrestlers join the 280 student-athletes that qualified automatically through the conference and regional qualifying tournaments over the past two weekends. The at-large selections were made by the NCAA Division I Wrestling Committee using the selection criteria without priority order, which consists of head-to-head competition, qualifying event placement, quality wins, results against common opponents, winning percentage, rating percentage index (RPI), coaches ranking and number of matches contested at that weight class.

Saunders, a junior from Geneva, Ill., finished in third place this past weekend at the Southern Conference Championships. He dropped his first match of the day before recording a pin and then a decision in overtime against The Citadel's Kelby Smith to finish in third.

Saunders currently has a record of 30-12 this year, making him just the eighth wrestler in school history to win 30 or more matches in a season. Lopouchanski and Peter Sturgeon also reached that mark this season.

With Saunders' at-large bid, the Spartans will now send four wrestlers to the NCAA Championships for the first time since 2006, when current assistant coach Daren Burns went along with Kevin Artis, Joe Lowe and Tyler Shovlin. The only other time in school history that UNCG has sent four wrestlers to nationals was back in 1999.

The 2010 NCAA Championships start next week on Thursday, March 18 at the Qwest Center in Omaha, Neb.

UNC Greensboro Wins SoCon Tournament Championship, Three Make NCAAs

DAVIDSON, N.C. - UNC Greensboro claimed its first-ever Southern Conference Championship and three individuals qualified for the 2010 NCAA Wrestling Championships on Saturday at the Baker Sports Complex.

141-pounder Ivan Lopouchanski, 165-pounder Victor Hojilla and 174-pounder Byron Sigmon all won individual titles at their respective weight classes in order to qualify for the NCAA Championships. It marked the third-straight season that UNCG has sent three wrestlers to the NCAA Championships.

UNC Greensboro claimed the team championship by putting five wrestlers in the finals and three coming home with third-place finishes to score 81.5 points. The Citadel came in second with 74 points and Appalachian State was third with 71.5 points. Five-time defending SoCon Tournament champion Chattanooga finished in a distant fourth with 43 points followed by VMI and Davidson with 37 and 21 points, respectively.

Lopouchanski began his day with a bye before defeating The Citadel's Nick LaFevre to advance to the finals. In the finals, Lopouchanski avenged his only SoCon loss of the year by beating Davidson's Vitaly Radsky, 8-3, to win the 141 pound championship.

Hojilla had an impressive start to his day as he pinned Chattanooga's Bond Davis just 15 seconds into the second period. He followed that up with a 13-4 major decision against Tyler Mullen from Davidson to make it to the finals. There he avenged a 10-1 loss to Appalachian State's Kyle Blevins earlier in the year by winning 10-5 to win the title at 165 pounds.

At 174 pounds, Sigmon received a first round by before pinning Evan Dill from VMI at the 5:00 mark. In the finals, Sigmon won his title by defeating J.C. Oddo from The Citadel, 5-2. The win marks the third time that the junior has qualified for the NCAA Championships.

Sophomore Peter Sturgeon and freshman Eric Chandler also had nice days for the Spartans as they both advanced to the finals. At 125 pounds, Chandler fell in the finals to Toney Gravely of Appalachian State, while Sturgeon lost to defending SoCon Champion Odie Delaney from The Citadel at heavyweight.

A trio of wrestlers also came away with third-place finishes for UNCG. 133-pounder Angel Garcia, 184-pounder Andrew Saunders and 197-pounder Ryan Sughrue all battled back in the consolation bracket to finish in third.

The Spartans will return to action on March 18 as they compete at the 2010 NCAA Wrestling Championships at the Qwest Center in Omaha, Neb.

AGATE

Team Scores:

1. UNC Greensboro, 81.5

2. The Citadel, 74

3. Appalachian State, 71.5

4. Chattanooga, 43

5. VMI, 37

6. Davidson, 21

Individual results:

125 pounds:

Eric Chandler (UNCG) maj. dec. Richard Alarcon (Citadel), 14-3

Tony Gravely (ASU) fall Eric Chandler (UNCG), 2:26

*Eric Chandler finishes in second place

133 pounds:

Angel Garcia (UNCG) maj. dec. Brett Boston (ASU), 18-8

Alex Radsky (Davidson) dec. Angel Garcia (UNCG), 11-8

Angel Garcia (UNCG) dec. Luke Todd (VMI), 11-5

Angel Garcia (UNCG) maj. dec. Jordan Dix (Citadel), 13-4

* Angel Garcia finishes in third place

141 pounds:

Ivan Lopouchanski (UNCG) dec. Nick LaFevre (Citadel), 3-2

Ivan Lopouchanski (UNCG) dec. Vitaly Radsky (Davidson), 8-3

*Ivan Lopouchanski finishes in first place

149 pounds:

Michael Long (VMI) dec. Alejandro Soto-Perez (UNCG), 9-4

Derek Royster (Citadel) tech. fall Alejandro Soto-Perez (UNCG), 15-0 at 7:00

157 pounds:

Turtogtokh Luvsandorj (Citadel) dec. Travis Sheehy (UNCG), 7-4

Joe Munno (VMI) dec. Travis Sheehy (UNCG), 8-6

165 pounds:

Victor Hojilla (UNCG) fall Bond Davis (UTC), 3:15

Victor Hojilla (UNCG) maj. dec. Tyler Mullen (Davidson), 13-4

Victor Hojilla (UNCG) dec. Kyle Blevins (ASU), 10-5

*Victor Hojilla finishes in first place

174 pounds:

Byron Sigmon (UNCG) fall Evan Dill (VMI), 5:00

Byron Sigmon (UNCG) dec. J.C. Oddo (Citadel), 5-2

*Byron Sigmon finishes in first place

184 pounds:

Jason McCroskey (UTC) dec. Andrew Saunders (UNCG), 7-1

Andrew Saunders (UNCG) fall Vinnie Gallo (VMI), 2:21

Andrew Saunders (UNCG) dec. Kelby Smith (Citadel), 7-5 SV1

*Andrew Saunders finishes in third place

197 pounds:

Dylan Temple (ASU) dec. Ryan Sughrue (UNCG), 6-2

Ryan Sughrue (UNCG) maj. dec. John Dommert (VMI), 13-4

Ryan Sughrue (UNCG) fall Nikolas Brown (UTC), 4:01

*Ryan Sughrue finishes in third place

285 pounds:

Peter Sturgeon (UNCG) dec. Ken Altarac (ASU), 7-3

Peter Sturgeon (UNCG) dec. Josh Wine (VMI), 3-1

Odie Delaney (Citadel) dec. Peter Sturgeon (UNCG), 3-1

*Peter Sturgeon finishes in second place
UNC Greensboro Easily Handles Campbell in Regular Season Finale

BUIES CREEK, N.C. - UNC Greensboro recorded three pins and received as forfeit as the Spartans spoiled Campbell's Senior Day by defeating the Camels 38-6 on Tuesday evening in the John W. Pope, Jr. Convocation Center.

The Spartans finished the regular season with an 8-7 record, while the Camels fell to 1-13 this season.

The match began at 184 pounds where Andrew Saunders wasted little time as he pinned Justin Sparrow at the 1:46 mark. Ryan Sughrue made it a 10-0 UNCG lead as he scored a 13-4 major decision over Parker Burns.

Peter Sturgeon became the seventh wrestler in UNCG history to reach 30 wins in a season after receiving a forfeit at heavyweight. CJ Gittens got the Camels on the board at 125 pounds as he won by decision over Eric Chandler, 8-2.

Angel Garcia got the Spartans back on track at 133 pounds as he gave UNCG a 19-3 team lead by defeating Richie Apolinar, 4-3. Ivan Lopouchanski made it back-to-back one-point wins for the Spartans as he beat Kelin Bidelspach 9-8.

Alejandro Soto-Perez made it 26-3 in favor of UNCG as he scored a 15-6 major decision over Billy Heemer. Jake Fose won Campbell's other match on the evening as he defeated Travis Sheehy, 10-8, in overtime at 157 pounds.

Victor Hojilla and Byron Sigmon capped off the night for UNCG with a pair of pins. Hojilla pinned Chris Mazzatta in 2:52 and Byron Sigmon ended the night by pinning Jeff Cote at the 3:35 mark.

Stay tuned to UNCGSpartans.com for any further announcements regarding future games.

AGATE

UNC Greensboro 38, Campbell 6

184 - Andrew Saunders (UNCG) fall Justin Sparrow (Campbell), 1:46; 6-0 UNCG
197 - Ryan Sughrue (UNCG) major decision Parker Burns (Campbell), 13-4; 10-0 UNCG
HWT - Peter Sturgeon (UNCG) by forfeit; 16-0 UNCG
125 - CJ Gittens (Campbell) decision Eric Chandler (UNCG), 8-2; 16-3 UNCG
133 - Angel Garcia (UNCG) decision Richie Apolinar (Campbell), 4-3; 19-3 UNCG
141 - Ivan Lopouchanski (UNCG) decision Kelin Bidelspach (Campbell), 9-8; 22-3 UNCG
149 - Alejandro Soto-Perez (UNCG) major decision Billy Heemer (Campbell), 15-6; 26-3 UNCG
157 - Jake Fose (Campbell) decision Travis Sheehy (UNCG), 10-8 OT; 26-6 UNCG
165 - Victor Hojilla (UNCG) fall Chris Mazzatta (Campbell), 2:52; 32-6 UNCG
174 - Byron Sigmon (UNCG) fall Jeff Cote (Campbell), 3:35; 38-6 UNCG
UNC Greensboro Cruise Past Duquesne in Home Finale

GREENSBORO, N.C. - UNC Greensboro dropped the first match of the evening, but won the final nine matches, including six with bonus points, as the Spartans defeated Duquesne, 40-3, in the home finale on Friday in Fleming Gymnasium.

Prior to the match, seniors Casey Boyle, Jeremy Cannon, Victor Hojilla and Ryan Sughrue were honored on Senior Night.

With the victory, UNCG improved to an even 7-7 on the year, while the Dukes fell to 5-6.

The match began at 149 pounds where Boyle bumped up two weight classes to wrestle Josh Pascazi. Pascazi led just 6-3 entering the final period, but was able to pull out the 10-4 victory. Travis Sheehy got the Spartans rolling with his pin over Alex Martinez at the 5:49 mark.

At 165 pounds, Hojilla led 15-1 after two periods as he went on to score a technical fall over Brendan Sikora to give UNCG an 11-3 lead. Byron Sigmon followed that up with a 15-3 major decision over Matt Gregg at 174 pounds.

Andrew Saunders wasted little time in dispatching Ryan Sula at 184 pounds as he scored the pin just over two minutes into the match. Sughrue made it 24-3 in favor of the Spartans by using a pair of takedowns on his way to a 5-1 decision against Justin Buchanan.

Peter Sturgeon used a second-period cradle to score back points on his way to defeated Nadeem Farah, 8-4, at 285 pounds. At 125 pounds, Manny Ramirez scored five quick takedowns before pinning Taylor Wilde just 2:47 into the match

Angel Garcia jumped out to a 10-4 lead after the first period as he went on to defeat Jake Swink by major decision, 17-6. Ivan Lopouchanski capped off the night for UNCG as he used a five-point move in the second period to defeat Tony Lascari, 7-1, to make the final team score, 40-3. The win was Lopouchanski's 30th of the season, which makes him just the sixth Spartan wrestler to reach that accomplishment.

The Spartans will wrap up their regular season on Tuesday as they travel to Campbell for a 7 p.m. match.

UNC Greensboro 40, Duquesne 3

149: Josh Pascazi (DU) dec. Casey Boyle (UNCG), 10-4 (3-0 Duquesne)

157: Travis Sheehy (UNCG) fall Alex Martinez (DU), 5:49 (6-3 UNCG)

165: Victor Hojilla (UNCG) tech. fall Brendan Sikora (DU), 18-1 (11-3 UNCG)

174: Byron Sigmon (UNCG) maj. dec. Matt Gregg (DU), 15-3 (15-3 UNCG)

184: Andrew Saunders (UNCG) fall Ryan Sula (DU), 2:03 (21-3 UNCG)

197: Ryan Sughrue (UNCG) dec. Justin Buchanan (DU), 5-1 (24-3 UNCG)

285: Peter Sturgeon (UNCG) dec. Nadeem Farah (DU), 8-4 (27-3 UNCG)

125: Manny Ramirez (UNCG) fall Taylor Wilde (DU), 2:47 (33-3 UNCG)

133: Angel Garcia (UNCG) maj. dec. Lake Swink (DU), 17-6 (37-3 UNCG)

141: Ivan Lopouchanski (UNCG) dec. Tony Lascari (DU), 7-1 (40-3 UNCG)
Sughrue, UNC Greensboro Spartans Pin Liberty, 23-15

LYNCHBURG, Va. - Ryan Sughrue recorded a pin in just 24 seconds and UNC Greensboro rattled off six straight wins as they defeated Liberty, 23-15, on Tuesday evening in the Vines Center.

The Spartans improved to 5-6 on the year, while the Flames fell to 7-8 this season with the loss.

The match began at 165 pounds where Liberty's Chad Porter recorded a 10-3 decision over Victor Hojilla. The Spartans would then go on to win the next six matches starting with Byron Sigmon at 174 pounds. Sigmon scored a takedown and a pair of reversals to win 7-3 over Brad Clark.

Andrew Saunders gave UNCG the lead for good with his 6-2 decision against Nick Knowles. At 197 pounds, Sughrue wasted little time in defeating Brandon Johnson. Sughrue scored a quick takedown and recorded the pin in just 24 seconds to give UNCG a 12-3 team lead.

At heavyweight, Peter Sturgeon continued to pad the Spartan lead as he scored a second period takedown and held on for a 3-2 win over Andrew Wilson. Eric Chandler gave UNCG a 20-3 lead at 125 pounds after he won by technical fall at the 6:19 mark with an 18-3 score over Jonathan Childress.

Casey Boyle continued the Spartan run as he scored an escape and was awarded a penalty point in the third period as he defeated Joe Pantaleo, 3-2. Scott Clymer stopped the Spartan run at 141 pounds where he defeated Ivan Lopouchanski, 5-4.

Frank Gayeski made it back-to-back wins for the Flames as he used a third period reversal to pin Alejandro Soto-Perez with just under a minute remaining in the match at 149 pounds. In the final match, Shaun Smith defeated Travis Sheehy, 6-2, to make the final team score, 23-15.

The Spartans return to the mat on Sunday for a tri-dual in Fairfax, Va. UNCG will face American at 11 a.m. before taking on host George Mason at 12:30 p.m.

UNC Greensboro 23, Liberty 15

165: Chad Porter (Liberty) dec. Victor Hojilla (UNCG), 10-3 (3-0 Liberty)

174: Byron Sigmon (UNCG) dec. Brad Clark (Liberty), 7-3 (3-3)

184: Andrew Saunders (UNCG) dec. Nick Knowles (Liberty), 6-2 (6-3 UNCG)

197: Ryan Sughrue (UNCG) fall Brandon Johnson (Liberty), 0:24 (12-3 UNCG)

285: Peter Sturgeon (UNCG) dec. Andrew Wilson (Liberty), 3-2 (15-3 UNCG)

125: Eric Chandler (UNCG) tech. fall Jonathan Childress (Liberty), 18-3 at 6:19 (20-3 UNCG)

133: Casey Boyle (UNCG) dec. Joe Pantaleo (Liberty), 3-2 (23-3 UNCG)

141: Scott Clymer (Liberty) dec. Ivan Lopouchanski (UNCG), 5-4 (23-6 UNCG)

149: Frank Gayeski (Liberty) fall Alejandro Soto-Perez (UNCG), 6:07 (23-12 UNCG)

157: Shaun Smith (Liberty) dec. Travis Sheehy (UNCG), 6-2 (23-15 UNCG)
UNC Greensboro Spartans Fall to SoCon Foe Chattanooga

CHATTANOOGA, TENN. - UNC Greensboro won the first two matches to jump out to a 9-0 lead, but Chattanooga won seven of the final eight weight classes to win, 26-12, in Southern Conference action on Sunday afternoon in Maclellan Gym.

The Spartans fall to 3-6 overall and 2-1 in the SoCon, while the Mocs improved to 8-6 on the year and 3-0 in league play.

The match began at 174 pounds where Byron Sigmon got the Spartans started off with a second period pin over No. 20 Jake Young. Andrew Saunders followed up with a 4-3 decision over Jason McCroskey after a third period takedown to give UNCG an early 9-0 lead.

Nikolas Brown got the Mocs on the board with his 6-3 decision over Ryan Sughrue at 197 pounds. At heavyweight, Tom Minwell pulled Chattanooga within 9-6 with his 4-0 win against Peter Sturgeon.

Demetrius Johnson gave the home side a 10-9 lead with his 11-3 major decision over Eric Chandler. At 133 pounds, Josh Statum scored a 6-3 decision against Casey Boyle.

At 141 pounds, Ivan Lopouchanski pulled the Spartans within 13-12 with his 5-4 win over Bennett Johnson. That was as close as UNCG would get the rest of the day as Dean Pavlou scored a technical fall over Alejandro Soto-Perez to push the Mocs lead back up to 18-12.

Chattanooga would finish the match off with back-to-back major decisions by Josh Condone and Brandon Wright to win the match, 26-12.

The Spartans return to the mat on Wednesday as they host Davidson at 7 p.m. in Fleming Gymnasium.

AGATE

Chattanooga 26, UNC Greensboro 12

174: Byron Sigmon (UNCG) fall No. 20 Jake Young (UTC), 4:41

184: Andrew Saunders (UNCG) dec. Jason McCroskey (UTC), 4-3

197: Nikolas Brown (UTC) dec. Ryan Sughrue (UNCG), 6-3

285: Tom Minwell (UTC) dec. Peter Sturgeon (UNCG), 4-0

125: Demetrius Johnson (UTC) maj. dec. Eric Chandler (UNCG), 11-3

133: Josh Statum (UTC) dec. Casey Boyle (UNCG), 6-3

141: Ivan Lopouchanski (UNCG) dec. Bennett Johnson (UTC), 5-4

149: Dean Pavlou (UTC) tech. fall Alejandro Soto-Perez (UNCG), 21-5 at 5:54

157: Josh Condone (UTC) maj. dec. Travis Sheehy (UNCG), 14-4

165: Brandon Wright (UTC) maj. dec. Victor Hojilla (UNCG), 14-5
UNC Greensboro Spartans Stay Unbeaten in SoCon, Defeat Appalachian State, 28-13

BOONE, N.C. - UNC Greensboro won seven of the 10 bouts to lead from wire to wire and stay unbeaten in the Southern Conference as they defeated Appalachian State, 28-13, on Thursday evening in Varsity Gym.

The Spartans improved to 2-4 overall this season in dual matches and 2-0 in the SoCon. The Mountaineers fell to 2-7 on the year and 0-1 in the league.

The match began at 133 pounds where Casey Boyle scored a 5-3 decision over Jacob Earp. Freshman Ivan Lopouchanski followed with his 25th win of the year as he pinned Chris Collura at the 2:53 mark of the first period.

Appalachian State's Savva Kostis cut into the Spartan lead with a second period pin of Matt Barbo at 149 pounds. Travis Sheehy built UNCG's lead to 12-6 with his 11-4 decision over Chip Powell.

Kyle Blevins pulled the Mountaineers within 12-10 after his major decision victory over Victor Hojilla at 165 pounds. That was as close as the home team would get the rest of the evening as Byron Sigmon answered with a major decision of his own at 174 pounds to put UNCG ahead, 16-10.

Appalachian's Austin Trotman scored a 15-8 win over Andrew Saunders at 184 pounds, but the Spartans would go on to win the final three matches of the night. Ryan Sughrue started it off with a 5-1 decision against Dylan Temple at 197 pounds.

Peter Sturgeon followed at heavyweight by defeating Ken Altarac, 3-1, to clinch the victory for UNCG. True freshman Eric Chandler capped off the evening for the Spartans with a pin over Brett Boston just 31 seconds into the second period at 125 pounds.

The Spartans return to action on Sunday as they travel to Blacksburg, Va. for a pair of dual matches. UNCG will take on Gardner-Webb at 2 p.m. before facing No. 15 Virginia Tech at 6 p.m.

UNC Greensboro 28, Appalachian State 13

133: Casey Boyle (UNCG) dec. Jacob Earp (ASU) 5-3 UNCG 3-0
141: Ivan Lopouchanski (UNCG) fall Chris Collura (ASU) 2:53 UNCG 9-0
149: Savva Kostis (ASU) fall Matt Barbo (UNCG) 4:11 UNCG 9-6
157: Travis Sheehy (UNCG) dec. Chip Powell (ASU) 11-4 UNCG 12-6
165: Kyle Blevins (ASU) major dec. Victor Hojilla (UNCG) 10-1 UNCG 12-10
174: Byron Sigmon (UNCG) major dec. Carter Downs (ASU) 9-1 UNCG 16-10
184: Austin Trotman (ASU) dec. Andrew Saunders (UNCG) 15-8 UNCG 16-13
197: Ryan Sughrue (UNCG) dec. Dylan Temple (ASU) 5-1 UNCG 19-13
285: Peter Sturgeon (UNCG) dec. Ken Altarac (ASU) 3-1 UNCG 22 13

125: Eric Chandler (UNCG) fall Brett Boston (ASU) 3:31 UNCG 28-13
UNC Greensboro Cruise Past The Citadel, 32-9
GREENSBORO, N.C. - UNC Greensboro won eight of the 10 matches, including the final five, to record a 32-9 victory against The Citadel in Southern Conference Wrestling action on Saturday afternoon.

The Spartans are now 1-4 on the year and 1-0 in the league, while the Bulldogs dropped to 1-4 this season and 0-2 in the SoCon.

The match began at 285 pounds where The Citadel's Ivan Muller pulled out a dramatic victory against Peter Sturgeon. After the two wrestlers were tied at one at the end of regulation, they went to sudden victory where neither opponent was able to score. Muller scored an escape point in the first tiebreaker and was able to ride Sturgeon out in the second tiebreaker to claim the victory. Eric Chandler was able to knot the team score at three at 125 pounds by using four takedowns and a reversal on his way to defeating Richard Alarcon, 11-6.

Casey Boyle gave the Spartans a lead they would not relinquish the rest of the afternoon as scored three takedowns en route to defeating Jordan Dix, 7-4, to give UNCG a 6-3 team lead. At 141 pounds, Ivan Lopouchanski had a pair of takedowns and near-falls to secure a 10-0 major decision over David Ivashchenko to put the Spartans ahead, 10-3.

At 149 pounds, The Citadel's Derek Royster won by disqualification at the 6:58 mark against Alejandro Soto-Perez after Soto-Perez had five stalling calls awarded against him. Travis Sheehy responded for the Spartans by recording a narrow 4-1 decision against Turtogtokh Luvsandorj at 157 pounds. The two wrestlers were tied at one midway through the third period when Sheehy scored a takedown and earned a point for riding time to secure the victory.

At 165 pounds, Victor Hojilla took The Citadel's Cameron Childs down and put him to his back to record the pin with just six seconds remaining in the first period to give UNCG a 19-9 advantage in the team score. Byron Sigmon used a second period reversal to defeat J.C. Oddo, 2-1, at 174 pounds.

At 184 pounds, Andrew Saunders made quick work of Kelby Smith as he took Smith down and immediately put him to his back to record the pin just 51 seconds into the match. Ryan Sughrue capped off the match at 197 pounds with a 14-5 major decision over Odie Delaney to make the final team score, 32-9.

The Spartans return to action on Thursday as they make the trip up the mountain to face Appalachian State at 6 p.m.

AGATE

UNC Greensboro 32, The Citadel 9

285: Ivan Muller (The Citadel) dec. Peter Sturgeon (UNCG), 2-1 TB2 (3-0 CIT)

125: Eric Chandler (UNCG) dec. Richard Alarcon Jr. (The Citadel), 11-6 (3-3)

133: Casey Boyle (UNCG) dec. Jordan Dix (The Citadel), 7-4 (6-3 UNCG)

141: Ivan Lopouchanski (UNCG) maj. dec. David Ivashchenko (The Citadel), 10-0 (10-3 UNCG)

149: Derek Royster (The Citadel) DQ Alejandro Soto-Perez (UNCG), 6:58 (10-9 UNCG)

157: Travis Sheehy (UNCG) dec. Turtogtokh Luvsandorj (The Citadel), 4-1 (13-9 UNCG)

165: Victor Hojilla (UNCG) fall Cameron Childs (The Citadel), 2:54 (19-9 UNCG)

174: Byron Sigmon (UNCG) dec. J.C. Oddo (The Citadel), 2-1 (22-9)

184: Andrew Saunders (UNCG) fall Kelby Smith (The Citadel), 0:51 (28-9)

197: Ryan Sughrue (UNCG) maj. dec. Odie Delaney (The Citadel), 14-5 (32-9)
UNC Greensboro Spartans Wrap Up Old Dominion Quad

NORFOLK, Va. - Junior Andrew Saunders collected a trio of victories on the afternoon, but the UNC

The Spartans fell to No. 24 Old Dominion, 36-7; Rider, 38-9; and Purdue, 30-9.

Saunders, wrestling at 184 pounds, won all three of his matches, including a major decision to begin his day. In his first match, he defeated Joe Budi from Old Dominion, 11-2, before scoring a 6-3 decision against Rider's Joe Ferber and a 4-3 decision against Purdue's Nick Corpe.

Heavyweight Peter Sturgeon also had a nice day as he won two of his three bouts. He won a 4-2 decision against Grant Chapman from Old Dominion before losing his only match of the day to No. 17 Ed Bordas from Rider. He capped off his afternoon with a 9-2 decision against Purdue's Adam Walls.

The Spartans return home on Saturday as they open Southern Conference action against The Citadel at 11 a.m. in Fleming Gymnasium.

AGATE
No. 24 Old Dominion 36, UNC Greensboro 7

125: No. 4 James Nicholson (ODU) fall Eric Chandler (UNCG), 2:53
133: Justin LaValle (ODU) technical fall Manuel Ramirez (UNCG), 15-0
141: Brennan Brumley (ODU) fall Casey Boyle (UNCG), 2:51
149: Cam Watkins (ODU) win by major decision Matt Barbo (UNCG), 10-2 (2:53 RT)
157: Dan Rivera (ODU) win by major decision Alejandro Soto-Perez (UNCG), 10-2 (4:28 RT)
165: No. 10 Chris Brown (ODU) technical fall Edwin Hojilla (UNCG), 20-4 (4:09 RT)
174: Eric Decker (ODU) win by decision Byron Sigmon (UNCG), 6-2 (3:22 RT)
184: Andrew Saunders (UNCG) win by major decision Joe Budi (ODU), 11-2 (2:52 RT)
197: No. 13 Jesse Strawn (ODU) win by decision Ryan Sughrue (UNCG), 4-0 (3:33 RT)
HWT: Peter Sturgeon (UNCG) win by decision Grant Chapman (ODU), 4-2

Rider 38, UNC Greensboro 9
125: Eric Chandler (UNCG) win by decision Ilyass Elmsaouri (Rider), 7-2
133: Jimmy Kirchner (Rider) fall Manny Ramirez (UNCG), 1:32
141: Aaron Nestor (Rider) fall Casey Boyle (UNCG), 3:55
149: No. 20 Michael Kessler (Rider) win by major decision Matt Barbo (UNCG), 13-2
157: Zac Cibula (Rider) fall Alejandro Soto-Perez (UNCG), 4:04
165: Rob Morrison (Rider) fall Victor Hojilla (UNCG), 2:51
174: Byron Sigmon (UNCG) win by decision Jim Resnick (Rider), 8-6
184: Andrew Saunders (UNCG) win by decision Joe Ferber (Rider), 6-3
197: No. 19 Tyler Smith (Rider) fall Ryan Sughrue (UNCG), 1:51
HWT: No. 17 Ed Bordas (Rider) win by major decision Peter Sturgeon (UNCG), 8-0

Purdue 30, UNC Greensboro 9
125: Matt Fields (Purdue) falls Eric Chandler (UNCG), 2:43
133: Cashe Quiroga (Purdue) wins by major decision Manny Ramirez (UNCG), 16-6
141: Juan Archuleta (Purdue) wins by major decision Casey Boyle (UNCG), 13-5
149: Nick Bertucci (Purdue) wins by major decision Matt Barbo (UNCG), 13-0
157: Sam Patacsil (Purdue) wins by technical fall Alejandro Soto-Perez (UNCG), 19-4
165: Jason Martin (Purdue) wins by decision Victor Hojilla (UNCG), 7-3
174: Matt Manuel (Purdue) wins by major decision Byron Sigmon (UNCG), 15-4
184: Andrew Saunders (UNCG) wins by decision Nick Corpe (Purdue), 4-3
197: Ryan Sughroe (UNCG) wins by decision Logan Brown (Purdue), 7-1
HWT: Peter Sturgeon (UNCG) wins by decision Adam Walls (Purdue), 9-2
Cornell Claims 2009 Southern Scuffle Title, UNC Greensboro Places Three

GREENSBORO, NC – After two days of wrestling and 828 matches, the team from Cornell walked away with the 2009 UNCG Southern Scuffle championship and claimed their second consecutive team title at the event. The Big Red also won three individual titles, as Kyle Dake, Mack Lewness and Cam Simaz came away with titles. UNCG had three wrestlers place as sophomore Peter Sturgeon won his first two matches of the second day before finishing in eighth place. True freshmen Eric Chandler and Caylor Williams also came in eighth place for the Spartans.

Chandler, wrestling at 125 pounds, recorded a pair of pins over Navy’s Allen Stein and Michigan’s Sean Boyle on his way to finishing in eighth. At 197 pounds, Williams pinned William Widener from George Mason in just over a minute and then scored a 6-2 decision over Zach Bennett from North Carolina. Sturgeon had a pair of wins as a heavyweight, including a 5-4 decision over NC State’s Eloheim Palma.

In the championship finals, Angel Escobedo, ranked second nationally from Indiana, won by injury default at 125 pounds over No. 1 Troy Nickerson after Nickerson injured his shoulder in the first period. At 133 pounds, No. 2 Jayson Ness from Minnesota used a pair of takedowns to score a 7-3 decision over No. 11 Dan Mitcheff from Kent State.

In a tight match at 141 pounds, No. 5 Kyle Dake from Cornell defeated No. 6 Mike Thorn from Minnesota. Dake recorded a third period takedown to tie the match at four and rode Dake out the rest of the period to receive a point for riding time and win, 5-4. At 149 pounds, No. 10 Matt Kyler was leading 3-0 at the beginning of the third period when Penn’s Cesar Grajales was forced to injury default.

In the closest bout of the evening, No. 7 Thomas Scotton from North Carolina scored a 2-1 decision at 157 pounds in the fourth tiebreaker over No. 11 Kurt Kinser from Indiana. No. 4 Dustin Schlatter from Minnesota scored a pair of takedowns to record a 5-1 decision over No. 18 Rick Schmelyun at 165 pounds.

At 174 pounds, No. 1 Mack Lewness scored a takedown in the second and third period as he went on to defeat No. 4 Chris Henrich from Virginia, 6-1. Chris Honeycutt, wrestling unattached from Edinboro, defeated No. 3 Dustin Kilgore, 7-5. Honeycutt trailed 5-3 late in the third period, but scored a takedown and two near-fall points to win the match.

No. 6 Cam Simaz from Cornell scored four takedowns and received a point for riding time as he scored a major decision at 197 pounds over Ohio’s Erik Schuth. In the final match of the evening, No. 6 Nathan Everhart from Indiana had a second period takedown as he defeated Navy’s Scott Steele, 3-2

2009 Southern Scuffle Champions

Team

Cornell Big Red

Individual

125: No. 2 Angel Escobedo (Indiana)

133: No. 2 Jayson Ness (Minnesota)

141: No. 5 Kyle Dake (Cornell)

149: No. 10 Matt Kyler (Army)

157: No. 7 Thomas Scotton (North Carolina)

165: No. 4 Dustin Schlatter (Minnesota)

174: No. 1 Mack Lewness (Cornell)

184: Chris Honeycutt (Edinboro-unattached)

197: No. 6 Cam Simaz (Cornell)

285: No. 6 Nathan Everhart (Indiana)

Most Outstanding Wrestler

Mack Lewness (Cornell)

Gregorian Award (Most pins in least amount of time)

Jesse Strawn (Old Dominion) – Five falls in 18:36

Final Team Standings

1 164 Cornell

2 151.5 Minnesota

3 131.5 Indiana

4 97.5 Edinboro

5 96.5 Virginia

6 85.5 Ohio

7 75.5 Kent State

8 74 Bloomsburg

9 68.5 North Carolina

10 65.5 Navy

11 62.5 Penn

12 60 Army

13 55.5 Cal State Bakersfield

14 54 Michigan

15 53 Old Dominion

16 39 Liberty

17 32 Air Force

18 31.5 George Mason

19 30 NC State

20 29.5 Gardner-Webb

21 27 Lock Haven

22 26.5 UNCG

23 24.5 Hofstra

24 20.5 Appalachian State

25 18.5 Duke

26 16.5 Virginia Tech

27 12.5 The Citadel

28 10 Boston

29 9.5 Princeton

30 7 Sacred Heart

31 4.5 Campbell

T32 0 Columbia

T32 0 Ohio State

UNCG Southern Scuffle Day 2 results:

125 Pounds:

Eric Chandler (UNCG) fall Allen Stein (Navy), 0:51

Eric Chandler (UNCG) fall Sean Boyle (Michigan), 4:59

Frank Lomas (Cal State Bakersfield) fall Eric Chandler (UNCG), 2:12

Matthew Snyder (Virginia) maj. dec. Eric Chandler (UNCG), 16-9

*Eric Chandler finishes in eighth place

141 Pounds:
Ivan Lopouchanski (UNCG) dec. Nicholas Bundy (Army), 7-4

Nick Nelson (Virginia) dec. Ivan Lopouchanski (UNCG), 6-0

*Ivan Lopouchanski eliminated from tournament

184 Pounds:

Derek Coffey (Bloomsburg) dec. Ryan Sughrue (UNCG), 3-0

*Ryan Sughrue eliminated from tournament

197 Pounds:

Caylor Williams (UNCG) fall William Widener (George Mason), 1:06

Caylor Williams (UNCG) dec. Zachary Bennett (North Carolina), 6-2

Sonny Yohn (Minnesota) dec. Caylor Williams (UNCG), 7-2

Matt Powless (Indiana) dec. Caylor Williams (UNCG), 4-1

*Caylor Williams finishes in eighth place

285 Pounds:

Peter Sturgeon (UNCG) dec. John Danikowicz (Virginia), 5-4

Peter Sturgeon (UNCG) dec. Eloheim Palma (NC State), 3-2

Joshua Arnone (Cornell) dec. Peter Sturgeon (UNCG), 3-1

Brendan Barlow (Kent State) maj. dec. Peter Sturgeon (UNCG), 16-6

*Peter Sturgeon finishes in eighth place
UNC Greensboro Spartan All Access to Provide Exclusive Coverage of 2009 Southern Scuffle

GREENSBORO, N.C. - Collegiate wrestling's finest competitors will be on display when the 2009 UNCG Southern Scuffle takes place on December 29 and 30 from the Greensboro Coliseum's Special Events Center and fans can catch all of the action on their computers with Spartan All Access.

More than 400 wrestlers are slated to compete in 10 weight classes, with 53 of them currently ranked in the top 20 in their respective weight classes according to InterMat. Four wrestlers currently ranked No. 1 in the nation in their weight classes, including defending NCAA champions Troy Nickerson of Cornell (125 lbs.) and Jarrod King from Edinboro (165 lbs.) are slated to compete.

This is the seventh year of the UNCG Southern Scuffle and the sixth time it has been held at the Special Events Center. Each year, several future national champions have been on display, sometimes squaring off against competitors they meet down the road at the NCAA Championship in March. This year, King's 165 lbs. weight class and the 285 lb. class with top-ranked Konrad Dudziak of Duke features the most ranked wrestlers with seven. Nickerson's 125 lbs. class features six of the top seven ranked competitors, nearly ensuring some sneak previews of the NCAA Championship in that bracket. There are seven teams ranked in the top 20 in this year's UNCG Southern Scuffle field.

Fans can catch all the action by purchasing one of four packages for the Spartan All Access coverage of the Southern Scuffle. Fans can purchase a complete tournament package for $19.95, which will include all three sessions. Session 1, featuring all of Friday's action, and Session 2, which features Saturday's action up to the championship round, can be purchased for $9.95 each. Session 3, featuring only the championship matches on Saturday evening, will be available for $7.95.

Martin Fleming and Joey Burridge will call the action from this year's tournament, with two "feature" mats being shown. Matches of significance are typically funneled by tournament officials to these feature mats as often as possible without affecting the integrity of the tournament bracket. Coverage includes teams from all over the country and is not just focused on UNCG wrestlers. However, because care is given to not disrupting the flow of the tournament, decisions are made as the day goes on for which matches will be shown as a part of Spartan All Access.

Packages may be purchased by clicking on the gold Spartan All Access login box in the top right side of any page at www.UNCGSpartans.com and www.southernscuffle.com.

The tournament teams that will be compete and list of ranked wrestlers slated to participate is listed below.

Teams in the 2009 UNCG Southern Scuffle
Air Force
Appalachian State
Army
Bloomsburg
Boston University
Cal State Bakersfield
Campbell
The Citadel
#8 Cornell
Duke
#20 Edinboro
Gardner-Webb
George Mason
Hofstra
#13 Indiana
#19 Kent State
Liberty
Lock Haven
Michigan
#5 Minnesota
Navy
North Carolina
North Carolina State
Ohio
#23 Old Dominion
Penn
Princeton
Sacred Heart
UNC Greensboro
#18 Virginia

Individuals ranked in the latest InterMat rankings:
125 Pounds:
1. Troy Nickerson - Cornell
2. Angel Escobedo - Indiana
4. Zach Sanders - Minnesota
5. James Nicholson - Old Dominion
6. Jarrod Garnett - Virginia Tech
7. Eric Morrill - Edinboro

133 Pounds:
2. Jayson Ness - Minnesota
10. Mike Grey - Cornell
11. Danny Mitcheff - Kent State
15. Kyle Hutter - Old Dominion

141 Pounds:
5. Kyle Drake - Cornell
6. Mike Thorn - Minnesota

149 Pounds:
9. Mario Mason - Minnesota
10. Matt Kyler - Army
11. Matt Cathell - Kent State
20. Nick Stabile - North Carolina

157 Pounds:
4. Matt Moley - Bloomsburg
9. Kurt Kinser - Indiana
12. Jake Deitchler - Minnesota
14. Bryce Saddoris - Navy
16. Danny Gonsor - Virginia
19. Jonny Bonilla-Bowman - Hofstra

165 Pounds:
1. Jarrod King - Edinboro
4. Dustin Schlatter - Minnesota
10. Justin Kerber - Cornell
11. Chris Brown - Old Dominion
14. Paul Young - Indiana
17. P.J. Gillespie - Hofstra
19. Rick Schmelyun - Bloomsburg

174 Pounds:
1. Mack Lewness - Edinboro
4. Chris Henrich - Virginia
10. Ryan Patrovich - Hofstra
13. Luke Rebertus - Navy
18. Scott Griffin - Pennsylvania
19. Justin Zeerip - Michigan

184 Pounds:
3. Dustin Kilgore - Kent State
16. Steve Bosak - Cornell
17. John Barone - Duke
18. Sonny Yohn - Minnesota
20. Ben Clymer - Hofstra

197 Pounds:
5. Anthony Biondo - Michigan
6. Cam Simaz - Cornell
11. Brent Jones - Virginia
14. Jesse Strawn - Old Dominion
15. Dennis Drury - North Carolina
16. Richard Starks - Army

285 Pounds:
1. Konrad Dudziak - Duke
6. Nathan Everhart - Indiana
10. Mitch Monteiro - Cal State Bakersfield
11. Ben Berhow - Minnesota
14. Chris Birchler - Edinboro
16. Josh Arnone - Cornell
19. Brendan Barlow - Kent State
UNC Greensboro Wraps up Competition at Las Vegas Invitational

PRIMM, NEV. - With just one wrestler still alive on day two, UNC Greensboro wrapped up competition at the 28th Annual Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational at the Star of the Desert Arena on Saturday afternoon.

Andrew Saunders began his day by dropping a match to No. 20 Steve Bosak in the consolation bracket. He rebounded to defeat Andrew Buck from Navy, 7-0, to finish in seventh place at the prestigious tournament.

The Spartans return to competition on Dec. 19 as they host Virginia in Fleming Gymnasium at 11 a.m.

184 Pounds:

No. 20 Steve Bosak (Cornell) tech. fall Andrew Saunders (UNCG), 16-0

Andrew Saunders (UNCG) dec. Andrew Buck (Navy), 7-0
UNC Greensboro Wrestling Inks Four to National Letters of Intent

GREENSBORO, N.C. - The UNC Greensboro wrestling team has signed Derek Golner, Donald McNeil, Daniel Ownbey and Cody Rodebaugh to National Letters of Intent during the early signing period, coach Jason Loukides announced on Tuesday.

"I am excited about the attitudes that these guys are bringing to the program," said Loukides. "They are quality student-athletes that are going to make a big impact in the UNCG wrestling program. I am very happy we were able to sign them early."

Golner, a native of Tyngsboro, Mass., will look to fill in at 157 or 165 pounds at UNCG after wrestling at 160 pounds last season at Tyngsboro High School. This season, he is looking to become just the eighth wrestler from Massachusetts to win his fourth state title. Last year he claimed his third state championship before finishing in second at the All States Championships. He went on to finish third at the New England High School Championships to wrap up his year. He won his state championship as a sophomore at 140 pounds and his first championship at 130 pounds.

"Derek will punish opponents with his skill in the top position and compete at 157/165 for the Spartans," said Loukides.

A Kingston, Penn. native, McNeil is coming off a year that saw him win the Pennsylvania Prep State Championship at 189 pounds for Wyoming Seminary and he also finished fourth at the National Prep School Championships. He also finished seventh at the 2008 Asics Ironman and was ranked No. 11 in the nation at 215 pounds by Wrestling USA Magazine. As a freshman and sophomore, McNeil won state championships in Massachusetts at King Philip Regional High School.

"Donald is a dangerous wrestler who will challenge right away for the starting spot at 197/285," said Loukides. "He has the ability to pin anyone he wrestles."

Ownbey, from Candler, N.C., went a perfect 56-0 to win the 125 pound 3A State Championship at Enka High School. Last year, he earned NHSCA All-American honors after coming in third at the NHSCA National Open. He won the National Open the year before and was named the Most Outstanding Wrestler. As a sophomore, Ownbey advanced all the final to the finals of the state championship before narrowly falling, 5-4, to earn runner-up honors.

"Daniel's style of wrestling and his mentality will make him a great college wrestler," said Loukides. "Attracting the No. 1 ranked senior in North Carolina is a huge plus for our program."

Rodebaugh, perhaps the gem of the class, is ranked No. 74 in the nation as a senior according to Intermat. Last season wrestling for San Lorenzo Valley High School, he ended an impressive 51-2 junior campaign by recording four pins on his way to winning the California State Championship at 140 pounds. He capped off the tournament by pinning his final three opponents. This past year, he earned All-America honors by finishing in fourth place at the 2009 NHSCA Junior Nationals. He has previously earned Cadet All-America honors in Greco-Roman wrestling as well.

"Cody is the 74th best wrestler in the country," Loukides said. "He will fit perfectly in our lineup at 149/157 and his drive and will to succeed will push him to new heights as a Spartan grappler."

The Spartans will return to the mat next weekend as they compete in the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational on Dec. 5-6.
Lopouchanski, Sturgeon lead UNC Greensboro at NC State Open
GREENSBORO, N.C. - Ivan Lopouchanski and Peter Sturgeon won their respective weight classes as UNC Greensboro wrapped up competition at the NC State Open on Saturday afternoon.

Lopouchanski began his afternoon with a first period pin over Virginia Tech's Cameron Hurd before scoring a 7-4 decision against David Ivashchenko from The Citadel, 7-4. He then defeated Joe Kemmerer from Liberty, 4-3, to advance to the finals where he beat Hofstra's Tyler Banks, 5-2.

Sturgeon also began his day with a pin as he beat Gardner-Webb's Zach Burke in 4:59. He scored a 7-4 to move into the semifinals where he beat Paul Snyder from Hofstra, 7-4. In the finals, he beat Dustin Porter from Gardner-Webb in the second overtime, 6-4.

Andrew Saunders also finished in second place, while Byron Sigmon came in fourth place on the day.

The Spartans will return to competition on Dec. 4 as they travel to Primm, Nev. for the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational.

133 pounds:

Jeremy Sandoval (Chattanooga) fall Jamel Johnson (UNCG), 1:02

Jamel Johnson (UNCG) fall Logan Biddy, 1:16

Josh Statum (Chattanooga) fall Jamel Johnson (UNCG), 6:10

141 pounds:

Ivan Lopouchanski (UNCG) fall Cameron Hurd (Virginia Tech), 1:24

Ivan Lopouchanski (UNCG) dec. David Ivashchenko (The Citadel), 7-4

Ivan Lopouchanski (UNCG) dec. Joe Kemmerer (Liberty), 4-3

Ivan Lopouchanski (UNCG) dec. Tyler Banks (Hofstra), 5-2

*Ivan Lopouchanski finishes in first place

Mike Crowley (UNCG) dec. Cole Louks (Virginia Tech), 5-2

Reiny Parrado (NC State) dec. Mike Crowley (UNCG), 9-7

Nicholas LaFevre (The Citadel) dec. Mike Crowley (UNCG), 2-0

Joe Kemmerer (Liberty) dec. Matt Barbo (UNCG), 3-0

Nicholas LaFevre (The Citadel) dec. Matt Barbo (UNCG), 6-3

149 pounds:

Alejandro Soto-Perez (UNCG) fall Max Morrill (The Citadel), 2:49

AJ Guardado (Duke) maj. dec. Alejandro Soto-Perez (UNCG), 8-0

Brett Farina (NC State) dec. Alejandro Soto-Perez (UNCG), 6-4

Dean Pavlou (Chattanooga) maj. dec. Aaron Smith (UNCG), 10-2

Daniel Helena (North Carolina) dec. Aaron Smith (UNCG), 12-9

165 pounds:

Victor Hojilla (UNCG) dec. Thomas Ferguson (UNC), 7-5

PJ Gillespie (Hofstra) dec. Victor Hojilla (UNCG), 4-2

Victor Hojilla (UNCG) forfeit Brett Miller (UNCG)

Victor Hojilla (UNCG) fall Derek Sickel (The Citadel), 6:24

Josh Condon (Chattanooga) maj. dec. Victor Hojilla (UNCG), 18-10

Brett Miller (UNCG) dec. David Sweeney (Gardner-Webb), 10-6

Joe Bayer (Liberty) maj. dec. Brett Miller (UNCG), 14-5

Brett Miller (UNCG) fall Andrew King (Limestone), 2:35

Victor Hojilla (UNCG) forfeit Brett Miller (UNCG)

174 pounds:

Byron Sigmon (UNCG) dec. J.C. Oddo (The Citadel), 7-3

Brad Darrington (Utah Valley) dec. Byron Sigmon (UNCG), 3-2

Byron Sigmon (UNCG) fall Josh Tuck (Newberry), 4:42

Byron Sigmon (UNCG) dec. Bret Klopp (Duke), 9-7

J.C. Oddo (The Citadel) maj. dec. Byron Sigmon (UNCG), 10-1

*Byron Sigmon finishes in fourth place

Marc Bryan (UNCG) maj. dec. Vincent Salyer (Gardner-Webb), 11-2

Bret Klopp (Duke) fall Marc Bryan (UNCG), 2:07

Quentin Godley (NC State) maj. dec. Marc Bryan (UNCG), 9-1

184 pounds:

Andrew Saunders (UNCG) fall Tyrell Walker (North Carolina), 1:36

Andrew Saunders (UNCG) dec. Casen Eldredge (Utah Valley), 3-2

Andrew Saunders (UNCG) dec. Bryant Blanton (Newberry), 7-2

Ben Clymer (Hofstra) dec. Andrew Saunders (UNCG), 2-1

Andrew Saunders finishes in second place

Ben Clymer (Hofstra) dec. Ryan Sughrue (UNCG), 4-0

Ryan Sughrue (UNCG) maj. dec. Brian Hurley (The Citadel), 14-0

Tyler Roberson (Chattanooga) dec. Ryan Sughrue (UNCG), 6-5

197 pounds:

Caylor Williams (UNCG) dec. Austin Haigler (NC State), 6-0

Andrew Delaney (The Citadel) fall Caylor Williams (UNCG), 1:56

Caylor Williams (UNCG) fall Victor Njomo (Old Dominion), 5:31

Caylor Williams (UNCG) maj. dec. Andrew Tumlin (NC State), 12-3

Caylor Williams (UNCG) dec. Travis Porter (Gardner-Webb), 6-4

*Caylor Williams finishes in third place

285 pounds:

Peter Sturgeon (UNCG) fall Zach Burke (Gardner-Webb), 4:59

Peter Sturgeon (UNCG) dec. Steven Butler (Newberry), 7-4

Peter Sturgeon (UNCG) dec. Paul Snyder (Hofstra), 5-3

Peter Sturgeon (UNCG) dec. Dustin Porter (Gardner-Webb), 6-4 2OT

*Peter Sturgeon finishes in first place

Dustin Porter (Gardner-Webb) fall Michael Gregory (UNCG), 5:43

Andrew Fulk (Duke) dec. Michael Gregory (UNCG), 6-4
UNC Greensboro Drops Opening Dual to Utah Valley, 21-17

GREENSBORO, N.C. - UNC Greensboro and Utah Valley each won five bouts, but the Wolverines' pair of pins was the difference as they went on to defeat the Spartans, 21-17, on Thursday evening in Fleming Gymnasium.

The Spartans are now 0-1 this season, while the Wolverines moved to 1-0 on the year.
The two teams started at 149 pounds where Justin Morrill gave Utah Valley an early advantage. Morrill scored a reversal to start the second period before pinning Alejandro Soto-Perez at the 4:35 mark to give the Wolverines a 6-0 lead. Travis Sheehy helped the Spartans cut into that lead as he used a pair of near-falls to score a 10-5 decision over Richard Winger.

At 165 pounds, Victor Hojilla tied the team score at six with a decision victory. Hojilla had a takedown in the first and second period before scoring an insurance reversal in the third period to win, 6-2. Brad Darrington took the lead back for Utah Valley as he defeated Byron Sigmon, 5-2, with riding time to take a 9-6 team lead.

Casen Eldredge padded the Utah Valley lead as he scored a second period escape and earned a point for riding time to score a 2-0 win over Andrew Saunders. Jeremy Cannon brought the Spartans back within three team points with his win at 197 pounds. Cannon scored a late takedown in the first period and another in the third to defeat Josh Wood, 4-2.

Peter Sturgeon gave the Spartans a 13-12 team lead after he scored a major decision at 285 pounds. Sturgeon scored six takedowns in the match and scored a riding time point to win, 13-5, over Dylan Stadel. The Spartan lead didn't last long as No. 11 Ben Kjar scored a first period pin over Eric Chandler retake the lead for Utah Valley, 18-13.

Jeff Newby sealed the victory for Utah Valley with his win at 133 pounds. Newby scored a takedown with one minute remaining in the match and held on for a 5-4 win over Angle Garcia to give the Wolverines a 21-13 advantage. In the final match of the evening, Ivan Lopouchanski recorded four takedowns and a reversal as he went on to an 11-2 major decision victory against Marty Carlson to make the final team score, 21-17.

The Spartans return to action on Saturday as they travel down I-40 to compete in the NC State Open.

Utah Valley 21, UNC Greensboro 17

149: Justin Morill (UVU) fall Alejandro Soto-Perez (UNCG), 4:35; 6-0 UVU

157: Travis Sheehy (UNCG) dec. Richard Winger (UVU), 10-5; 6-3 UVU

165: Victor Hojilla (UNCG) dec. Monte Shmaulhaus (UVU), 6-2; 6-6

174: Brad Darrington (UVU) dec. Byron Sigmon (UNCG), 5-2; 9-6 UVU

184: Casen Eldredge (UVU) dec. Andrew Saunders (UNCG), 2-0; 12-6 UVU

197: Jeremy Cannon (UNCG) dec. Josh Wood (UVU), 4-2; 12-9 UVU

285: Peter Sturgeon (UNCG) maj. dec. Dylan Stadel (UVU), 13-5; 13-12 UNCG

125: No. 11 Ben Kjar (UVU) fall Eric Chandler (UNCG), 2:15; 18-13 UVU

133: Jeff Newby (UVU) dec. Angel Garcia (UNCG), 5-4; 21-13 UVU

141: Ivan Lopouchanski (UNCG) maj. dec. Marty Carlson (UVU), 11-2; 21-17 UVU
Sheehy, Sigmon Claim Titles to Lead UNC Greensboro at Pembroke Classic

PEMBROKE, N.C. - Travis Sheehy won the 157 pound title and Byron Sigmon won the championship at 174 pounds, while nine other Spartans placed in the top-six to lead UNC Greensboro at the 29th Annual Pembroke Classic on Saturday in the English E. Jones Center.

Sheehy had a second period pin in the first round and then received a forfeit to advance into the semifinals. In the semifinals, he took down Latra Collick from Newberry, 7-3. He scored an impressive 17-10 decision in the finals against Limestone's Mike Bush to win the championship.

Sigmon began his day with back-to-back pins before scoring a 9-4 decision over Belmont Abbey's Jake Varilek. He then defeated UNCP's J.J. Davis, 4-1, to advance to the finals where he scored a 4-2 decision over Curtis Chenoweth from Newberry to win the 174 pounds title.

Andrew Saunders also had a nice day for UNCG as he recorded back-to-back major decisions to start his day. He then defeated Landon Hall, 2-1, to advance to the finals where he was narrowly edged, 6-4, by Newberry's Bryant Blanton.

Angel Garcia, Victor Hojilla, Ivan Lopouchanski and Peter Sturgeon all battled back in the consolation bracket to finish in third place. Eric Chandler, Jeremy Cannon, Ryan Sughrue and Jamel Johnson also finished in the top-six for UNCG.

The Spartans return to action on Thursday night as they host Utah Valley at 7 p.m. in Fleming Gymnasium for the first home dual of the season.

125 Pounds:

C.J. Gittens (Campbell) dec. Eric Chandler (UNCG), 4-2

Eric Chandler (UNCG) fall Manny Ramirez (UNCG), 2:24

Eric Chandler (UNCG) maj. dec. Jonathan Cronin (Newberry), 15-5

Eric Chandler (UNCG) fall Shane Summerlin (Belmont), 3:24

Eric Chandler (UNCG) dec. Matthew Hall (Limestone), 11-5

Eric Chandler (UNCG) maj. dec. Wes Heavener (Campbell), 14-2

Ben Altman (Davidson) fall Eric Chandler (UNCG), 1:26

*Eric Chandler finishes in fourth place

Manny Ramirez (UNCG) maj. dec. Josh Tegard (St. Andrews), 13-4

Wes Heavener (Campbell) maj. dec. Manny Ramirez (UNCG), 14-5

Eric Chandler (UNCG) fall Manny Ramirez (UNCG), 2:24

Josh Craig (UNCG) dec. Steven McLeod (Newberry), 4-3

Shane Summerlin (Belmont) fall Josh Craig (UNCG), 1:40

Josh Craig (UNCG) dec. John Hellinger (The Citadel), 6-5

Ryan Devita (Belmont) dec. Josh Craig (UNCG), 9-3

133 Pounds:

Angel Garcia (UNCG) maj. dec. Chris Woltz (UNC), 10-1

Angel Garcia (UNCG) maj. dec. Dustin Crowley (Belmont), 12-2

Angel Garcia (UNCG) maj. dec. Grayson Mills (NC State), 8-0

Angel Garcia (UNCG) dec. T.D. Thurston (UNCP), 12-5

Sheridan Moran (Newberry) dec. Angel Garcia (UNCG), 6-4

Angel Garcia (UNCG) maj. dec. Jamel Johnson (UNCG), 11-3

Angel Garcia (UNCG) dec. Richie Apolinar (Campbell), 6-4

*Angel Garcia finishes in third place

Jamel Johnson (UNCG) dec. John Jackson (Limestone), 10-4

Jamel Johnson (UNCG) fall Casey Gashaw (St. Andrews), 3:31

Kyle Hutter (Old Dominion) fall Jamel Johnson (UNCG), 1:05

Jamel Johnson (UNCG) dec. Scott Ray (Davidson), 6-4

Jamel Johnson (UNCG) forfeit Mike Magaha (Limestone)

Angel Garcia (UNCG) maj. dec. Jamel Johnson (UNCG), 11-3

Mike Moreno (NC State) forfeit Jamel Johnson (UNCG)

*Jamel Johnson finishes in sixth place

Mitchell Johnson (UNCG) fall Brad McKee (St. Andrews), 1:40

Mitchell Johnson (UNCG) dec. Steve DeAugustino (UCF), 7-6

Sheridan Moran (Newberry) dec. Mitchell Johnson (UNCG), 4-3

Mitchell Johnson (UNCG) dec. Trevor Bailey (Darton), 10-7

Richie Apolinar (Campbell) dec. Mitchell Johnson (UNCG), 10-5

Casey Boyle (UNCG) dec. Ernie Young (Newberry), 3-2

Mike Magaha (Limestone) dec. Casey Boyle (UNCG), 8-6

Richie Apolinar (Campbell) fall Casey Boyle (UNCG), 0:41

141 Pounds:

Ivan Lopouchanski (UNCG) maj. dec. Shane Lee (The Citadel), 12-3

Ivan Lopouchanski (UNCG) dec. Mike Bell (Duke), 4-2

Ivan Lopouchanski (UNCG) fall Ethan Carmody (Campbell), 2:14

Brennan Brumley (Old Dominion) dec. Ivan Lopouchanski (UNCG), 9-7 SV1

Ivan Lopouchanski (UNCG) dec. Dale DeBacco (Newberry), 6-2

Ivan Lopouchanski (UNCG) dec. Deral Brown (Newberry), 6-4

*Ivan Lopouchanski finishes in third place

Mike Crowley (UNCG) fall Kyle Benson (Appalachian State), 3:52

Mike Crowley (UNCG) dec. Eric Luke (unattached), 7-5 SV1

Mike Crowley (UNCG) dec. Dale DeBacco (Newberry), 7-5

Brennan Brumley (Old Dominion) tech. fall Mike Crowley (UNCG), 16-1 (4:15)

Deral Brown (Newberry) dec. Mike Crowley (UNCG), 6-2

Matt Barbo (UNCG) dec. Dennis Clark (unattached), 6-1

Riley Adamson (Duke) dec. Matt Barbo (UNCG), 9-6

Matt Barbo (UNCG) dec. Shane Lee (The Citadel), 3-2

Deral Brown (Newberry) dec. Matt Barbo (UNCG), 9-3

149 Pounds:

Sam MacGregor (Virginia) dec. Alejandro Soto-Perez (UNCG), 13-11 SV1

Alejandro Soto-Perez (UNCG) fall D.J. Frazier (UCF), 2:29

Alejandro Soto-Perez (UNCG) dec. Aaron Smith (UNCG), 6-4 SV1

Nathan Carmack (Limestone) fall Alejandro Soto-Perez (UNCG), 2:05

Dave DeCamp (Davidson) fall Aaron Smith (UNCG), 1:02

Alejandro Soto-Perez (UNCG) dec. Aaron Smith (UNCG), 6-4 SV1

157 Pounds:

Travis Sheehy (UNCG) fall Bill Glace (Newberry), 4:00

Travis Sheehy (UNCG) forfeit Davis DiLillo (UNC)

Travis Sheehy (UNCG) dec. Latra Collick (Newberry), 7-3

Travis Sheehy (UNCG) dec. Mike Bush (Limestone), 17-10

*Travis Sheehy finishes in first place

165 Pounds:

Victor Hojilla (UNCG) dec. Clint Bodo (Limestone), 8-2

Victor Hojilla (UNCG) fall Ben Williams (UNCP), 1:17

Victor Hojilla (UNCG) fall Josh Whitelock (Newberry), 4:10

David Henry (Duke) dec. Victor Hojilla (UNCG), 10-8 SV1

Victor Hojilla (UNCG) forfeit Ray Ward (NC State)

Victor Hojilla (UNCG) dec. Josh Whitelock (Newberry), 7-6

*Victor Hojilla finishes in third place

Brett Miller (UNCG) tech. fall John Clemmer (UNCP) 16-1 (7:00)

Brett Miller (UNCG) fall Aaron Gunning (unattached), 4:57

Peter Comis (Campbell) dec. Brett Miller (UNCG), 11-8

Kafuba Donzon (Darton) dec. Brett Miller (UNCG), 10-8

174 Pounds:

Byron Sigmon (UNCG) fall Tyrell Walker (UNCP), 4:55

Byron Sigmon (UNCG) fall Dallas Winters (Campbell), 2:03

Byron Sigmon (UNCG) dec. Jake Varilek (Belmont), 9-4

Byron Sigmon (UNCG) dec. J.J. Davis (UNCP), 4-1

Byron Sigmon (UNCG) dec. Curtis Chenoweth (Newberry), 4-2

*Byron Sigmon finishes in first place

Marc Bryan (UNCG) dec. John Blakely (Appalachian State), 4-3

Ben Wales (Duke) fall Marc Bryan (UNCG), 2:30

Marc Bryan (UNCG) tech. fall Bryan Glace (Anderson), 17-2 (6:30)

Marc Bryan (UNCG) dec. Nick Shappee (Limestone), 5-3

Jake Varilek (Belmont) fall Marc Bryan (UNCG), 4:04

184 Pounds:

Andrew Saunders (UNCG) maj. dec. Mike Lauray (Darton), 11-3

Andrew Saunders (UNCG) maj. dec. Joe Eassa (UMBC), 9-0

Andrew Saunders (UNCG) dec. Landon Hall (Limestone), 2-1

Bryant Blanton (Newberry) dec. Andrew Saunders (UNCG), 6-4

*Andrew Saunders finishes in second place

Ryan Sughrue (UNCG) fall Ike Crews (Davidson), 1:30

Landon Hall (Limestone) dec. Ryan Sughrue (UNCG), 5-3

Ryan Sughrue (UNCG) fall C.J. Hauser (UCF), 4:13

Ryan Sughrue (UNCG) fall Greg Polhemus (St. Andrews), 0:51

Diego Bencomo (Duke) maj. dec. Ryan Sughrue (UNCG), 13-4

Ryan Sughrue (UNCG) fall Karl Reed (Newberry), 2:52

*Ryan Sughrue finishes in fifth place

197 Pounds:

Jeremy Cannon (UNCG) forfeit Austin Haigler (NC State)

Kenneth Lindsey (UNCP) dec. Jeremy Cannon (UNCG), 14-10

Jeremy Cannon (UNCG) dec. Richard Rippy (UCF), 3-2

Jeremy Cannon (UNCG) fall Caylor Williams (UNCG), 5:06

Shane Nolan (UNCP) dec. Jeremy Cannon (UNCG), 9-4

Jeremy Cannon (UNCG) fall Josh Sprewell (Limestone), 4:07

*Jeremy Cannon finishes in fifth place

Zak Bennett (UNC) fall Caylor Williams (UNCG), 3:30

Caylor Williams (UNCG) maj. dec. Mark Jeevaratnam (Davidson), 20-7

Caylor Williams (UNCG) fall Josh Mummert (Limestone), 2:45

Caylor Williams (UNCG) dec. Andrew Ewers (Darton), 6-3

Jeremy Cannon (UNCG) fall Caylor Williams (UNCG), 5:06

285 Pounds:

Peter Sturgeon (UNCG) dec. Charlie Wolff (Davidson), 8-3

Marquintez Ferguson (Newberry) fall Peter Sturgeon (UNCG), 4:15

Peter Sturgeon (UNCG) tech. fall Daniel Rowe (UCF), 19-4 (7:00)

Peter Sturgeon (UNCG) fall Thomas Schaefer (UCF), 0:35

Peter Sturgeon (UNCG) fall Tarek Alaruri (Limestone), 2:59

Peter Sturgeon (UNCG) dec. Jake Elkins (Newberry), 12-5

Peter Sturgeon (UNCG) forfeit Erik Stancil (UNCP)

Peter Sturgeon (UNCG) dec. Steven Butler (Newberry), 10-7

*Peter Sturgeon finishes in third place

Michael Gregory (UNCG) fall Daniel Rowe (UCF), 2:15

Steven Butler (Newberry) fall Michael Gregory (UNCG), 1:40

Michael Gregory (UNCG) dec. Charlie Wolff (Davidson), 5-1

Andrew Fulk (Duke) dec. Michael Gregory (UNCG), 5-3
UNC Greensboro Spartans Tabbed Third in SoCon Preseason Poll

SPARTANBURG, S.C. - UNC Greensboro was picked to finish third this season in the 2009-10 SoCon Wrestling Preseason Coaches Poll, as announced by the league office on Wednesday. The poll and the 10-member preseason All-Southern Conference wrestling team was chosen by the league's head coaches.

Returning SoCon Champion Chattanooga was picked to finish first in the league once again this season. The Mocs, who carry a 25-match unbeaten streak in league dual matches into the season, have won the past five SoCon regular season and tournament championships.

The Spartans received 16 points in the poll to fall in third place behind Chattanooga and Appalachian State.

A two-time Outstanding Wrestler at the SoCon Tournament, Chattanooga's Cody Cleveland was honored as the top wrestler at 141 pounds, and he was joined by teammates Demetrius Johnson (125), Joey Knox (157) and Jason McCroskey (184).

Following Chattanooga in the preseason poll was Appalachian State with 22 points and the remaining two first-place votes. The Mountaineers, led by first-year head coach in JohnMark Bentley, are represented on the all-conference squad by Frank Celorrio (133), Kyle Blevins (165) and Austin Trotman (174).

Following UNC Greensboro's 16 points is The Citadel (13), VMI (9) and Davidson (6) in the fourth through sixth spots, respectively.

Davidson's Daniel DeCamp (149), The Citadel's Odie Delaney (197) and VMI's Josh Wine (Heavyweight) each earned preseason all-conference distinction.

Johnson, Celorrio, Cleveland, Knox, McCroskey, Delaney and Wine were all winners at the 2009 SoCon Championships.

The Spartans will kick off their season this weekend as they compete at the Virginia Tech Open on Sunday in Blacksburg, Va.

2009-10 SoCon Wrestling Preseason Coaches Poll

School (First-place votes) Points

1. Chattanooga (4) 24

2. Appalachian State (2) 22

3. UNC Greensboro 16

4. The Citadel 13

5. VMI 9

6. Davidson 6

2009-10 SoCon Wrestling Preseason All-Conference Team

125 Demetrius Johnson, Chattanooga

133 Frank Celorrio, Appalachian State

141 Cody Cleveland, Chattanooga

149 David DeCamp, Davidson

157 Joey Knox, Chattanooga

165 Kyle Blevins, Appalachian State

174 Austin Trotman, Appalachian State

184 Jason McCroskey, Chattanooga

197 Odie Delaney, The Citadel

HWT Josh Wine, VMI
UNC Greensboro Wrap up Blue vs. Gold Wrestle Offs

GREENSBORO, N.C. - UNC Greensboro unveiled its 2009-10 wrestling team on Wednesday night in Fleming Gymnasium as the Spartans competed against each other at the Blue vs. Gold wrestle offs in order to decide who the starters would be for the upcoming season.

The evening began at 125 pounds where Manny Ramirez defeated Josh Craig by major decision, 12-3. Eric Chandler followed with a pin against Robert Gribschaw at the 4:43 mark to earn the right to face Ramirez for the starting spot later in the event.

Casey Boyle was the next winner for the Spartans as he used two cradles to score near-fall points en route to beating Alec Fraser, 14-5. Angel Garcia used a takedown with under a minute left in the match to defeat Jamel Johnson, 3-2, and earn a spot in the 133 pound final against Boyle.

Next at 141 pounds, freshman Mike Crowley had a takedown and three near-fall points in the first period as he defeated Matt Barbo, 7-1, to earn a berth in the 141 pound final against Ivan Lopouchanski.

At 149 pounds, a pair of freshman battled it out to have the right to face Alejandro Soto-Perez later in the night. Aaron Smith had a takedown and scored two near-fall points at the end of the first period as he beat Justin Rice, 5-2.

The first starter of the evening was crowned at 165 pounds in perhaps the most exciting match of the night. Brett Miller and Marc Bryan found themselves tied at three at the end of regulation before Miller scored a takedown with under one second left in overtime to score the 5-3 decision over Bryan.

In another tight match, Byron Sigmon edged Victor Hojilla, 5-3, to win the starting spot at 174 pounds. The first true freshman to earn a starting nod for the year was Caylor Williams. He defeated Jeremy Cannon by major decision, 10-2, to earn the start at 197 pounds.

Peter Sturgeon, who bumped up from 197 pounds last season to heavyweight this year, score a 10-3 decision against freshman Mike Gregory to secure the spot at 285 pounds.

The evening ended with the finals of the four lower weights fighting it out for the starting positions. Chandler became the second true freshman to earn a starting spot as he narrowly defeated Ramirez, 3-2, at 125 pounds.

Garcia followed with a 3-2 decision himself as he defeated Boyle to win the job at 133 pounds. Lopouchanski and Crowley followed in a high scoring affair that saw Lopouchanski score a 17-9 major decision to win at 141 pounds.

The final match of the evening was at 149 pounds between Soto-Perez and Smith. The two wrestlers kept it close for most of the match before Soto-Perez used a late takedown and three near-fall points to win, 10-2.

The Spartans will kick off their 2009-10 campaign on Nov. 8 as they compete in Blacksburg, Va. at the Virginia Tech Open.

AGATE

125 pounds:

Manny Ramirez maj. dec. Josh Craig, 12-3 4-0 Blue

Eric Chandler fall Robert Gribschaw, 4:43 10-0

133 pounds:

Casey Boyle maj. dec. Alec Fraser, 14-5 14-0

Angel Garcia dec. Jamel Johnson, 3-2 14-3

141 pounds:

Mike Crowley dec. Matt Barbo, 7-1 14-6

149 pounds:

Aaron Smith dec. Justin Rice, 5-2 14-9

157 pounds
No match (Travis Sheehy will be the starter)

165 pounds
Brett Miller dec. Marc Bryan, 5-3 OT 14-12

174 pounds
Byron Sigmon dec. Victor Hojilla, 5-3 15-14 Gold

184 pounds
No Match (Ryan Sughrue will be the starter)

197 pounds
Caylor Williams maj. dec. Jeremy Cannon, 10-2 19-14

285 pounds
Peter Sturgeon dec. Michael Gregory, 10-3 19-17

125 pounds:

Eric Chandler dec. Manny Ramirez, 3-2 22-17

133 pounds:

Angel Garcia dec. Casey Boyle, 3-2 22-20

141 pounds:

Ivan Lopouchanski maj. dec. Mike Crowley, 17-9 24-22 Blue

149 pounds:

Alejandro Soto-Perez maj. dec. Aaron Smith, 10-2 28-22
UNC Greensboro Wrestling Downs NC State, 30-7

GREENSBORO, N.C. - UNC Greensboro won eight of 10 matches against a depleted NC State on Wednesday and walked away with a 30-7 victory in a dual match at Fleming Gymnasium.

The loss dropped the Wolfpack to 4-12-1 on the season. UNCG extended its winning streak to three matches and improved to 5-10.

NC State actually held a 4-3 lead after the first two matches, thanks to Jake Burge's 14-4 major decision over Brett Miller. Burge took Miller down early in the first period and rode Miller out the remainder of the period to accumulate more than two minutes of advantage time. He used an escape and two takedowns to extend his lead to 7-1 after two periods and scored three more takedowns in the third period. The Wolfpack's impressive freshman 174-pounder won for the eighth consecutive time and has won 11 of his last 13 matches.

UNCG won the next four matches to take an 18-4 lead, although Mike Moreno almost won for the Pack at 125 before falling to Mitchell Johnson, 6-5. Moreno led 2-1 after the first period and was tied at 2-2 with more than a minute of riding time to his credit heading into the final two minutes of action. Mitchell won the match with a takedown in the final 15 seconds of the match.

Darrius Little finally stopped the UNCG streak with an 11-8 decision over Casey Boyle at 133. Little used a reversal and a takedown in the second period to take a 9-6 lead and held on thanks to a takedown in the third.

UNC Greensboro 30, NC State 7
165: Victor Hojilla (UNCG) dec. Quinton Godley, 13-10 (3-0)
174: Jake Burge (NCS) maj. dec. Brett Miller, 14-4 (3-4)
184: Mikal McKee (UNCG) dec. Mark Jahad, 3-2 (6-4)
197: Jeremy Cannon (UNCG) tech. fall Joe Trotto, 21-4 (11-4)
285: Joe Sheffield (UNCG) maj. dec. Austin Haigler, 11-0 (15-4)
125: Mitchell Johnson (UNCG) dec. Mike Moreno, 6-5 (18-4)
133: Darrius Little (NCS) dec. Casey Boyle, 11-8 (18-7)
141: Chris Bencivenga (UNCG) dec. #18 Joe Caramanica, 13-10 (21-7)
149: Ben Wilmore (UNCG) dec. Sean Smith, 14-7 (24-7)
157: Andrew Saunders (UNCG) fall Wesley Little, 1:34 (30-7)