The Hokie wrestling program will get a brand-new facility on the third floor of the new football locker room, which is already underway and scheduled for completion by summer, 2010. The new facility will include a new practice area, offices, a locker room and cardio room.
VIRGINIA TECH 2009-2010 WRESTLING QUICK FACTS
Location............................................................................................ Blacksburg, Va. Founded........................................................................................................... 1872 President........................................................................................ Dr. Charles Steger Director of Athletics........................................................ Jim Weaver (Penn State, 1967) Enrollment......................................................................................................30,000 Conference........................................................................... Atlantic Coast Conference Nickname....................................................................................................... Hokies Colors.......................................................................... Chicago maroon & burnt orange 2008-09 Record.................................................................................................. 20-2 2008-09 Conference Record.......................................................................... 5-0 (First) 2008-09 ACC Tournament Finish........................................................................... Third 2008-09 NCAA Finish.......................................................................................... 39th Head Coach/Years............................................................................Kevin Dresser/Four Alma Mater/Year................................................................................... Iowa/1986 Record at Tech.............................................................................................. 33-23 Overall Record.............................................................................................. 33-23 Associate Head Coach/Years................................................................. Tony Robie/Four Alma Mater/Year...............................................................................Edinboro/1997 Assistant Coach/Years......................................................................... Nate Yetzer/Four Alma Mater/Year...............................................................................Edinboro/2007 Volunteer Assistant Coach.......................................................................... Kurt Backes Alma Mater/Year............................................................................ Iowa State/2006 Wrestling Office Phone.............................................. (540) 231-1135 OR (540) 231-3185 Wrestling Via Email................................................... kdresser@vt.edu OR trobie@vt.edu Home Facility..........................................................................Cassell Coliseum (9,847) Starters Returning/Lost...................................................................................... 10/0 Newcomers...........................................................................................................14 Returning NCAA Qualifiers:.................................................9 (8 from 2009; 1 from 2008)
The 2010 Qualification Process Beginning last year, the NCAA used a new qualifying system based on an RPI system. Wrestlers in each weight class are measured on the following: winning percentage, rating percentage index (minimum 15 matches) and coaches’ rankings. Wrestlers that meet or exceed threshold levels for all three measures will be labeled “Gold Standard.” Wrestlers that meet or exceed threshold levels for any two of the three measures will be be labeled “Silver Standard.” Qualifying events (such as the ACC Championship) receive one qualifying slot for each gold or silver wrestler at a particular weight class. For example, when the rankings are released in late Junaury of 2010, if the ACC has four wrestlers at 125 pounds gain gold or silver status, qualifying wrestlers at 125 pounds will be vying for four qualifying slots at the ACC Championship. If a qualifying event does not have any gold or silver standard wrestlers at a weight class, one qualifier position will be allocated for that qualifying event’s champion at that weight class. There are still 330 spots in the championship field with 33 wrestlers earning spots in each of the 10 weight classes. The ACC Championship, will be held on March 6 at Reynolds Coliseum in Raleigh, N.C. At-large qualifiers will be announced on March 10, 2010. The NCAA Championship, will be held March 18-20 in Omaha, Neb.
Credits
The 2009-10 Virginia Tech wrestling media guide is a publication of the Virginia Tech Athletics Communications Office, written to assist the working media and designed to aid all media members in their coverage of Virginia Tech wrestling. The 2009-10 wrestling media guide was written and edited by Associate Director of Athletics Communication Bryan Johnston. Design was done by Allison Jarnagin. Action photos and head shots were taken by Dave Knachel with additional photo contributions from John Sachs and Tony Rotundo. This book was printed by Southern Printing Company of Blacksburg, Va. Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran status, national origin, religion, or political affiliation. Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Office at (540) 231-7500.
Table of Contents
2009-10 Roster, Pronunciation Guide........................ 2 Media Services and Outlets......................................... 3 Head Coach Kevin Dresser........................................... 4 Associate Head Coach Tony Robie.............................. 5 Assistant Coach Nate Yetzer & Volunteer Assistant Coach Kurt Backes ............ 6 The 2009-10 Preview.................................................... 7 Meet the Hokies....................................................... 8-16 2008-09 Statistics and Results..................................17 Record Book.......................................................... 18-19 Tech All-Americans............................................... 20-21 Year-by-Year Records..................................................22 Tech Sports Hall of Fame............................................22 Against All Opponents...............................................23 NCAA Excitement........................................................24 The Atlantic Coast Conference..................................25 This Is Virginia Tech.............................................. 26-27 Administration & Wrestling Support Staff..............28 Sports Medicine...........................................................29 Athletic Performance..................................................30 Student Life..................................................................31 Student Athlete Academic Support Services & Computer Services...............................................32 2009-10 Schedule.................................................... OBC Head Coach Kevin Dresser
THE 2009-2010 HOKIES Name Wt. Year Justin Armstrong 165 Fr. Adam Broda 149 Jr. D.J. Bruce HWT/197 Jr. Scott Chené 141 So. Hayden Countryman 157 Fr. Brian Delgrosso 174 r-Fr.(tr) Chris Diaz 141 Jr. John Dickson 184 Fr. Jesse Dong 157 So. Matt Epperly 165 r-Jr. Daniel Fissmer 165 Fr. Jarrod Garnett 125 So. Cameron Hurd 141 So.(tr) Jared Jones 133 Jr. William Jones 141 Fr. Taylor Knapp 149 Fr. Brock LiVorio 133 So. Cole Louks 141 Fr. David Marone HWT Jr. Drew McCraw HWT Fr. Andrew Miller HWT Fr. Tim Miller 197 Sr. Nick Murray 141 r-So. Chris Penny 197 Fr. Matt Rosen 149 Sr. Tommy Spellman 184 Jr. Erik Spjut 133 Fr. Brian Stephens 149 Fr. Schuyler Swanton 125 So. Anthony Trongone 174 r-So. Pete Yates 149 So.
Hometown Caddo Mills, Texas Lynchburg, Va. Naperville, Ill. Anaheim Hills, Calif. Prattville, Ala. Newport News, Va. Camden, Del. Virginia Beach, Va. Westerville, Ohio Christiansburg, Va. Ashburn, Va. Newark, Del. Roanoke, Va. Pittsburgh, Pa. Blacksburg, Va. Lawrenceville, Ga. Irwin, Pa. Chesapeake, Va. Broomfield, Colo. Carroll County, Va. Bassett, Va. Bassett, Va. Bound Brook, N.J. Virginia Beach, Va. Chesapeake, Va. Newton, N.J. The Woodlands, Texas Piqua, Ohio Spring Hill, Fla. Glendora, N.J. Conyers, Ga.
High School/Other Bishop Lynch Brookville Naperville Irvine Prattville Woodside/West Virginia Caesar Rodney Cox Westerville North Christiansburg Stone Bridge Caravel Academy Northside/Liberty Penn-Trafford Blacksburg Collins Hill The Kiski School Grassfield Broomfield Carroll County Bassett Bassett Bound Brook Cox Great Bridge Kittatinny The Woodlands St. Paris Graham F.W. Springstead Camden Catholic Salem
Hokies by States Virginia..................................... 13 New Jersey.................................. 3 Pennsylvania................................ 2 Delaware...................................... 2 Georgia........................................ 2 Ohio............................................ 2 Texas........................................... 2 Alabama...................................... 1 California.................................... 1 Colorado...................................... 1 Florida......................................... 1 Illinois........................................ 1
Hokies by Class Seniors........................................ 2 Juniors........................................ 7 Sophomores................................. 9 Freshmen................................... 13
Pronunciation Guide Scott CHENE..................... shuh-NAY Chris DIAZ.......................... DEE-azz JARROD Garnett.................. juh-ROD David MARONE..............Muh-RO-nee Erik SPJUT.............................SPUTE SCHUYLER Swanton...............SKY-ler ´ Anthony TRONGONE........... tron-GON
Head Coach: Kevin Dresser (4th season) - University of Iowa, 1986 Associate Head Coach: Tony Robie (4th season) - Edinboro University, 1997 Assistant Coach: Nate Yetzer (4th season) - Edinboro University, 2005 Volunteer Assistant: Kurt Backes (1st season) - Iowa State University, 2007 Trainer: Sean Collins Student Trainer: Britnye Kurty
2009-2010 Hokies
Tommy Spellman is one of eight returning NCAA Qualifiers from 2009 who will be back for the Hokies this year.
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2009-2010 Hokies
MEDIA INFORMATION MATCH CREDENTIALS
Home matches are held at Cassell Coliseum and are free of charge. No credentials are needed for entrance. Media interested in attending the matches are encouraged to call the Virginia Tech Athletics Communications Office for further information.
COACH/PLAYER INTERVIEWS
PLEASE SCHEDULE ALL INTERVIEWS THROUGH THE VIRGINIA TECH ATHLETICS COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE AT (540) 231-3387. For interviews with head wrestling coach Kevin Dresser or any of the Hokie wrestlers, please contact Bryan Johnston at the Virginia Tech Athletics Communications Office – (540) 231-3387. Coach Dresser is usually available for interviews between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Wrestlers will be available for interviews according to class and practice schedules. At no time will an athlete’s telephone number be released, and media are asked not to contact athletes at home, on their cell phones or via E-mail.
POST-MATCH INTERVIEWS
Coach Dresser and wrestlers will be available after matches following a short cool-down period. Please make all requests for interviews with Bryan Johnston at the mat-side scorer’s table.
MATCH RESULTS
Match results will be available immediately following the conclusion of the match. Media can access the statistics either in the sports information office or via the Internet. Log onto the official Web site for Tech athletics, www.hokiesports.com, for complete results, stats, bios and stories.
LIVE STATS
Fans and media can keep up with the Hokies via the Internet with live stats. At all home matches, up-to-the-minute team scores, individual scores and match updates are available by clicking on the live stats link on Tech’s athletics homepage at www.hokiesports.com.
Media Outlets
Associated Press Collegiate Times Richmond Times-Dispatch Roanoke Times WDBJ-7 (Roanoke, CBS) WSLS-10 (Roanoke, NBC)
Phone
804-643-6646 540-231-9865 804-649-6445 540-981-3221 540-985-3623 540-981-9126
Fax
804-643-6223 540-231-5057 804-775-8085 540-981-3392 540-343-7269 540-343-2059
ATHLETICS COMMUNICATIONS Bryan Johnston Associate Director of Athletics Communications Bryan Johnston is in his 10th year with the Virginia Tech Athletics Department and his ninth with the Hokie wrestling team. He became a full-time employee at Virginia Tech after serving as an intern in the sports information office during the 1999-2000 school year. As the SID for wrestling, Johnston oversees the scorer’s table at home matches, supervising the official book, live stats, the scoreboard and riding time, as well as the announcer. On the road, he keeps the Web site and team stats updated. Johnston also serves as the SID for the Hokie football and softball teams. A native of Chesapeake, Va., Johnston is a 1999 graduate of the University of South Carolina with a degree in sport administration.
Virginia Tech Athletics Communications Office 460 Jamerson Athletic Center Blacksburg, VA 24061 Johnston’s Office Phone: (540) 231-3387 Johnston’s Home Phone: (540) 392-1994 Johnston’s E-Mail Address: blj@vt.edu Web Site: www.hokiesports.com/wrestling Live Stats: www.hokiesports.com/wrestling/live
DIRECTIONS TO BLACKSBURG
From the north or east, take Interstate 81 south to exit 118B, following US 460 west to Blacksburg. From the south, take Interstate 81 north to exit 118B, following US 460 west to Blacksburg. From West Virginia, take Interstate 77 south (West Virginia Turnpike) to exit 9. Exit and turn left onto 460 east. Follow 460 east to Blacksburg. Once in Blacksburg, use the 460 bypass around the downtown area. Follow 460 to the signal at Southgate Drive (Va. 314). Turn onto campus, and proceed one-half mile on Southgate Drive. Turn left onto Spring Road, just before the football stadium. Passing Lane Stadium, Cassell Coliseum will then be on the right, with a large parking lot on your left, across the street from the venue. Admission is free to all Virginia Tech wrestling matches.
Virginia Tech Wrestling
Media Information
Cassell Coliseum, home of Hokie wrestling, is easily identified among all other buildings on campus.
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Kevin DRESSER Head Coach
Fourth Season University of Iowa (1986)
Kevin Dresser enters his fourth season at the helm of the Virginia Tech wrestling program, a program that he has headed toward the upper echelon of the college game. In two of his first three seasons, he’s had a wrestler win an ACC title and named Most Outstanding Wrestler at the ACC Championsips. In 2007, it was Jon Bonilla-Bowman who won the ACC title at 157 pounds and, last year, Matt Epperly came out of nowhere to win the 165-pound class and advance to the NCAA Championships. Last season, his team broke all sorts of school records, including dual meet wins (20) and NCAA qualifiers (8). Tech also had upset road wins against No. 17 Michigan and No. 6 Central Michigan. His recruiting has taken off, and the Hokies have had three-consecutive top-10 national recruiting classes under his direction, including the fifthbest class in the country last year according to W.I.N. Magazine.
THE DRESSER FILE PERSONAL
Full Name: Kevin John Dresser Birthdate: November 9, 1962 Birthplace: Fort Dodge, Iowa
EDUCATION
High School: Humboldt H.S. (1981) College: University of Iowa (B.S. general studies, 1986)
COACHING EXPERIENCE
2006-present: Head Coach, Virginia Tech 1996-06: Head Coach, Christiansburg (Va.) High School 1988-96: Head Coach, Grundy (Va.) High School 1986-88: Graduate Assistant, University of Iowa Virginia Tech Record: 33-23 (4th season)
Meet the Coaches
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
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• NCAA Champion at 142 pounds in 1986 • Two-time NCAA All-American • Placed fourth at 142 pounds in 1985 • Two-time Big Ten Champion • 1986 Mike Howard Award at Iowa • Won 13 Virginia state wrestling titles, as a coach, at Grundy and Christiansburg high schools
2009-2010 Hokies
Dresser is a familiar name in the New River Valley as he was the head coach at Christiansburg High School for 10 seasons, winning the Group AA state title five times and claiming second place three times. Prior to his stint in Christiansburg, he led Grundy High School to eight titles in as many years. A native of Humboldt, Iowa, Dresser was a two-time high school state champion at Humboldt High School. He graduated from the University of Iowa, where he won a national title in 1986 at 142 pounds. Dresser was a two-time All-American (placing fourth in 1985 at 142 pounds), as well as a two-time Big Ten champion. For his performance in 1986, he received the Mike Howard Award, given to the most valuable wrestler for the Hawkeyes. Dresser earned his B.S. in general studies from Iowa in 1986. He and his wife, Penny, have three children: Emma (11), Anna (9) and Jack (7). Penny Dresser is a native of Blacksburg, and the family resides in Riner.
Tony ROBIE Associate Head Coach Fourth Season Edinboro University (1997)
Tony Robie is in his fourth year at Virginia Tech, serving as the associate head coach of the Hokies’ wrestling program. Robie coaches the middle and upper weights, as well as working with team travel, equipment and recruiting. Robie came to Blacksburg after serving as the head coach at Binghamton University in New York. A two-time collegiate All-American and 1997 NCAA runner-up, Robie took over a program that had been discontinued after the 2003-04 school year because of budget constraints. Before taking over at Binghamton, he was an assistant coach for four seasons at the University of Michigan. In seven years as a Division I assistant coach prior to coming to Blacksburg, Robie helped coach 23 All-Americans, nine Academic AllAmericans and one national champion. As the Wolverines’ top assistant coach, Robie recruited three top-10 classes, including the No. 2 ranked class in 2004. His one-on-one work with Michigan student-athlete Ryan Bertin culminated with Bertin’s 2003 NCAA championship – the school’s first national champion in 18 years. In all, Michigan’s team earned
national top-10 status all four years that Robie was a coach there. His dedication and influence off the mat resulted in the wrestling team winning the 2003 community service award at the school. A world-class wrestler in his own right, Robie racked up an 126-23 record on the collegiate mat. A two-time captain for former Olympic gold medalist Bruce Baumgartner at Edinboro University, Robie was a three-time Eastern Wrestling League Champion and a three-time Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) champion. As a senior, Robie led the Fighting Scots to a sixth-place national finish – the highest in school history. He ranks fourth on the school’s all-time wins list and went on to earn a bronze medal at the 1998 U.S. Open Freestyle Championships. This past year, he was inducted into the Edinboro Sports Hall of Fame. A native of Erie, Pa., Robie was a Dean’s List student at Edinboro and received the school’s Academic Achievement Award before graduating with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice in 1997. Robie brings strong ties to the eastern wrestling hotbed as he also served as an assistant coach at West Virginia (1998-99) and Edinboro (1999-00). Robie and his wife Jennifer reside in Christiansburg with their three children: Nate (9), Luke (6) and Jake (3).
THE ROBIE FILE PERSONAL
Full Name: Anthony Robert Robie Birthdate: May 5, 1974 Birthplace: Erie, Pa.
EDUCATION
High School: Erie Strong Vincent H.S. (1992) College: Edinboro University (B.S. criminal justice, 1997)
COACHING EXPERIENCE
2006-present: Associate Head Coach, Virginia Tech 2005-06: Head Coach, Binghamton (N.Y.) University 2000-04: Assistant Coach, University of Michigan 1999-00: Assistant Coach, Edinboro University 1998-99: Assistant Coach, West Virginia University
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Meet the Coaches
• Two-time captain at Edinboro University • A three-time Eastern Wrestling League champion • A three-time Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) champion • Ranks fourth on the school’s all-time wins list • Earned a bronze medal at the 1998 U.S. Open Freestyle Championships
Virginia Tech Wrestling
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Nate YETZER Assistant Coach Fourth Season Edinboro University (2005) Nate Yetzer is in his fourth year with the Hokies’ wrestling p ro g ra m a nd h i s second as a full-time assistant coach. Yetzer followed Tech associate head coach Tony Robie to Blacksburg from New York, where he was an assistant coach at Binghamton. He served as the Hokies’ volunteer assistant coach the past two seasons. Yetzer works with the lower and middle weights while also handling a lot of on-mat training. Yetzer is a 2005 graduate of Edinboro University, where he served as captain for the nationally ranked Fighting Scots. A three-time NCAA qualifier and two-time team MVP, Yetzer was an All-American as a junior, placing eighth at 174 pounds after winning three matches at the national championship. As a senior, he went 36-7 at 165 pounds, including a 14-1 dual match record. Yetzer also successfully defended his titles at the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) and Eastern Wrestling League (EWL) championships. That year, he was named the PSAC Outstanding Wrestler. Yetzer was honored with the program’s 4-D Award (Dedication, Desire, Determination, Discipline) and also was a recipient of an athletic and memorial scholarship at Edinboro. For his collegiate career, Yetzer was 103-33 overall. In high school, Yetzer was an Ohio state champion and senior national runner-up for Madison High. He holds school records for career wins, takedowns, technical falls and wins in a season. Yetzer received his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Edinboro in May, 2005. He worked four years at the Bruce Baumgartner World-Class Wrestling Camps in Edinboro and has also served as a coach for the Ohio Junior National Team. Yetzer and his wife, Leah, were married on Aug. 30, 2008, in Blacksburg. The couple has a set of twins boys, Jack and Nick, who were born in 2009.
THE YETZER FILE PERSONAL
Full Name: Nathan Phillip Yetzer Birthdate: November 23, 1981 Birthplace: Mansfield, Ohio
EDUCATION
High School: Mansfield Madison Comprehensive H.S. (2000) College: Edinboro (B.A. business administration, 2005)
COLLEGIATE COACHING EXPERIENCE
2008-present: Assistant Coach, Virginia Tech 2006-2008: Volunteer Assistant Coach, Virginia Tech 2005-06: Assistant Coach, Binghamton (N.Y.) University
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
• NCAA All-American • Three-time NCAA qualifier • Two-time PSAC and EWL champion • PSAC Outstanding Wrestler (2005)
Meet the Coaches
Kurt Backes
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Volunteer Assistant Coach First Season Iowa State (2007)
Former Iowa State University standout Kurt Backes is in his first season as the volunteer assistant wrestling coach for Virginia Tech after spending the 2009 season as strength and conditioning coordinator for the University of Missouri. Prior to his Missouri stint, Backes was a two-time All-American at Iowa State. Backes took seventh place at the NCAA Championships at 184 pounds
2009-2010 Hokies
his freshman year and then collected runner-up honors as a senior at 197 pounds. Backes won Big 12 titles at 184 pounds in 2005 and 2006. In his Cyclone career, Backes tallied 109 wins. He spent the 2008 season as a member of the support staff for the 2008 Big 12 Champion Cyclones. While redshirting his freshman season at ISU, Backes won the 185-pound title at the 2003 Men’s FILA Junior Freestyle National Championships and wrestled on the U.S. squad at the 2003 World FILA Junior Championships. Backes graduated from Iowa State in 2007 with a degree in business finance. A native of Neshanic Station, N.J., he attended Blair Academy, where he was a three-time national prep and New Jersey state champion.
THE 2009-2010 PREVIEW After several years of growing pains, the Tech wrestling program took major steps forward last year, beating two ranked teams, qualifying a school-record eight wrestlers for the national championships and having several go deep into the tournament. The 2009-10 team will look to take the next step and should be in a good position to do that as all 10 starters return, including nine who have NCAA Championship experience. The team will still be young as only two seniors occupy spots on the roster, but, with solid experience returning, a great crop of youngsters coming in and depth being developed up and down the lineup, this team has the chance to do even more than it did last year. “I think it’s fair to say we made a big step last year. However, our goals this year are much different from last year’s,” head coach Kevin Dresser said. “Last year, we were trying to make a presence in Division I wrestling, and I think we accomplished that. This year, we need to get some guys on the medal stand. We’re still young, but I think we have some guys who can finish in the top eight. “We’re going to do a lot less focussing on dual meets this season. Last year, we went 20-2, and I can promise everyone that we won’t be 20-2 this year. We’re structuring things toward February and March more this year to get ready for postseason. Obviously we want to win as much as we can, but our focus is a little different.” Here’s a look at each weight class and who figures to help out this season:
125
Jarrod Garnett, who was the ACC Freshman of the Year last season after going 38-8, returns as the undisputed starter here. He went deep into the NCAA Tournament last year, and the coaching staff expects him to challenge for All-America honors this year. Sophomore Schuyler Swanton will back him up.
133
This class is as close as they come on paper heading into the preseason wrestle-offs. True freshman Erik Spjut holds a slim lead over sophomore Brock LiVorio, but the coaches expect them to battle for the spot throughout the year.
141
Chris Diaz, a junior from Delaware, will again be the starter at this weight class. He went 33-12 overall last year and picked up some big wins for the Hokies. “Chris Diaz was in the Round of 12 last year, and his goal is to be a top four guy in the nation this year. He has all the wrestling skills, but he has to step up from physical, toughness and consistency standpoints,” Dresser said. Nick Murray, who wrestled well last year as an unattached competitor while redshirting, will back Diaz up.
149
Pete Yates, who went 31-8 last year as a true freshman, is again the favorite to handle the job at 149 pounds. He qualified for the NCAA Championships last year but had to default due to a knee injury that did not require surgery. He’s back and stronger than ever and ready to be a force in this weight class this year. Three guys will back him up, but two of them will probably end up taking redshirt years. Those guys are Matt Rosen, Taylor Knapp and Brian Stephens.
165
Matt Epperly, who won the ACC title in 2008 but failed to qualify for the NCAAs last year, returns at 165 pounds. The coaching staff is hoping the Epperly of two seasons ago will show up and the redshirt junior will return to the top of his weight class. He’s a talented wrestler who’s been around the block a few times but has to continue to work hard and bring it day-in and day-out.
174
The coaching staff is excited about Anthony Trongone returning at this spot. He had a good year as a redshirt freshman, qualifying for the Big Dance and winning 25 matches, but he has worked a lot on his strength to take his game to the next level. Brian Delgrosso, a transfer from West Virginia University, will back him up.
184
Tommy Spellman is back for his third year as the starter at 184 pounds after winning 25 matches last season. The ACC runner-up and NCAA qualifier has worked hard on his offensive moves, especially from on his feet. He’s gotten bigger and stronger and should progress nicely this year. Walk-on John Dickson from Virginia Beach will be the top back-up here.
197
True freshman Chris Penny has the early lead at 197 pounds, but don’t count out senior Tim Miller. D.J. Bruce, who started here last year, won’t be certified at 197 pounds until the new year, so that opens the door for Penny and Miller. Penny is an athletic young wrestler who will have to deal with the ups and downs of college wrestling, but has a bright future. Miller has been with the program for four years and is a reliable wrestler. Bruce could move down here toward the end of the season.
HWT
The starter for the past two seasons, David Marone, is scheduled to take a redshirt this season barring injury. D.J. Bruce has packed on 40 pounds and will give it a go with the big boys early on. He’s an attacking wrestler who could use his speed to his advantage with bigger wrestlers. He will be backed up, at least early on, by freshman Andrew Miller who was one of the top heavyweights in the country coming out of high school. He is on football scholarship, but will eventually join the squad when released by the football staff. After getting into wrestling shape, with his 6-4, 288-pound frame and athleticism, he could be a big factor the second half of the season.
“We’re excited that we’re still really young,” Dresser said. “We’ll start more freshmen and sophomores than we will juniors and seniors. We’re in a good place right now. “We need to be in the top 20 this year. The first year, we were top 60 and, last year, we were in the top 40. Next year, we want to be in the top 10. As young as we are, when we get these kids grown up, we feel like we can be there.” The 2010 ACC Championships will be held March 7 in Raleigh, N.C., and the NCAA Championships will be held March 18-20 in Omaha.
PROJECTED DEPTH CHART* 125 133 141 149 157 165 174 184 197 HWT
Jarrod Garnett Erik Spjut OR Chris Diaz Pete Yates Jesse Dong Matt Epperly Anthony Trongone Tommy Spellman Chris Penny OR D.J. Bruce
Schuyler Swanton Brock LiVorio Nick Murray M. Rosen/T. Knapp/B. Stephens Hayden Countryman Daniel Fissmer Brian Delgrosso John Dickson Tim Miller Andrew Miller
2009-2010 Preview
157
Jesse Dong is back as the starter at 157 pounds and is expected to do big things this year. He’s in a competitive weight class and will have to turn it up a notch if he wants to take it to the next level. He’s worked on his strength and stamina in an effort to win more close third-period matches Hayden Countryman, a five-time Alabama state champion, will serve as his back-up, but coaches are going to give him some early action to see what he can do.
Freshman Daniel Fissmer, a state placewinner from Virginia, will back Epperly up.
* - depth chart before preseason wrestle-offs
Virginia Tech Wrestling
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Justin ARMSTRONG
D.J. Bruce
165 • Freshman Caddo Mills, Texas Bishop Lynch H.S.
HWT/197 • Junior Lombard, Ill. Naperville North H.S.
High School: Wrestled at Bishop Lynch High for Coach Kenny Monday … A two-time place winner at Prep Nationals who took third as a senior … Earned NHSCA All-America honors as a junior after placing fourth … A three-time TAPPS (The Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools) state champion … Won the 160-pound division at the prestigious Super 32 meet as a senior … Was named Outstanding Wrestler at the Texas Toughman meet. Personal: Justin Gregory Armstrong was born September 12, 1990, in Rowlett, TX … The son of Greg and Delani Armstrong … Enrolled in university studies.
2008-09: Qualified for his first NCAA Tournament by placing fourth at the ACC Tournament … Went 0-2 at the Championships … Posted an overall mark of 25-16 on the year … Went 14-7 in dual meets and 2-3 in ACC competition … Had four major decisions, two technical falls and eight pins … Scored 64 points for the team in dual meets … Took second at the Navy Classic and seventh at the Las Vegas Invitational … Beat thenNo. 20 and former Hokie Cody Gardner of Ohio State, 6-5, in overtime at the Vegas Invite … Had a big pin in the Rutgers match to tie the dual up heading to the final bout, which Tech won … Sealed the upset win at No. 6 Central Michigan. 2007-08: Was scheduled to redshirt but was forced into action late in the season due to injuries at the upper weights … Finished 5-4 on the season at 197 pounds with two major decisions … Went 2-0 in ACC matches and 3-3 in dual meets … Earned the No. 4 seed at the ACC Championships and picked up two wins there to place third. High School: Lettered four times for Coach Tom Champion at Naperville North High … Was the Illinois state runner-up his senior year … Took fourth place as a junior and was a state qualifier as a sophomore … Placed second at the 2006 Fargo nationals, third in 2005, fourth in 2004 and seventh in 2007 … A two-time FILA Cadet Champion. Personal: Daniel James Bruce was born January 1, 1989 … The son of Pam Bruce … Majoring in entrepreneurship, innovation & technology management.
Adam Broda
Bruce’s Career Stats
Year Overall Dual Leag. M.Dec. T.Fall Falls Time Pts. 2007-08 5-4 3-3 2-0 2 0 0 - 10 2008-09 25-16 14-7 2-3 4 2 8 1:20 64 Totals 30-20 17-10 4-3 6 2 8 1:20 74
Adam Broda
Meet the Players
149 • Junior Lynchburg, Va. Brookville H.S.
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2008-09: Posted a 4-7 overall mark, including an 0-1 mark in dual matches … Got the call in Tech’s dual meet against Duke … Had one pin on the season. 2007-08: Saw limited action at 149 pounds … Went 1-2 on the season … Lone victory was a 13-0 major decision over Middlesex’s John Nye at the East Stroudsburg Open … Competed in the NC State Open as an unattached wrestler … Did not see any action in dual meets. High School: Lettered four times for Coach Don Shuler at Brookville High … A two-time all-state performer who went 132-17 in high school … Won the region title twice and his district four times … Was captain of his squad his final two seasons … Also ran cross country, lettering four times … A member of the National Honor Society and the 4.0 Club. Personal: Adam Ryan Broda was born October 23, 1985, in Lynchburg, VA … The son of Paul and Margaret Broda … Has two brothers, Kyle and Johnny … Majoring in mechanical engineering.
Broda’s Career Stats
Year Overall Dual Leag. M.Dec. T.Fall Falls Time Pts. 2007-08 1-2 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 - 0 2008-09 4-7 0-1 0-1 0 0 1 5:45 0 Totals 5-9 0-1 0-1 0 0 1 5:45 0
2009-2010 Hokies
D.J. Bruce
Scott Chené
Personal: Brian Anthony Delgrosso was born June 27, 1990, in Tyrone, PA … The son of Daniel and Christine Delgrosso … Enrolled in university studies.
141 • Sophomore Anaheim Hills, Calif. Irvine H.S.
Chris Diaz
2008-09: A walk-on who competed well for the Hokies … Went 9-9 overall in his first year, including 2-0 in dual meets … Got the call at the Bulldog Duals and came up with two wins … Went 3-1 at the Wolfpack Open … Also competed at the Davidson Open … Had two pins on the year, the fastest in 51 seconds. High School: Lettered four times for Coach John Phillips at Irvine High … Team MVP three times … Finished his career with a school-record 167 wins … Finished fourth in the state … Team captain all four years … Won the Five Counties Invitational. Personal: Scott Joseph Chené was born August 29, 1989, in Santa Ana, CA … The son of Kevin and CeCe Chené … Has two brothers, Curtis and Kyle … Enrolled in university studies.
CHENé’s Career Stats
Year Overall Dual Leag. M.Dec. T.Fall Falls Time Pts. 2008-09 9-9 2-0 0-0 0 0 2 :58 6
Hayden Countryman 157 • Freshman Prattville, Ala. Prattville H.S. High School: The No. 18 senior at 152 pounds according to Wrestling USA Magazine … Earned NHSCA All-America honors as a junior … A five-time Alabama state champion for Coach Trent Miller … In five seasons at the 152-pound weight class, went 267-9 with 182 pins … The only wrestler in Alabama history to win five state titles at the same weight class … Became the seventh Alabama wrestler to win five titles … Went 40-1 as an eighth grader and had a 51-3 record as a freshman … In his final three years, he went 176-3 (55-1 record as a sophomore, 59-1 as a junior and 62-1 his final year) … In his final 123 high school matches, he had 95 pins. Personal: John Hayden Countryman was born May 5, 1990, in Prattville, AL … The son of Cindy and Cline Countryman … Enrolled in university studies.
Brian DelGrosso
WVU: Practiced with the Mountaineers squad and wrestled in open tournaments as an unattached competitor … Was redshirted. High School: Wrestled at Woodside for Coach Willy Evans … Captain of team his junior and senior years … Selected team MVP … Finished seventh in 2008 Group AAA State Tournament … In 2007, finished fifth in Eastern Region in the 152-pound division … Finished third in regionals … A two-time district champion … A two-time Peninsula District Champion … Notched his 100th career win at Virginia state tournament.
141 • Junior Camden, Del. Caesar Rodney H.S. 2008-09: Qualified for his first NCAA Tournament by placing second at the ACC Tournament … Went 3-2 at the Big Dance, advancing to the Round of 12 and was one win away from All-America status … Posted a 33-12 overall mark, including 15-4 in dual meets and 4-1 in the ACC … Had five major decisions, four technical falls and five pins … Scored 62 points for the team in dual meets … Placed second at the Navy Classic … Beat No. 4 Cody Cleveland, 8-6, in a dual meet at Chattanooga … Earned ACC Wrestler of the Week honors with that upset win … Took fourth at the Las Vegas Invitational … Beat No. 5 seeded Andre Hernandez of Indiana, 3-1; then-No. 10 Zach Tanelli of Wisconsin, 8-3; No. 10 seed Ryan Prater of Illinois (fall, 3:33) and then-No. 7 Chris Drouin of Arizona State, 5-4, in succession at that event … Placed fifth at the Southern Scuffle … Went 4-0 the weekend of Jan. 24 & 25 at Michigan and Central Michigan … Beat No. 17 Vincent Ramirez of North Carolina in a dual meet … Downed 18thranked Joe Caramanica of NCSU in the dual meet.
Virginia Tech Wrestling
Meet the Players
174 • r-Freshman (transfer) Newport News, Va. Woodside H.S./ West Virginia University
Chris Diaz
9
2007-08: The starter at 141 pounds for the Hokies as a true freshman … Went 14-17 in his first campaign … Picked up one major decision, one technical fall and two pins … Went 8-8 in dual matches and 3-2 in ACC competition … Biggest win came in the upset over Virginia when he pinned Kellon Balum with one second remaining in the match to help lift Tech to a 18-16 win. High School: Lettered three times for Coach Dicky Howell at Caesar Rodney High … Two-time state champion … Senior national champion … A three-time All-American … Placed seventh at the Junior Nationals and second at the Super 32 Tournament … A three-time academic allstate selection. Personal: Christopher Juan Diaz was born August 17, 1989, in Dover, DE … The son of Lori and Juan Diaz … Has one brother, Josh … Majoring in human services.
Year 2007-08 2008-09 Totals
Matt Epperly
Diaz’s Career Stats
Overall Dual Leag. M.Dec. T.Fall Falls Time Pts. 14-17 8-8 3-2 1 1 2 5:32 32 33-12 15-4 4-1 5 4 5 1:25 62 47-29 23-12 7-3 6 5 7 1:25 94
JOHN DICKSON 184 • Freshman Virginia Beach, Va. Cox H.S. High School: Lettered for times for Coach Corey Williams at Frank W. Cox High … A two-time captain of his team … A district champion … Won the War on the Shore tournament. Personal: John Robert Dickson was born May 17, 1991, in Virginia Beach, VA … The son of Kathy and Paul Dickson … Majoring in general engineering.
Jesse Dong
Meet the Players
157 • Sophomore Westerville, Ohio Westerville North H.S. 2008-09: Qualified for his first NCAA Tournament by placing second at the ACC Tournament … Went 0-2 at the Championships … A secondteam all-state selection at 157 pounds, as voted on by the state’s sports information directors … Posted a 27-11 record as a true freshman, including 17-4 in dual meets and 2-2 in the ACC … Had four major decisions, two technical falls and four pins … Scored 66 points for the team in dual meets … Was one of four true freshmen in the starting lineup … Won the Navy Classic … Beat then-No. 12 Chase Pami of Cal Poly, 2-0, in a dual meet at the Lone Star Duals … Beat No. 19 Kody Hamrah of NC State in the dual. High School: Lettered four times for Coach David Grant at Westerville North High … Ranked the No. 20 130-pounder in the final InterMat rankings … An Ohio state champion … Took fifth at Junior Nationals … Also took second in the state and sixth in the Nation. Personal: Jesse Isaiah Dong was born May 3, 1990, in Westerville, OH … The son of Candice and Jimmy … Has one brother, Ryan … Majoring in business.
DONG’s Career Stats
Year Overall Dual Leag. M.Dec. T.Fall Falls Time Pts. 2008-09 27-11 17-4 2-2 4 2 4 1:46 66
10
2009-2010 Hokies
Matt Epperly 165 • r-Junior Christiansburg, Va. Christiansburg H.S. 2008-09: Posted an overall record of 23-14, including a 14-7 mark in dual meets and 2-2 in the ACC … Had six major decisions, one technical fall and three pins … Earned 56 points for the team in dual meet action … Took second at the Navy Classic and fourth at the Southern Scuffle … Beat No. 10 Trevor Stewart, 7-5 (SV), in a dual meet at Central Michigan. 2007-08: The 2008 ACC Champion at 165 pounds after storming through the tournament … Just weeks after having his appendix removed, beat Nos. 2, 3 and 1 seeds for the title … Upset top-seeded Keegan Mueller of UNC, 8-2, in sudden victory to claim the title … Was named Most Outstanding Wrestler of the tournament … Advanced to the NCAA Championships, where he went 0-2 … Went 23-12 on the season with seven major decisions, one technical fall and a team-high seven pins … Fastest pin came in just 23 seconds … Went 7-6 in dual meets and 1-2 in ACC matches … Won the East Stroudsburg Open, going 6-0. 2006-07: Was the starter at 157 pounds early in the season before suffering a season-ending back injury … Was granted a medical hardship waiver from the NCAA … Went 3-1 before sustaining the injury … Had two major decisions and a fall at 46 seconds. High School: Lettered four times for Coach Kevin Dresser … A four-time Virginia Group AA state champion … Placed sixth at 160 pounds at the Junior Nationals, earning All-America honors … Placed fifth at the 2005 Walsh Jesuit-ASICS Ironman Wrestling Tournament, one of the top tournaments in the country … Was ranked the No. 55 overall national prospect and the No. 7 160-pounder in the country by InterMat. Personal: Matthew Scott Epperly was born June 25, 1987, in Christiansburg, VA … The son of Jeff and Elise Epperly … Has two brothers, Brady and Zack … Majoring in history.
Year 2005-06 2006-07 2008-09 Totals
Epperly’s Career Stats
Overall Dual Leag. M.Dec. T.Fall Falls Time Pts. 3-1 3-1 0-0 2 0 1 :46 14 23-12 7-6 1-2 7 1 7 :23 26 23-14 14-7 2-2 6 1 3 1:32 56 49-27 25-14 3-4 15 2 11 :23 96
Daniel FISSMER 165 • Freshman Ashburn, Va. Stone Bridge H.S. High School: Wrestled for Coach Mike Faul at Stone Bridge High … Placed second in the 2009 AAA state championships, falling 1-0 in the finals … Also took third in the region as a senior … A second-team selection to the 2009 All-Met Team, as selected by The Washington Post … A member of the National Honors Society and the Thespian Honors Society. Personal: Daniel Glenn Fissmer was born October 23, 1990, in Pensacola, FL … The son of Joe and Tanuel Fissmer … Majoring in theatre arts. Jarrod Garnett
that same weekend to earn ACC Wrestler of the Week honors on Jan. 27 … The VaSID Rookie of the Year … A second-team all-state selection at 125 pounds, as voted on by the state’s sports information directors … His 38 wins are the fourth-most in school history. High School: Lettered four times for Coach Joe Archangelo at Caravel Academy … Ranked the No. 20 130-pounder in the final InterMat rankings … A Junior National champion who was also a Fargo All-American … Defeated the National No. 1 ranked wrestler in 2007 … A four-time conference champion who won two state titles … Also took second place twice … Finished his career with a 124-14 record … Captain of his team for two seasons … Wrestled for Raw 241 club team for three years … Second-team academic all-state. Personal: Jarrod Vincent Garnett was born June 27, 1990, in Newark, DE … The son of Carl and Michelle Garnett … Has one sister, Jasmyn … Enrolled in university studies.
GARNETT’s Career Stats
Year Overall Dual Leag. M.Dec. T.Fall Falls Time Pts. 2008-09 38-8 17-1 5-0 9 5 10 2:08 77
Cameron HURD 141 • Sophomore (transfer) Roanoke, Va. Northside H.S./ Liberty University
Jarrod Garnett
2008-09: Burst onto the national scene as a true freshman … Was ranked for a majority of the season in all three national polls … The ACC Rookie of the Year … Qualified for his first NCAA Tournament by placing second at the ACC Tournament … Went 2-2 at the Championships … Compiled a 38-8 mark, including a 5-0 mark in ACC dual meets … Led the team with 10 pins and scored 77 points for the team … Also had nine major decisions and five technical falls … Went 17-1 in dual meets … Opened his career by winning the Wolfpack Open, going 5-0 … Beat then-No. 12 Nikko Triggas of Ohio State, 7-1, in the semifinals … Won the Navy Classic … Placed fourth at the Las Vegas Invitational … Again beat then-No. 11 Triggas, this time 12-4 … Also beat then-No. 9 Marcos Orozco of UC Davis, 6-4 … Won his first 15 collegiate matches … Beat No. 14 Mike Watts of Michigan and major decisioned Scotti Sentes of Central Michigan and picked up two other wins
HURD’S Career Stats
Year Overall Dual Leag. M.Dec. T.Fall Falls Time Pts. 2008-09* 6-4 2-1 0-0 1 0 1 4:10 9 * - Liberty University
Jared Jones 133 • Junior Manor, Pa. Penn-Trafford H.S. 2008-09: Posted a 6-10 overall mark, including a 2-3 record in dual meets … Had one major decision … Placed sixth at the Navy Classic. 2007-08: Saw some action in the starting lineup as a true freshman … Compiled a 5-7 overall record, going 3-4 in dual meets and 1-2 in ACC matches … Had two major decisions and one pin, coming in 30 seconds
Virginia Tech Wrestling
Meet the Players
125 • Sophomore Newark, Del. Caravel Academy
Liberty: Went 6-4 as a freshman, wrestling at 133 pounds … Finished third at the Spartan Invitational … Was 2-1 in dual meets and picked up one pin on the season. High School: Was a four-year standout at Northside High School … Won 85 percent of his matches as a Viking, posting a 137-24 record in three different weight classes … A three-time district champion, including his freshman season where he posted a 27-11 record at 103 pounds … Won three tournaments as a sophomore and finished fifth at the state championship, capping off a 35-8 season … Matched his win total as a junior (35-3) while claiming first place at six events and second place at the state tournament as a junior at 112 pounds … Wrestled up one more weight class as a senior, capping off a stellar high school career with a 40-2 record at 119 pounds … Was named District Wrestler of the Year as a senior and finished in third place at the state championship. Personal: Cameron Michael Hurd was born November 24, 1989, in Roanoke, VA … The son of Bill and Billie Hurd … Majoring in interdisciplinary studies.
11
… Went 2-1 at the East Stroudsburg Open … Wrestled unattached at the NC State Open, taking second place with a 2-1 mark … Was the 133-pound representative for the Hokies at the ACC Championships. High School: Lettered four times for Coach Vince Testa at Penn-Trafford High … Finished his career with the second-most career wins in school history … Won the Outstanding Freshman and Senior Awards … Helped lead his team to the W.P.I.A.L. team tournament title. Personal: Jared Michael Jones was born April 12, 1989 … The son of Jim and Diane Jones … Has three siblings, Jason, Derek and Devan … Majoring in biochemistry.
Jones’ Career Stats
Year Overall Dual Leag. M.Dec. T.Fall Falls Time Pts. 2007-08 5-7 3-4 1-2 2 0 1 0:30 10 2008-09 6-10 2-3 0-0 1 0 0 - 9 Totals 11-17 5-7 1-2 3 0 1 :30 19 Jared Jones
to W.I.N. Magazine … A NHSCA national champion as a junior … A threetime Georgia state champion … Named The Daily Post’s Wrestler of the Year his senior season … The No. 16-ranked 160-pounder by W.I.N. Magazine following his senior year … Took third at the state tournament as a freshman but took the title the final three seasons … Went 59-1 as a junior and 51-1 as a senior … Posted a 197-11 record with 107 pins for his high school career … Led the Eagles to back-to-back dual and traditional Class AAAAA state championships and 34-3 dual record. Personal: Taylor John Knapp was born August 27, 1990, in Lawrenceville, GA … The son of John and Bunnie Knapp … Enrolled in university studies.
Brock LiVorio 125 • Sophomore Irwin, Pa. The Kiski School 2008-09: Took over the starting spot at 133 pounds after beginning the season at 125 pounds … Took third at the Navy Classic at 125 pounds … Won the Davidson Open at 133 pounds … Placed third at both the Millersville Open and Kent State Open … Posted a 22-12 mark as a true freshman … Went 2-5 in dual meets and 1-3 in the ACC … Was the team’s entry at 133 pounds for the ACC Tournament … Had five major decisions and seven pins. High School: Lettered four times for Coach Joe Ross at The Kiski School … Ranked the No. 14 125-pounder in the country in InterMat’s final rankings … Named Outstanding Wrestler at the Dapper Dan … A two-time Pennsylvania state champion and a 2007 Prep National champion … Was runner-up at the 2008 Prep Nationals … Finished with a career record of 134-21. Personal: Brock Anthony LiVorio was born July 4, 1990 … The son of Debra and Anthony LiVorio … Has two older brothers, Nathan and Brandon … Majoring in biological sciences/pre-dental.
LiVORIO’S Career Stats
Year Overall Dual Leag. M.Dec. T.Fall Falls Time Pts. 2008-09 22-12 2-5 1-3 5 0 7 0:31 9
WILLIAM JONES
Meet the Players
141 • Freshman Blacksburg, Va. Blacksburg H.S. High School: A four-year competitor for Coach Jason Waelti at Blacksburg High School … A two-time Virginia state placewinner. Personal: William Matthew Jones was born March 11, 1991, in Chicago, IL … The son of Mark Jones and Eloise Coupey … Majoring in finance.
Taylor Knapp 149 • Freshman Lawrenceville, Ga. Collins Hill H.S. High School: The No. 13 senior at 160 pounds according to Wrestling USA Magazine … The No. 17 overall 160-pounder in the country according
12
2009-2010 Hokies
Brock LiVorio
COLE LOUKS 141 • Freshman Chesapeake, Va. Grassfield H.S. High School: Wrestled three seasons at Deep Creek High before transferring to Grassfield High for his senior season … Took fifth at the Virginia AAA State Championships his senior year … A district champion and region runner-up that year as well … Took third place at the War on the Shore tournament. Personal: Dalton Cole Louks was born August 9, 1991, in Portsmouth, VA … The son of Gardner B. Loucks, Jr. … Has four brothers and a sister … Enrolled in university studies.
2007-08: One of the bigger surprises of the season … Was slated to be a 197-pounder but was thrust into the starting lineup at heavyweight early on … Ended up going 18-11 despite being outweighed significantly in most matches … Took second place at the ACC Championships in that weight class … Went 9-5 in dual meets and 3-2 in the conference … Picked up two major decisions, one technical fall and a pin … Had a big win in Tech’s 18-16 upset of Virginia, beating Jack Danilkowicz, 3-1, in sudden victory. High School: Lettered four times for Coach Travis Masse at Broomfield High … A two-time Colorado state champion … Also placed second and fourth in the state … Placed second and third in the Walsh Ironman Tournament … An honorable mention All-American … Also lettered three times in football … A two-time all-state selection, earning first-team honors once. Personal: David Paul Marone was born October 13, 1988 in Broomfield, CO … The son of Mark and Terri Marone … Has one brother, Vinny … Majoring in finance.
Marone’s Career Stats
Year Overall Dual Leag. M.Dec. T.Fall Falls Time Pts. 2007-08 18-11 9-5 3-2 2 1 1 1:51 27 2008-09 31-15 15-5 3-1 4 2 4 2:01 60 Totals 49-26 24-10 6-3 6 3 5 1:51 87 David Marone
DREW McCRAW HWT • Freshman Carroll County, Va. Carroll County H.S. High School: Lettered four times for Coach Jason Morris at Carroll County High … Took second place at the Virginia State Championships his senior year … Placed third in the state his junior season … Also played football, earning all-district and all-region honors. Personal: Michael Andrew McCraw was born February 14, 1991 … The son of Robbie and Debbie McCraw … Majoring in human nutrition, foods and exercise.
Andrew Miller HWT • Freshman Bassett, Va. Bassett H.S.
HWT • Junior Broomfield, Colo. Broomfield H.S. 2008-09: Qualified for his first NCAA Tournament by placing third at the ACC Tournament … Went 3-2 at the Big Dance, advancing to the Round of 12 and was one win away from All-America status … A secondteam all-state selection at heavyweight as voted on by the state’s sports information directors … Went 31-15 overall, including 15-5 in dual matches … Posted four major decisions, two technical falls and four pins … Took fourth at the Navy Classic and sixth at the Southern Scuffle … Went 3-1 in ACC matches.
High School: The No. 8 senior heavyweight according to Wrestling USA Magazine … The No. 12 overall heavyweight in the country according to W.I.N. Magazine … A two-time Virginia Group AA state champion … Went 47-2 his final year with his only two losses coming at The Beast of the East Tournament … The No. 3-ranked heavyweight by W.I.N. Magazine following his senior year … An all-state selection in football who signed with the Hokie gridiron team in February, 2009 … Took a redshirt year while working at center this past fall. Personal: Andrew David Miller was born April 24, 1990, in Bassett, VA … The son of Johnny Miller and the late Linda Miller … Comes from an athletic family: his oldest brother, John, played football at Duke; his sister, Heather, played basketball at Wake Forest; and his older brother, Tim, is on the wrestling squad at Tech … Majoring in agriculture and applied economics.
Meet the Players
David MARONE
Virginia Tech Wrestling
13
Tim Miller
Nick Murray
197 • Senior Bassett, Va. Bassett H.S.
141 • r-Sophomore Bound Brook, N.J. Bound Brook H.S.
2008-09: Went 12-13 on the year, including 1-1 in dual meets … Picked up a win in the dual meet against Chattanooga … Got the call in the Duke match as well … Had two pins … Placed fourth at the Hokie Open. 2007-08: Moved up to heavyweight for his sophomore season … Went 0-3 on the year … Competed at the East Stroudsburg Open. 2006-07: Went 4-8 as a true freshman, at 197 pounds … Went 2-4 in dual meets … Both wins were via fall, the fastest coming at 1:21. High School: Lettered four times for Coach Kevin Adair … The state runner-up his senior year after placing fifth his junior year … A two-time region and district champion … Also lettered three times in football … Was an all-district and all-region defensive end, as well as an all-district, all-region and all-state center … Played in the VHSL East-West All-Star game. Personal: Timothy Michael Miller was born October 10, 1987, in Martinsville, VA … The son of Johnny and Linda Miller … Has three siblings, John, Heather and Andrew … John played football at Duke, while sister Heather played basketball at Wake Forest, and Andrew plays football and wrestles at Tech … Majoring in finance.
2008-09: Had a solid year while taking a redshirt … Competed in numerous tournaments as an unattached wrestler … Took fourth at the Wolfpack Open, third at the Kent State Open and won the Davidson Open. 2007-08: Began the season as the starter at 141 pounds … Went 8-14 overall (7-11 at 141 pounds and 1-3 at 149 pounds) … Was 2-9 in dual meets and 1-2 in ACC play … Had one technical fall and one pin … Went 2-1 at the East Stroudsburg Open … Wrestled in the ACC Championships at 149 pounds. High School: Lettered four times for Coach Martin Gledson at Bound Brook High … A two-time state placewinner … A two-time Battle of the Belt Super 32 champion … A three-time freestyle state champion. Personal: Nicholas Murray was born September 27, 1988, in Plainfield, NJ … The son of Bob and Jean Murray … Has two siblings, Robert and Carly … Graduated high school summa cum laude … Majoring in cival engineering.
Miller’s Career Stats
Year Overall Dual Leag. M.Dec. T.Fall Falls Time Pts. 2006-07 4-8 2-4 0-0 0 0 2 1:21 6 2007-08 0-3 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 - 0 2008-09 12-13 1-1 0-1 0 0 2 2:08 3 Totals 14-24 3-5 0-1 0 0 4 1:21 9
Tim Miller
Murray’s Career Stats
Year Overall Dual Leag. M.Dec. T.Fall Falls Time Pts. 2007-08 8-14 2-9 1-2 0 1 1 6:47 11 2008-09 Was redshirted Totals 8-14 2-9 1-2 0 1 1 6:47 11
Chris Penny 197 • Freshman Virginia Beach, Va. Cox H.S. High School: Wrestled at Frank W. Cox High School for Coach Corey Williams … Took third place at the 2009 Virginia AAA state championships for Cox High … Finished one win away from earning All-America honors at the NHSCA Senior National … Also played football. Personal: Christopher Ryan Penny was born December 21, 1990, in Cherry Hill, N.J. … The son of Chris and Lynne Penny … Majoring in physics.
Matt ROSEN Meet the Players
149 • Senior Chesapeake, Va. Great Bridge H.S.
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2008-09: Did not see a lot of action in dual meets but still put together an impressive 19-4 season … Went 5-0 in dual meets, including 1-0 in the ACC … Had three major decisions, three technical falls and six pins … Scored 20 points for the team in dual meets … Placed fifth at the Navy Classic. 2007-08: The starter at 149 pounds but also saw action at 157 pounds … Went 17-17 overall (16-13 at 149 pounds and 1-4 at 157 pounds) … Had a 6-10 mark in dual meets and went 2-3 in ACC competition … Wrestled in the ACC Championships at 157 pounds … Had one pin. 2006-07: Was a starter at two different weight classes as a true freshman … Went 10-15 overall … Posted an 8-7 mark at 133 pounds and a 2-8 record at 141 pounds … Had one technical fall and one pin, which came at the 3:56 mark … Won the Davidson Open at 133 pounds.
2009-2010 Hokies
High School: Lettered four times for Coach Norm Smith … Was a four-time placewinner at the state Group AAA tournament … A four-time placewinner at the Ironman Tournament … Placed seventh at the 2006 Beast of the East Tournament … Was ranked the No. 126 product in the country by InterMat. Personal: Matthew Christopher Rosen was born February 10, 1987, in Hampton, VA … The son of Claudia and Whit Rosen … Has two brothers, Thomas and Jeremy … Majoring in human services.
Year 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 Totals
Rosen’s Career Stats
Overall Dual Leag. M.Dec. T.Fall Falls Time Pts. 10-15 5-11 1-4 0 1 1 3:56 18 17-17 7-10 2-3 0 0 1 1:40 18 19-4 5-0 1-0 3 3 6 2:11 20 46-36 17-21 4-7 3 4 8 1:40 56
High School: Lettered four times for Coach John Gill at Kittatinny Regional High School … A four-time state placewinner … A four-time semifinalist … Also played baseball and football. Personal: Thomas Booth Spellman was born September 14, 1988, in Newton, NJ … The son of Ken and Deb Spellman … Has two sisters, Janessa and Danielle … Majoring in residential property management.
Spellman’s Career Stats
Year Overall Dual Leag. M.Dec. T.Fall Falls Time Pts. 2007-08 24-11 9-6 4-1 2 1 4 1:31 32 2008-09 25-11 16-4 4-0 3 0 5 1:00 68 Totals 49-22 25-10 8-1 5 1 9 1:00 100
Tommy Spellman
Matt Rosen
Tommy SPELLMAN 184 • Junior Newton, N.J. Kittatinny H.S.
133 • Freshman The Woodlands, Texas The Woodlands H.S. High School: Ranked as the No. 81 overall senior prospect and the No. 8 130-pounder in the country by InterMat … The No. 2 overall 130-pounder in the country according to W.I.N. Magazine … The No. 5 senior at 130 pounds according to Wrestling USA Magazine … A three-time Texas state champion who went 65-0 his final year … A two-time VHSCA All-American, placing third as both a sophomore and junior … The No. 3-ranked 130-pounder by W.I.N. Magazine following his senior year Personal: Erik Fleming Spjut was born August 6, 1990, in Houston, TX … The son of Gwen and Swen Spjut … Has two younger sisters … Enrolled in university studies.
Virginia Tech Wrestling
Meet the Players
2008-09: Qualified for his first NCAA Tournament by placing second at the ACC Tournament … Went 1-2 at the Big Dance … A first-team all-state selection at 184 pounds, as voted on by the state’s sports information directors … Posted an overall record of 25-11, including a 16-4 mark in dual meets … Had three major decisions and five pins … Scored 68 points for the team in dual meets … Placed fifth at the Southern Scuffle … Avenged an earlier loss by beating No. 12 Anthony Biondo of Michigan, 3-2, in a dual meet at Ann Arbor … Beat No. 16 Rocco Caponi of Virginia, 8-1, in a dual meet … Went undefeated in ACC dual meets at 4-0. 2007-08: The starter at 184 pounds all season … Posted a 24-11 mark with two major decisions, one technical fall and four pins … His 24 wins led the team … Was 9-6 in dual meets and 4-1 in ACC matches … Placed third at the ACC Championships … Won the East Stroudsburg Open with a 5-0 mark … Upset No. 10 Rocco Caponi of Virginia, 5-2, in Tech’s big win over the Cavaliers.
Erik SPJUT
15
Brian Stephens
NJ … The son of Tony and Linda Trongone … Has two siblings, Tara and Nick … Majoring in sociology.
TRONGONE’S Career Stats
Year Overall Dual Leag. M.Dec. T.Fall Falls Time Pts. 2007-08 Was redshirted 2008-09 25-16 12-7 4-1 5 0 5 2:14 50
149 • Freshman Piqua, Ohio St. Paris Graham H.S. High School: Ranked as the No. 72 overall senior prospect and the No. 8 145-pounder in the country by InterMat … The No. 5 overall 145-pounder in the country according to W.I.N. Magazine … The No. 6 senior at 145 pounds according to Wrestling USA Magazine … An NHSCA All-American who was also a two-time Ohio state placewinner Personal: Bryan Kyle Stephens was born February 27, 1990, in Piqua, Ohio … The son of Greg and Laura Stephens … Majoring in business.
Schuyler Swanton 125 • Sophomore Spring Hill, Fla. Springstead H.S. 2008-09: Made a solid contribution to the squad in his first year … Posted an 8-10 overall record, including 1-2 in dual meets … Had one major decision, one technical fall and one pin … Went 4-2 at the Wolfpack Open … Competed in the Davidson Open, the Kent State Open, the Hokie Open and several other tournaments. High School: Lettered three times for coaches Eric Swensen and Sal Basile at Springstead High … A two-time state champion and one-time runner-up … A Fargo All-American. Personal: Schuyler Drew Swanton was born July 22, 1990, in Dunedin, FL … The son of Donna and Chris Swanton … Has three siblings, Whitney, Dannette and Dustin … Brother Dustin was also a two-time Florida state champion in wrestling … Enrolled in university studies.
SWANTON’s Career Stats
Year Overall Dual Leag. M.Dec. T.Fall Falls Time Pts. 2008-09 8-10 1-2 0-0 1 1 1 :46 3
Anthony TRONGONE
Meet the Players
174 • r-Sophomore Glendora, N.J. Camden Catholic H.S. 2008-09: Qualified for his first NCAA Tournament as a wild card after finishing second at the ACC Tournament … Posted a 25-16 overall mark, including a 12-7 record in dual meets … Had five major decisions and five pins … Scored 50 points for the team in dual meets … Went 1-2 at the Championships … Took fourth at the Navy Classic … Picked up major decisions in both the North Carolina and Maryland duals … Went 4-1 in ACC competition. 2007-08: Was redshirted … Took second place as an unattached wrestler at the East Stroudsburg Open with a 5-1 mark … Won the NC State Open as an unattached wrestler, going 3-0. High School: Lettered four times at Camden Catholic High School for Coach Pete DiPol … New Jersey state champion … A three-time district champion … A two-time regional champion. Personal: Anthony Trongone was born on December 18, 1987, in Vorhees,
16
2009-2010 Hokies
Pete Yates 149 • Sophomore Conyers, Ga. Salem H.S. 2008-09: Qualified for his first NCAA Tournament as a wild card after not placing at the ACC Tournament … Suffered a sprained knee in the semifinals and had to default his next match in the tournament … Re-injured the knee in practice the day before the NCAA Championships and had to be pulled from the meet … A first-team all-state selection at 149 pounds, as voted on by the state’s sports information directors … Went 31-8 overall, including 17-0 in dual meets and 5-0 in ACC matches … Had five major decisions, six technical falls and five pins … Scored 69 points for the team in dual matches … Was one of four true freshmen in the starting lineup … Placed third at the Navy Classic, eighth at the Las Vegas Invitational and sixth at the Southern Scuffle … Beat then-No. 9 Jake Patacsil of Purdue, 9-4, and pinned 14th-seeded Mark Powell of Pittsburgh at the Las Vegas Invite … Beat No. 8 Steve Brown of Central Michigan, 3-2, in a dual meet … Followed that up with a win over No. 15 Nick Stabile of North Carolina in a dual meet. High School: Lettered four times for Coach Tim Owens at Salem High … Ranked No. 5 in the nation at 145 pounds in InterMat’s final rankings … The Georgia State Wrestler of the Year his senior season … Compiled a 161-1 record in his career and was a three-time state champion … Also took runner-up honors once … Won the Beast of the East Tournament in Delaware … Was one of the state winners of the 2008 Dave Schultz High School Excellence award. Personal: Peter Cecil Yates was born September 20, 1989, in Germany … The son of Ralph and Rosalinde Yates … Has one younger brother, Paul … Majoring in business.
YATES’ Career Stats
Year Overall Dual Leag. M.Dec. T.Fall Falls Time Pts. 2008-09 31-8 17-0 5-0 5 6 5 :58 69 Anthony Trongone
2008-09 Results & Stats
Individual Results and Statistics
Records Major Tech Overall Dual ACC Dec. Fall Adam Broda 4-7 0-1 0-1 0 0 D.J. Bruce 25-12 14-7 2-3 4 2 Scott Chené 9-9 2-0 0-0 0 0 Chris Diaz 33-12 15-4 4-1 5 4 Jesse Dong 27-11 17-4 2-2 4 2 Matt Epperly 23-14 14-7 2-2 6 1 Jarrod Garnett 38-8 17-1 5-0 9 5 Andre Johnson* 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 Jared Jones 6-10 2-3 0-0 1 0 Will Livingston 11-8 7-5 0-1 2 4 Brock LiVorio 22-12 2-5 1-3 5 0 Colin MacDermott 1-4 0-0 0-0 0 0 David Marone 31-15 15-5 3-1 4 2 Tim Miller 12-13 1-1 0-1 0 0 Nick Murray* 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 Kevin O’Connor 4-3 1-0 0-0 1 0 Eddie Obendorfer 2-4 0-0 0-0 0 0 Matt Rosen 19-4 5-0 1-0 3 3 Will Snyder 4-5 0-1 0-1 1 0 Tommy Spellman 25-11 16-4 4-0 3 0 Schuyler Swanton 8-10 1-2 0-0 1 1 Anthony Trongone 25-16 12-7 4-1 5 0 Pete Yates 31-8 17-0 5-0 5 6 Team Totals 360-200 158-58 33-17 59 30 Opponent 200-360 58-158 17-33 28 14 * - redshirted
Fastest Points ACC Pts Career Career Fall Time own/opp. own/opp. Overall Duals 1 5:45 0/3 0/3 6-11 0-1 8 1:20 64/27 12/10 30-20 15-10 2 0:51 6/0 0/0 9-9 2-0 5 0:41 62/13 15/4 47-29 23-12 4 1:46 66/16 6/6 27-11 17-4 3 1:32 56/25 9/6 49-27 24-14 10 2:08 77/3 24/0 38-8 17-1 0 - 0/0 0/0 8-31 4-21 0 - 9/13 0/0 10-15 5-7 1 1:56 28/15 0/3 26-27 12-15 7 :31 9/20 6/13 22-12 2-5 1 :31 0/0 0/0 2-6 0-0 4 2:01 60/15 11/3 49-26 24-10 2 2:08 3/3 0/3 16-24 3-5 0 - 0/0 0/0 8-14 2-9 2 2:39 4/0 0/0 16-21 11-11 1 0:30 0/0 0/0 2-4 0-0 6 2:11 20/0 6/0 46-37 16-21 1 2:42 0/3 0/3 6-8 0-1 5 1:00 68/13 16/0 49-22 25-10 1 :46 3/8 0/0 8-10 1-2 5 2:14 50/21 14/3 25-16 12-7 5 0:58 69/0 21/0 31-8 18-0 74 :31 654/198 140/57 21 1:05 198/654 57/140
Pete Yates
Records by Weight 125 - - - - - - 38-8 - - - 9-3 - - - - - - - - - 8-10 - - 55-21 21-55
133 - - - - - - - - 6-9 11-8 13-9 - - - - - - - - - - - - 30-26 26-30
141 - - 9-9 32-12 - - - - 0-1 - - 1-4 - - - - 2-4 2-0 - - - - - 46-0 30-46
149 4-6 - - 1-0 - - - - - - - - - - - - - 17-4 - - - - 30-8 52-18 18-52
157 165 - 0-1 - - - - - - 27-11 - - 23-14 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1-0 - 28-11 23-15 11-28 15-23
174 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 25-16 - 25-16 16-25
184 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4-3 - - 4-5 25-11 - - - 33-19 19-33
197 Hwt. - 25-12 - - - - - - - - - - - 31-15 12-12 0-1 - - - - - - - - - 37-24 31-16 24-37 16-31
* Atlantic Coast Conference match - at Dallas, Texas; Lone Star Duals 2 - at Glen Allen, Va.; Rumble on the River 1
Tournament Results Wolfpack Open • Raleigh, N.C. Jarrod Garnett • 1st at 125 pounds Hokie Open • Salem, Va. Tim Miller • 4th at 197 pounds Navy Classic • Annapolis, Md. Jarrod Garnett • 1st at 125 pounds Brock LiVorio • 3rd at 125 pounds Jared Jones • 6th at 133 pounds Chris Diaz • 2nd at 141 pounds Pete Yates • 3rd at 149 pounds Matt Rosen • 5th at 149 pounds Jesse Dong • 1st at 157 pounds Matt Epperly • 2nd at 165 pounds Anthony Trongone • 4th at 174 pounds Kevin O’Connor • 5th at 184 pounds D.J. Bruce • 2nd at 197 pounds David Marone • 4th at 285 pounds Las Vegas Invite • Las Vegas, Nev. Jarrod Garnett • 4th at 125 pounds Chris Diaz • 4th at 141 pounds Pete Yates • 8th at 149 pounds D.J. Bruce • 7th at 197 pounds Davidson Open • Davidson, N.C. Brock LiVorio • 1st at 133 pounds Andre Johnson • 1st at 157 pounds Southern Scuffle • Greensboro, N.C. Will Livingston • 6th at 133 pounds Chris Diaz • 5th at 141 pounds Pete Yates • 6th at 149 pounds Matt Epperly • 4th at 165 pounds Tommy Spellman • 5th at 184 pounds David Marone • 6th at 285 pounds Millersville Open • Millersville, Pa. Brock LiVorio • 3rd at 133 pounds Kent State Open • Kent, Ohio Brock LiVorio • 3rd at 133 pounds ACC Championships • Blacksburg, Va. Jarrod Garnett • 2nd at 125 pounds Chris Diaz • 2nd at 141 pounds Jesse Dong • 2nd at 157 pounds Anthony Trongone • 2nd at 174 pounds Tommy Spellman • 2nd at 184 pounds D.J. Bruce • 4th at 197 pounds David Marone • 3rd at 285 pounds
Virginia Tech Wrestling
2008-2009 Results
Adam Broda D.J. Bruce Scott Chené Chris Diaz Jesse Dong Matt Epperly Jarrod Garnett Andre Johnson Jared Jones Will Livingston Brock LiVorio Colin MacDermott David Marone Tim Miller Nick Murray Kevin O’Connor Eddie Obendorfer Matt Rosen Will Snyder Tommy Spellman Schuyler Swanton Anthony Trongone Pete Yates Team Totals Opponent
2008-09 Results DATE OPPONENT SCORE 11/9/08 George Mason W, 22-18 11/30/08 vs. Anderson W, 42-3 at Chattanooga W, 37-0 1/3/09 vs. Brown 1 W, 36-9 vs. Central Oklahoma 1 W, 34-9 vs. Cal Poly 1 W, 34-9 1/10/09 at Gardner-Webb W, 39-3 vs. The Citadel W, 28-9 vs. Davidson W, 34-11 1/16/09 at Appalachian State W, 36-4 vs. Campbell W, 47-0 1/18/09 Rutgers W, 24-21 1/24/09 vs. Binghamton W, 37-3 at #17 Michigan W, 22-15 1/25/09 vs. #4 Nebraska L, 11-26 at #6 Central Michigan W, 19-12 1/31/09 vs. Virginia 2 * W, 21-12 2/1/09 at North Carolina * W, 19-15 1/8/09 Maryland * W, 22-15 1/15/09 NC State * W, 50-0 Duke * W, 28-15 1/19/09 at #20 Old Dominion L, 15-19
17
The Hokies’ Record book Team Records
Season Wins Dual Wins Dual Team Wins Major Decisions Technical Falls Falls Points
360 158 20 59 30 74 740
2008-09 2008-09 2008-09 2008-09 2008-09 2008-09 1979-80
History and Records
NCAA Championships Participants
18
Alfred Carson Armand Taylor John Wright Sherman Vandevender (0-1) Mike Grandstaff (2-4) Bob Bowman (0-1) Brandon Glover (3-1) Joe Heller (0-2) Bob Hatcher (0-1) Pat Rheam (0-1) Bill Pfeffer (1-2) Chuck Broderick (0-2) Mark Miller (0-2) Rick Stageberg (1-2) Jason Diggs (0-1) Chuck Broderick (0-2) Mark Miller (0-5) Rob Fair (1-2) Dante Winslow (0-3) Josh Feldman (7-6) John Dattalo (2-4) Eric Hall (4-6) Chris Martin (7-8) Sean Gray (13-7) David Inkman (0-2) Mike Akers (0-2) Scott Justus (8-8) David Hoffman (10-9) Chris Stith (1-2) Reed Carpenter (0-2) Steve Borja (1-2) Tyde Prater (3-2) Mike Faust (5-4) Justin Staylor (0-2) Jon Bonilla-Bowman (0-2) Eric Decker (1-2) Matt Epperly (0-2) D.J. Bruce (0-2) Chris Diaz (3-2) Jesse Dong (0-2) Jarrod Garnett (2-2) David Marone (3-2) Tommy Spelman (1-2) Anthony Trongone (1-2) Pete Yates (0-0)
1956 1956 1956 1956, 58 1959, 61, 62 1959 1959 1958, 59 1962 1974 1977 1979 1978, 79, 80 1984 1983 1979 1978, 79, 80 1986 1991, 93 1991, 92, 93 1996, 97 1997, 98, 00, 01 1997, 98, 00, 01 1998, 00, 01, 02 1998 2000 2000, 01, 02, 03 2002, 04, 05, 06 2004 2005 2005 2005 2005, 06 2006 2007 2007 2008 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009
NCAA Championships Results
1956 1959 1962 1967 1968 1970 1977 1984 1986 1992 1993 1994 1998
Stillwater, Okla. Iowa City, Iowa Stillwater, Okla. Kent, Ohio State College, Pa. Evanston, Ill. Norman, Okla. Princeton, N.J. Iowa City, Iowa Norman, Okla. Ames, Iowa Chapel Hill, N.C. Cleveland, Ohio
2009-2010 Hokies
T-19th T-19th T-30th T-44th T-67th T-40th T-51st T-66th T-73rd T-60th T-62nd T-47th T-48th
5.0 pts 7.0 pts 2.0 pts 2.0 pts 1.0 pt 2.0 pts 1.0 pt .5 pts 1.0 pt 1.5 pts 1.0 pt 4.5 pts 7.0 pts
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2009
St. Louis, Mo. Iowa City, Iowa Albany, N.Y. Kansas City, Mo. St. Louis, Mo. St. Louis, Mo. Oklahoma City, Okla. Auburn Hills, Mich. St. Louis, Mo.
19th T-23rd 44th T-46th 41st T-42nd 29th T-60th 39th
27.5 pts 19.0 pts 6.5 pts 4.0 pts 7.5 pts 7.0 pts 18.5 pts 1.0 pt 12.5 pts
David Hoffman is one of five four-time NCAA qualifiers from Virginia Tech.
CAA Tournament Team Results
1991-92 1992-93 1993-94 1994-95 1995-96 1996-97 1997-98
Fourth First Fifth Fourth Fourth Fourth First
43 pts 63 pts 38.75 pts 42.5 pts 48.5 pts 61.0 pts 93.5 pts
CAA Coach of the Year
Jerry Cheynet Keith Mourlam
1992-93 1997-98
CAA Tournament Individual Champions
Josh Feldman Dante Winslow John Dattalo John Dattalo Eric Hall Sean Gray David Inkman
1992, 93, 94 1995 1996 1997 1997, 98 1998 1998
HWT 158 lbs. 177 lbs. 167 lbs. 158 lbs. 134 lbs. 142 lbs.
CAA Wrestler of the Year
John Dattalo
ACC Tournament Team Results
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
Second Fifth Fifth Fourth Third
ACC Tournament Most Outstanding Wrestler
Jon Bonilla-Bowman 2007 (co) Matt Epperly 2008
66.5 pts 44.5 pts 34.5 pts 40.0 pts 57.5 pts
157 lbs. 165 lbs.
ACC Tournament Individual Champions
Tyde Prater Mike Faust David Hoffman Justin Staylor Jon Bonilla-Bowman Matt Epperly
2005 2005, 2006 2006 2006 2007 2008
ACC Wrestler of the Year
Mike Faust
2006
149 lbs. HWT 141 lbs. 125 lbs. 157 lbs. 165 lbs.
HWT
EWL Tournament Team Results
1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004
Eighth Third Fifth Seventh Seventh Eighth
EWL Coach of the Year
Keith Mourlam
5.5 pts 91.0 pts 85.0 pts 48.5 pts 44.5 pts 44.5 pts
1999-00
EWL Tournament Individual Champions
Chris Martin Sean Gray Sean Gray Sean Gray Scott Justus
1999-00 1999-00 2000-01 2001-02 2001-02
165 141 141 141 184
1997
CAA Rookie of the Year
Eric Hall Sean Gray
1997 1998
167 lbs.
158 lbs. 134 lbs.
SoCon Tournament Team Championships
1954-55 1955-56 1957-58 1959-60 1960-61 1961-62 1962-63
42.0 points 82.0 points 85.0 points 74.0 points 73.0 points 71.0 points 73.0 points
SoCon Tournament Individual Champions
Al Carson Jim Lock Armand Taylor Joe Heller Armand Taylor John Wright Sherman Vandevender Sherman Vandevender Brandon Glover Tom Westfall Don Vaughan Tom Burrus Bob Bowman Buddy Sanders Mike Grandstaff Mike Grandstaff Frank Kirk Bob Robinson Gene Breen Don Ellerman Bob Hatcher Ernie Venturino Charles Callahan Don Marks Henry Seymour Mickey Jarrell Ken Cole Ken Jenkins
1955 1955 1955, 57 1956, 58, 59, 60 1956 1956 1956, 59 1957, 58 1957, 58, 59, 60 1957, 58 1957 1958 1959, 60 1960 1961 1962 1961 1961 1962 1962, 63, 64 1962 1962, 63 1963 1963 1964, 65 1965 1965 1965
130 lbs. HWT 137 lbs. 137 lbs. 147 lbs. 167 lbs. 157 lbs. 147 lbs. 130 lbs. 123 lbs. 167 lbs. 177 lbs. 123 lbs. 177 lbs. 123 lbs. 130 lbs. 177 lbs. 137 lbs. HWT 137 lbs. 157 lbs. 123 lbs. 157 lbs. HWT 123 lbs. 130 lbs. 137 lbs. 167 lbs.
NCAA Eastern Regional Team Results
2nd Place 3rd Place 4th Place 5th Place
Career Pin Leaders
1979, 1980 1973, 1978 1977 1981, 1982
Scott Justus
NCAA Eastern Regional Individual Champions
Bill Pfeffer Mark Miller Chuck Broderick Jason Diggs Rick Stageberg
1977 1978, 79, 80 1979 1983 1984
Career Individual Wins
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 12. 14. 15.
Sean Gray (1997-02) Chris Martin (1996-01) David Hoffman (2001-06) Eric Hall (1996-01) Scott Justus (1998-03) Rob Fair (1981-85) Jason Diggs (1979-83) Steve Borja (2002-07) Josh Feldman (1989-94) Dante Winslow (1989-94) Matt Mogel (1992-96) Mark Miller (1976-80) Bill Aschenbach (1988-92) Chris Taylor (1979-83) Jeff Lally (1989-92) Reed Carpenter (2001-05)
1. 3. 4. 5.
Sean Gray (1997-02) Chris Martin (1996-01) David Hoffman (2001-06) Eric Hall (1996-01) Baird Kilpatrick (1987-91)
John Dattalo (1996-97) Eric Hall (1996-97) Sean Gray (1999-00) Jarrod Garnett (2008-09) Mike Faust (2005-06) Rob Fair (1984-85) Chris Martin (1999-00) David Hoffman (2001-05)
Career Dual Meet Wins
Single-Season Wins 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 8. 10.
133-19-0 126-25-0 116-32-0 113-39-0 98-31-0 93-29-6 88-32-2 86-46-0 85-23-1 84-29-2 84-39-1 82-24-0 82-44-1 77-38-1 73-39-1 73-51-0
58-3-0 58-5-0 55-10-0 51-11-0 49-11-6
43-6-0 41-10-0 40-3-0 38-8-0 37-6-0 35-3-0 34-5-0 33-7-0
11. 14.
Steve Borja (2004-05) Chris Diaz (2008-09) Chris Martin (1996-97) Sean Gray (1997-98) Chris Martin (1997-98) Sean Gray (2001-02) Pete Yates (2008-09) David Hoffman (2005-06) Chris Stith (2003-04) David Marone (2008-09)
1. 3. 5.
Baird Kilpatrick (1989-90) Mike Faust (2004-05) John Dattalo (1996-97) David Hoffman (2001-05) Pete Yates (2008-09) Jarrod Garnett (2008-09) Eric Hall (1996-97) Chris Martin (1996-97) Steve Borja (2004-05) Jess Dong (2008-09) Bill Aschenbach (1989-90)
33-10-0 33-12-0 32-8-0 32-8-0 32-9-0 31-5-0 31-8-0 31-10-0 31-13-0 31-15-0
1. 2. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 10. 14.
Steve Ratley (2006-07) Sean Gray (2001-02) David Hoffman (2001-05) Sean Gray (1997-98) Justin Staylor (2004-05) Steve Borja (2004-05) Steve Brown (1974-75) Bill Pfeffer (1979-80) Jarrod Garnett (2008-09) John Dattalo (1996-97) Eric Hall (2000-01) Sean Gray (1999-2000) David Hoffman (2001-02) Steve Brown (1976-77) Eight tied with eight pins
18 15 15 14 13 12 11 10 10 9 9 9 9 9
Fastest Fall
9 seconds, Tomas Ovalle vs. Chris Cottrell (Navy) Nov. 21, 2004 (197 pounds) Jarrod Garnett
Single-Season Dual Meet Wins 19-1-0 19-1-0 18-0-0 18-2-0 17-0-0 17-1-0 17-1-0 17-1-0 17-3-0 17-4-0 17-4-0
Top 15 Single-Season Winning Percentages
(at least 24 wins)
(at least two seasons and 60 wins) Pct. .875 .857 .838 .824 .784 .784 .773 .760 .750 .743 .739 .730 .728 .681 .677
Record 133-19-0 72-12-0 67-13-0 126-27-0 116-32-0 85-23-1 82-24-0 98-31-0 93-29-6 113-39-0 84-29-2 88-32-2 72-25-6 84-39-1 66-31-2
Sean Gray is Virginia Tech’s all-time leader in career winning percentage.
Name 1. Scott Justus 2. Sean Gray 3. Dante Winslow 4. Rob Fair 5. Sean Gray 6. John Dattalo 7. Chris Martin 8. Bill Pfeffer Sean Gray 10. Bob Pincus 11. Josh Feldman 12. David Hoffman 13. John Dattalo 14. Jarrod Garnett 15. Mike Faust
Year (2001-02) (1999-00) (1993-94) (1984-85) (2000-01) (1996-97) (1999-00) (1979-80) (2001-02) (1973-74) (1991-92) (2004-05) (1995-96) (2008-09) (2005-06)
Pct. .938 .930 .929 .921 .909 .878 .872 .871 .861 .857 .843 .825 .829 .826 .822
Record 30-2-0 40-3-0 26-2-0 35-3-0 30-3-0 43-6-0 34-5-0 27-4-0 31-5-0 24-4-0 29-5-1 33-7-0 29-6-0 38-8-0 37-8-0
Virginia Tech Wrestling
History and Records
Years (1997-02) (1995-97) (2004-06) (1996-01) (2001-05) (1989-94) (1976-80) (1998-03) (1981-85) (1996-01) (1989-94) (1979-83) (1987-91) (1992-96) (1986-90)
45 37 29 26 25 23 23 22 22 21
Single-Season Pin Leaders
Top 15 Career Winning Percentages
Name 1. Sean Gray 2. John Dattalo 3. Mike Faust 4. Chris Martin 5. David Hoffman Josh Feldman 7. Mark Miller 8. Scott Justus 9. Rob Fair 10. Eric Hall 11. Dante Winslow 12. Jason Diggs 13. Baird Kilpatrick 14. Matt Mogel 15. Bo O’Dea
Sean Gray (1998-2002) David Hoffman (2004-06) Steve Brown (1973-77) Mark Miller (1976-80) Chris Martin (1996-2001) Josh Feldman (1989-94) Justin Staylor (2004-08) Scott Justus (1998-03) Baird Kilpatrick (1987-91) Eric Hall (1996-2001)
19
The Hokies’ All-Americans Brandon GLOVER 1959 All-American
Brandon Glover
130 pounds
Site: Iowa City, Iowa
Brandon Glover, from Norfolk, Va., became Tech’s first All-American in wrestling when he took third place in the 130-pound weight class at the 1959 NCAA Championships in Iowa City. A four-time Southern Conference champion (1957-60), Glover went undefeated in his career except in the semifinals of those championships. For his career, the Granby High graduate went 26-0 in career dual meets and was a 1988 inductee into the Virginia Tech Sports Hall of Fame.
Josh FELDMAN 1994 All-American
Josh Feldman
Heavyweight
Site: Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Josh Feldman became Tech’s second All-American in wrestling when he took seventh place in the 1994 NCAA Championships at the heavyweight division in Chapel Hill, N.C. A three-time Colonial Athletic Association champion (1992-94), the native of Dunwoody, Ga., is currently fifth all-time at Tech in career pins with 23 and sixth in all-time wins. The graduate of Dunwoody High posted a career record of 85-23-1 for the Hokies.
Chris MARTIN 2000 All-American 165 pounds
History and Records
Site: St. Louis, Missouri
Chris Martin became Virginia Tech’s third All-American in wrestling when he took fourth place at the 2000 NCAA Championships at 165 pounds in St. Louis. Also an Eastern Wrestling League Champion in 2000, the native of Norfolk, Va., posted a career record of 126-25, second-best all-time at Tech. He is tied for the career dual meet wins mark at Tech with 58 victories and is fifth all-time at Tech in career pins with 25. The graduate of Granby High is also fourth in career winning percentage, finishing with a .824 clip.
20
2009-2010 Hokies
Chris Martin
Sean GRAY 2000, 2001 All-American
Sean Gray
141 pounds
Site: St. Louis, Missouri (2000) Iowa City, Iowa (2001)
Sean Gray became Tech’s first two-time All-American in wrestling when he finished seventh at 141 pounds at the 2001 NCAA Championships in Iowa City. He became Tech’s fourth All-American when he placed sixth at the 2000 Championships in St. Louis. The Flemington, N.J., native was a three-time EWL Champion and holds the school record for career wins (133), career winning percentage (.875), pins in a season (15) and career pins (45). For his career, the graduate of Blair Academy posted a career record of 133-19. He also finished his career tied for the most career dual meet wins at Tech with 58 victories.
Mike FAUST 2006 All-American
Mike Faust
Heavyweight
Site: Oklahoma City, Okla.
Mike Faust became Virginia Tech’s fifth All-American in wrestling when he took fifth place at the 2006 NCAA Championships at the heavyweight class in Oklahoma City. Also an Atlantic Coast Conference Champion in both 2005 and 2006, the native of Baltimore, Md., posted a two-year career record of 67-13. Combined with his two years at the University of Pennsylvania before he transfered, he concluded his collegiate career with 99 wins. That mark of 67-13 is good for a winning percentage of .838, thirdbest ever all-time at Virginia Tech. Faust, the 2006 ACC Wrestler of the Year, went 5-2 at the 2006 NCAA Championships, wrestling four overtime matches, including three that went all six overtimes. Competing in over 61 minutes, he wrestled the most minutes of any wrestler at the 2006 event. The graduate of Gilman Prep was also named an Academic AllAmerican.
David HOFFMAN 2006 All-American 141 pounds
David Hoffman
History and Records
Site: Oklahoma City, Okla.
David Hoffman became Virginia Tech’s sixth All-American in wrestling when he took eighth place at the 2006 NCAA Championships at 141 pounds in Oklahoma City. Also an ACC Champion in 2006, the Spring City, Pa., native posted a career record of 116-32. He had 116 wins (the third-most in Virginia Tech wrestling) and 37 career pins (the second-most in Tech history). Hoffman, a Hill School graduate, dropped his opening match at the 2006 NCAA Championships before bouncing back to win four straight, including a last-second win, to earn All-America honors. Needing a win to assure himself of a top-eight finish, Hoffman trailed No. 5 seed Josh Churella of Michigan, 6-5, with five seconds left in the match. With the two neutral and in the middle of the mat, Hoffman shot in and got a takedown as the horn sounded to pick up a dramatic win and seal his place in Tech wrestling history as an All-American.
Virginia Tech Wrestling
21
Year-by-Year results Year 2008-09 2007-08 2006-07 2005-06 2004-05 2003-04 2002-03 2001-02 2000-01 1999-00 1998-99 1997-98 1996-97 1995-96 1994-95 1993-94 1992-93 1991-92 1990-91 1989-90 1988-89 1987-88 1986-87 1985-86 1984-85 1983-84 1982-83 1981-82 1980-81 1979-80 1978-79 1977-78 1976-77
Record 20-2 7-9 6-12 1-16-0 16-4-0 6-12-0 0-13-0 5-10-0 8-7-1 10-7-0 2-13-0 9-4-0 10-8-0 6-9-0 6-10-0 6-7-0 9-1-0 9-7-1 9-12-0 14-7-0 12-7-1 7-7-0 8-6-0 4-10-0 8-10-0 6-13-1 2-9-1 5-15-0 11-5-1 14-4-0 14-5-1 11-5-0 9-5-0
Coach Dresser Dresser Dresser Brands Brands Mourlam Mourlam Mourlam Mourlam Mourlam Mourlam Mourlam Mourlam Cheynet Cheynet Cheynet Cheynet Cheynet Cheynet Cheynet Cheynet Cheynet Cheynet Cheynet Cheynet Cheynet Cheynet Cheynet Cheynet Cheynet Cheynet Cheynet Cheynet
1975-76 1974-75 1973-74 1972-73 1971-72 1970-71 1969-70 1968-69 1967-68 1966-67 1965-66 1964-65 1963-64 1962-63 1961-62 1960-61 1959-60 1958-59
12-4-0 6-9-0 5-9-1 4-9-0 1-9-0 3-7-0 4-15-0 7-5-1 8-4-0 9-1-0 7-2-0 5-6-0 4-5-1 2-7-1 7-2-0 6-3-0 4-1-0 6-1-0
Jerry Cheynet
All-Time Virginia Tech Wrestling Record (86 seasons): 480-477-18 (.502)
Cheynet Cheynet Teske Teske Teske Teske Teske Teske Teske Teske Teske Teske Teske Teske Teske Teske Teske Teske
1957-58 1956-57 1955-56 1954-55 1953-54 1952-53 1951-52 1950-51 1949-50 1948-49 1947-48 1946-47 1943-46 1942-43 1941-42 1940-41 1939-40 1938-39
6-1-0 Teske 7-0-0 Teske 7-0-0 Teske 8-0-0 Teske 1-6-1 Teske 6-1-1 Teske 5-8-0 Teske 4-5-0 Learned 7-4-0 Learned 3-4-1 Learned 1-7-0 Altman 0-6-0 Altman no team for three years 1-6-1 Altman 4-3-0 Altman 1-5-0 Altman 2-4-0 Altman 1-5-0 Tilson
1937-38 1936-37 1935-36 1934-35 1933-34 1932-33 1931-32 1930-31 1929-30 1928-29 1927-28 1926-27 1925-26 1924-25 1923-24 1922-23 1921-22 1920-21
2-3-0 0-4-1 1-4-0 2-3-0 2-3-0 2-3-0 3-2-0 2-3-0 3-4-0 3-4-0 6-1-0 6-0-1 3-3-0 6-0-0 2-2-1 1-2-0 2-0-0 0-1-0
All-Time Coaching Records (by wins)
Record 188-167-6 122-102-6 50-74-1 33-19-2 33-23-0 17-20-0 14-13-1 9-31-1 8-22-1 3-4-0 2-0-0 1-2-0
Coach Years Jerry Cheynet 22 Frank Teske 23 Keith Mourlam 8 George Herring 10 Kevin Dresser 3 Tom Brands 2 Allan Learned 3 William Altman 6 C.E. Tilson 6 G.C. Anderson 1 S.B. Sutton 1 Ben Cubbage 1
Years Coached Win % 1974-96 .529 1951-74 .543 1996-97 .404 1920-21, 24-28, 30-33 .630 2006- .589 2004-2006 .459 1948-51 .518 1939-48 .232 1933-39 .274 1928-29 .429 1921-22 1.000 1922-23 .333
Tilson Tilson Tilson Tilson Tilson Herring Herring Herring Herring Anderson Herring Herring Herring Herring Herring Cubbage Sutton Herring
Best Year 14-4/1979-80 8-0/1954-55 10-7/1999-00 6-0/1924-25 20-2/2008-09 16-4/2004-05 7-4/1949-50 4-3/1941-42 2-3/1934,35,38 3-4 2-0 1-2
VIRGINIA TECH SPORTS HALL OF FAME The Virginia Tech Sports Hall of Fame was established in 1982 to honor and preserve the memory of athletes, coaches, administrators and staff members who have made outstanding contributions to athleticss at the university. A total 147 individuals have been inducted into the Tech Hall of Fame during special ceremonies held each fall. Some of the following were inducted for other sports, but all have ties to Virginia Tech wrestling.
History and Records
MILTON ANDES
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(inducted in 1994) A 125-pound wrestling champion of the 1920s who went on to fame as a National AAU champion.
GENE BREEN
(inducted in 2002) A heavyweight champion of the Southern Conference in the 1960s.
2009-2010 Hokies
BRANDON GLOVER
(inducted in 1988) An All-America wrestler, he was a four-time SoCon champion who lost only one match in his career.
DON OAKES
(inducted in 2001) A wrestler for Tech in the late 1950s who went on to a successful career as a pro football player.
FRANK TESKE
(inducted in 1995) He led Tech to seven Southern Conference wrestling championships in a 23-year coaching stint.
ARMAND TAYLOR
(inducted in 2005) A three-time SoCon champion who helped Tech to a 19th-place finish in the 1956 NCAA Tournament.
SHERMAN VANDEVENDER (inducted in 2001) A four-time SoCon wrestling champion who advanced to the final Olympic tryouts in 1956.
KEN WHITLEY
(inducted in 1990) A dynamic football star and heavyweight wrestler of the 1960s.
Virginia Tech Vs. All opponents First 1080 1995 1947 1991 1997 1959 1972 1975 1999 1988 2003 2006 2009 1984 1950 1982 1979 1981 2005 2009 1974 1999 1987 1972 1979 1973 1990 1992 2005 2004 1924 1989 1989 1990 1992 1927 1996 1979 2005 1996 1998 1986 1985 2000 1978 1982 1989 1989 2000 1976 1988 1966 1966 1925 2000 2003 1995 1973 1972 1968 2003 1990 1976 1941
Last 2005 2008 2009 1991 1997 1967 1982 2009 2007 1996 2009 2006 2009 1995 1951 2009 2003 1981 2009 2009 2008 2004 1987 2004 1979 1977 1992 1992 2005 2004 2009 1989 1989 1991 2007 2009 1996 1981 2005 1996 2007 1986 1988 2000 1978 1982 1990 1989 2009 2008 1989 1974 1975 1925 2000 2003 2001 1973 2006 2005 2007 1990 2006 1941
Team Record First Last Kent State 0-2-0 2004 2008 Lafayette 1-0-0 1975 1975 Lehigh 0-1-0 2000 2000 Liberty 6-2-0 1977 2006 Livingstone 1-2-0 1986 1988 Lock Haven 1-6-0 1992 2004 Longwood 7-1-0 1985 1987 Loyola 1-0-0 1987 1987 Marshall 9-3-0 1955 1982 Maryland 6-12-0 1942 2009 Maryville 3-0-0 1976 1977 Massachusetts 1-0-0 1984 1984 Michigan 1-2-0 2000 2009 Middle Tennessee State 2-0-0 1975 1979 Millersville 1-2-0 1986 1992 Minnesota 0-3-0 2001 2005 Missouri 0-1-0 2004 2004 Morehead State 1-0-0 1976 1976 Morgan State 4-3-0 1980 1996 Navy 0-13-0 1928 1994 Nebraska 0-3-0 2006 2009 N.N. Apprentice 6-1-0 1939 1988 Norfolk State 2-0-0 1983 1984 North Carolina 28-31-2 1924 2009 North Carolina A&T 1-0-0 1982 1982 NC Greensboro 5-2-0 1995 2008 NC Preflight School 0-1-0 1943 1943 NC State 19-31-1 1926 2009 North Dakota State 1-0-0 2008 2008 Northern Iowa 0-2-0 2005 2005 Notre Dame 2-0-0 1979 1981 Old Dominion 9-22-0 1966 2009 Ohio 2-8-0 1990 2008 Ohio State 1-8-0 1964 2006 Oregon State 1-0-0 2008 2008 Oswego State 0-1-0 1984 1984 Pembroke State 6-4-0 1974 1986 Penn 0-1-0 2007 2007 Penn State 0-3-0 1962 1965
Team Record Pfeiffer 1-0-0 Pittsburgh 0-9-0 Pitt-Johnstown 0-3-0 Princeton 1-1-0 Purdue 0-1-0 Quantico Marines 2-0-0 Richmond 3-1-0 Rider 1-0-0 Rutgers 1-0-0 Salisbury State 3-0-0 Shippensburg 2-2-0 Slippery Rock 2-3-0 South Carolina State 2-0-0 Southern Connecticut 1-0-0 Stetson 1-0-0 Tennessee 1-8-0 The Citadel 10-2-0 Towson 2-0-0 Troy 1-0-0 University of the South 1-0-0 Virginia 32-26-1 VCU 6-0-0 VMI 25-35-4 Virginia State 2-0-0 Wake Forest 1-0-0 Washington & Lee 15-22-3 West Chester State 1-1-0 West Virginia 6-11-0 Western Maryland 1-0-0 William & Mary 5-8-0 Wilkes 1-5-0 Wisconsin 1-0-0 Wyoming 1-0-0
First 1967 1965 2001 1978 1965 1949 1974 2000 2009 1978 1981 1988 1985 1979 1984 1973 1950 1980 1967 1975 1922 1969 1923 1988 1957 1921 1976 1951 1928 1965 1977 1968 2007
Last 1967 2004 2005 1991 1965 1950 1980 2000 2009 1987 1981 1996 1988 1979 1984 1985 2009 1981 1967 1975 2009 1981 2004 1989 1957 1925 1981 2004 1928 1995 1988 1968 2007
• Virginia Tech had no wrestling squad from 1943-46 due to World War II • No results or incomplete data exists for the 1961-62, 1962-63, 1969-70, 1970-71 and 1971-72 seasons
Anthony Trongone and the Hokies will once again take on Maryland this season after downing the Terps, 22-15, last year in Blacksburg.
History and Records
Team Record American 9-4-0 Anderson 5-1-0 Appalachian State 14-13-2 Army 0-1-0 Ashland 1-0-0 Auburn 8-0-0 Ball State 0-2-0 Binghamton 1-1-0 Bloomsburg 3-4-0 Brockport 2-1-0 Brown 1-1-0 Cal-Davis 0-1-0 Cal-Poly 1-0-0 California (PA) 2-0-0 Camp Lejeune 1-1-0 Campbell 7-2-0 Carson-Newman 12-10-1 Central Florida 1-0-0 Central Michigan 1-1-0 Central Oklahoma 1-0-0 Chattanooga 2-8-0 Clarion 1-5-0 Clemson 0-1-0 Cleveland State 1-6-0 Cincinnati 1-0-0 Colgate 2-1-0 Coppin State 2-0-0 Cornell 0-1-0 Cumberland (KY) 1-0-0 Cumberland (TN) 1-0-0 Davidson 30-3-1 Dayton 1-0-0 Delaware 1-0-0 Delaware State 2-0-0 Drexel 2-0-0 Duke 19-12-1 Duquesne 1-0-0 East Carolina 3-0-0 Eastern Illinois 1-0-0 Eastern Michigan 0-1-0 Edinboro 0-6-1 Elon 1-0-0 Ferrum 4-0-0 Findlay 1-0-0 Florida International 1-0-0 Franklin & Marshall 0-1-0 Furman 2-0-0 Gannon 1-0-0 Gardner-Webb 6-0-0 George Mason 6-9-0 George Washington 2-0-0 Georgia 3-1-0 Georgia Tech 5-1-0 Hampden-Sydney 1-0-0 Harvard 1-0-0 Hofstra 0-1-0 Howard 3-0-0 Illinois State 0-1-0 Indiana 0-4-0 Iowa 0-2-0 Iowa State 0-3-0 Ithaca 1-0-0 James Madison 12-9-0 Kansas State 0-1-0
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NCAA EXCITEMENT!
Virginia Tech wrestlers will be working this year toward competing in the NCAA Wrestling Championships at the Qwest Center in Omaha, Neb. They’ll be looking to join other Tech grapplers who have made their marks on college wrestling’s grandest stage.
With the new NCAA qualifying system in place, the Hokies – and the rest of the ACC – will be looking to qualify more wrestlers this season.
Sean Gray 1998 •2000 • 20 01 • 2002
David Marone 2009
History and Records
Reed Carpenter 2005
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David Hoffman 2002 • 2004 • 2005 • 200
Mike Faust 2005 • 2006
Steve Borja 2005
Tyde Prater 2005
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The Atlantic Coast Conference The Tradition
finished with 68. Regular-season champion Virginia Tech placed third with 57.5, followed by North Carolina 54.5, NC State 49.5 and Duke 30.5. Virginia’s Brent Jones, who claimed the individual title at 189 pounds, was named the event’s Most Outstanding Wrestler. NC State’s Caldwell received 2009 ACC Wrestler of the Year honors, while Virginia Tech 125-pounder Jarrod Garnett was named Freshman of the Year. Garnett helped key the Hokies to a 20-2 dual match record, including a 5-0 mark in ACC competition. Kerry McCoy, who led Maryland to the ACC title in his first year on the job, was voted ACC Coach of the Year.
2008-09 in Review
The 2008-09 academic year saw league teams capturing five national team titles and 16 individual NCAA crowns. In all, the ACC has won 48 national team titles over the last 13 years. The ACC has won two or more NCAA titles in 27 of the past 29 years. A total of 128 ACC teams placed in NCAA post-season competition in 2008-09. League teams compiled a 130-74-1 (.637) mark against opponents in NCAA championship competition. In addition, the ACC had 199 student-athletes earn first team All-America honors this past year. Overall, the league had 265 first, second or third team All-Americans and the ACC produced eight national Players of the Year and five national Coach of the Year honorees.
The Championships
The conference will conduct championship competition in 25 sports during the 2009-10 academic year - 12 for men and 13 for women. The 12 sports for men include football, cross country, soccer, basketball, swimming, indoor and outdoor track, wrestling, baseball, tennis, golf and lacrosse. Championships for women are currently conducted in cross country, field hockey, soccer, basketball, swimming, indoor and outdoor track, tennis, golf, lacrosse, softball and rowing with volleyball deciding its champion by regular season play.
2008-09 National Championships Field Hockey...............................Maryland Women’s Soccer................... North Carolina Men’s Soccer...............................Maryland Men’s Basketball.................. North Carolina Women’s Tennis................................ Duke
seven members met in Raleigh, N.C., where a set of bylaws was adopted and the name became officially the Atlantic Coast Conference. Suggestions from fans for the name of the new conference appeared in the region’s newspapers prior to the meeting in Raleigh. Some of the names suggested were: Dixie, Mid South, Mid Atlantic, East Coast, Seaboard, Colonial, Tobacco, Blue-Gray, Piedmont, Southern Seven and the Shoreline. Duke’s Eddie Cameron recommended that the name of the conference be the Atlantic Coast Conference, and the motion was passed unanimously. The meeting concluded with each member institution assessed $200.00 to pay for conference expenses. On Dec. 4, 1953, conference officials met again at Sedgefield and officially admitted the University of Virginia as the league’s eighth member. The first, and only, withdrawal of a school from the ACC came on June 30, 1971, when the University of South Carolina tendered its resignation. The ACC operated with seven members until April 3, 1978, when the Georgia Institute of Technology was admitted. The Atlanta school had withdrawn from the Southeastern Conference in January of 1964. The ACC expanded to nine members on July 1, 1991, with the addition of Florida State University. The conference expanded to 11 members on July 1, 2004, with the addition of the University of Miami and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. On Oct. 17, 2003, Boston College accepted an invitation to become the league’s 12th member starting July 1, 2005.
THE QUEST FOR THE QWEST The six ACC schools that sponsor wrestling as a varsity sport – Duke, North Carolina, North Carolina State, Maryland, Virginia and Virginia Tech – will convene on the campus of NC State on Saturday, March 8, 2009, for the annual ACC Championship to determine the team and individual champions in the Atlantic Coast Conference. The NCAA is again using a qualifying system in which there’s no set number of qualifiers in weight classes or from conferences going into the season, but the ACC Championships will still have a heavy hand in determining who will head to the 2010 NCAA Wrestling Championships, held on March 18-20 at Omaha’s Qwest Center.
The ACC
Consistency. It is the mark of true excellence in any endeavor. However, in today’s intercollegiate athletics, competition has become so balanced and so competitive that it is virtually impossible to maintain a high level of consistency. Yet the Atlantic Coast Conference has defied the odds. Now, in its 57th year of competition, the ACC has long enjoyed the reputation as one of the strongest and most competitive intercollegiate conferences in the nation. And that is not mere conjecture, the numbers support it. Since the league’s inception in 1953, ACC schools have captured 113 national championships, including 60 in women’s competition and 53 in men’s. In addition, NCAA individual titles have gone to ACC student-athletes 125 times in men’s competition and 84 times in women’s action. The sport of wrestling has played an integral role in the ACC’s Tradition of Excellence since the league’s inception in 1953. In the 56-year history of ACC wrestling, nine schools have sponsored the sport including Clemson, Duke, Georgia Tech, Maryland, North Carolina, NC State, Virginia, Virginia Tech and Wake Forest. The Terrapins lead all schools with 22 conference championships, the first 20 in succession from 1954-1973, and the most recent coming each of the past two seasons. North Carolina is second with 17 ACC titles. NC State has been crowned league champion 14 times, while Virginia has staked claim to three conference titles. Entering its 57th season, six schools – Duke, Maryland, North Carolina, NC State, Virginia and Virginia Tech – will vie for the title of ACC Champion. ACC schools have registered 13 top-10 team finishes at the NCAA Championship, including a league-high five top-10 finishes by North Carolina. The Tar Heels posted the league’s best finish at the national tournament with a tie for fifth place in 1982. NC State owns four top-10 finishes, including a team-best seventh-place showing in 1993. Maryland owns two, including a 10th-place finish in 2009. Clemson and Virginia have each finished in the top 10 once. The ACC has garnered 15 individual national champions, including one three-time champion and one two-time champion. The 2009 NCAA Championship saw NC State’s Darrion Caldwell claim the NCAA title at 149 pounds with a thrilling 11-6 decision over previously unbeaten and defending national champion Brent Metcalf of Iowa on March 21 in St. Louis. The win by Caldwell is widely viewed as one of the biggest upsets in the history of the NCAA Wrestling Championships. Caldwell was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Wrestler. Caldwell, Duke’s Konrad Dudziak (285), Virginia’s Chris Henrich (174) and the Maryland trio of Steven Bell (133), Alex Krom (141) and Hudson Taylor (197) all earned All-America honors. Dudziak, Duke’s first All-America wrestler, finished as the national runner-up in his weight class. Prior to NCAA competition, Maryland claimed the 2009 ACC Wrestling Championship on March 7 at Virginia Tech’s Cassell Coliseum. The Terps finished with 70 team points to edge Virginia, which
A History
The Atlantic Coast Conference was founded on May 8, 1953, at the Sedgefield Inn near Greensboro, N.C., with seven charter members Clemson, Duke, Maryland, North Carolina, North Carolina State, South Carolina and Wake Forest - drawing up the conference by-laws. The withdrawal of seven schools from the Southern Conference came early on the morning of May 8, 1953, during the Southern Conference’s annual spring meeting. On June 14, 1953, the
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We Are Virginia Tech A Proud University Inventing the Future Beginning in 1872 with 132 students and two programs of study, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, popularly known as Virginia Tech, has evolved into a comprehensive university of national and international prominence. With about 27,500 students in Blacksburg and about 2,500 other students statewide, the university produces world-class scholarship in a challenging academic environment. University tradition is firmly rooted in its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), and its historic land-grant mission is brought to life through learning, discovery and engagement.
universities in the United States. The university, which has more than 100 research centers, also consistently ranks among the top institutions in industry-supported research and near the top 10 in the number of patents issued each year. The university’s nationally and internationally recognized faculty and motivated students are involved in more than 3,500 research projects in fields ranging from biotechnology to materials, from the environment and energy to food and human health and from transportation to computing information.
Learning
As part of Virginia Tech’s outreach mission and in adherence to its motto, the university serves and engages the citizens of the commonwealth, the nation, and the world. Virginia Tech is involved in a multitude of economic and community development projects. These efforts focus on education and the dissemination of knowledge to the global society in which we live. Professionals, organizations and communities tap Virginia Tech’s vast resources, expertise, and research results through hundreds of continuing and professional education programs and five campus centers located throughout the commonwealth. Virginia Tech has a long history of providing innovative distance-learning techniques to meet the various needs of working adults and other nontraditional students. The Inn at Virginia Tech & Skelton Conference Center on campus and The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center in Roanoke, both owned by Virginia Tech, support the university’s outreach mission by working with faculty to plan and
Virginia Tech’s challenging academic standards attract high-achieving students. Nine colleges (Agriculture & Life Sciences, Architecture & Urban Studies, Engineering, Liberal Arts & Human Sciences, Natural Resources, Pamplin Business, Science, The Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine) and Graduate School offer more degree programs – approximately 200 – than any other university in the state. More than 85 percent of departments offer e-learning courses, which have attracted more than 100,000 enrollments since 1998. During this time, more than 700 different faculty members have offered more than 3,500 different courses.
Discovery
The university’s groundbreaking research transforms lives and communities. With annual research expenditures of nearly $373 million, Virginia Tech ranks 42nd among research Beautiful Burruss Hall, located at the center of the Drillfield, houses the university’s administration offices as well as undergraduate admissions.
The University
Like most buildings on the Virginia Tech campus Burruss is made of Hokie Stone, a limestone found in the local area.
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Engagement
host conferences and continuing education and professional programs. Virginia Tech manages more than $40 million in funded economic development projects in 44 countries and encourages faculty members to develop global course content and study abroad opportunities for students. In 2007-08, more than 2,150 students from more than 100 foreign countries studied at Tech, while more than 1,000 Virginia Tech students studied abroad. Virginia Cooperative Extension, operated jointly by Virginia Tech and Virginia State University, has been helping people improve their economic, cultural and social well being for nearly a century. With 107 city/county offices, tens of thousands of volunteers, and programs across the state, Extension reaches and teaches millions of Virginians annually.
At a Glance • Located in Blacksburg, Virginia • Nine colleges and Graduate School • 60 bachelor’s degree programs • Approximately 140 master’s and doctoral degree programs • About 30,000 students, most full-time • 16:1 student-faculty ratio • Main campus includes more than 125 buildings, 2,600 acres and an airport • Computing and communications complex for worldwide information access • Ranks 42nd in university research expenditures in the United States • Has adjacent Corporate Research Center • Medical school located in Roanoke, Virginia
War Memorial Chapel overlooks the Drillfield in the center of campus.
Interesting Facts & Figures
Virginia Tech Wrestling
The University
• The university’s annual budget is about $1.02 billion. • Virginia Tech has about 198,000 living alumni from every state and about 100 countries. • All campus facilities, including residence halls, have high-speed connections to voice, data and video communications. • Virginia Tech is one of three public universities in the country that offers the combined advantages of a military-style leadership development program – here it is through the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets – and a traditional academic and social life. • U.S. News & World Report ranks Virginia Tech 29th among national public universities. Of all universities – public or private – it ranks Tech 71st. • Kiplinger Personal Finance magazine ranks Virginia Tech in the top 20 public colleges and universities that offer a first-class educational experience at a bargain price. • The National Science Foundation ranks Tech 10th in the nation in agricultural and natural resources research expenditures. • The university’s undergraduate engineering program is 17th among the nation’s engineering schools and ninth among public universities, according to U.S. News & World Report. Seven of the college’s undergraduate programs rank in the top 25. • U.S. News & World Report ranks the College of Engineering’s graduate program 33rd nationally, with two individual programs in the top 10. • The Pamplin College of Business undergraduate program was ranked 37th in the nation and 22nd among public schools by U.S. News & World Report. • Virginia Tech consistently ranks among the top 15 schools in the nation in number of patents received. • DesignIntelligence ranks Virginia Tech’s undergraduate architecture program fourth nationally and first among public universities. It also ranks the university’s undergraduate interior design program seventh in the nation. In addition, it ranks the graduate architecture program 10th in the nation and the graduate interior design program fifth. • The university’s forestry program is top-ranked in North America, according to a study conducted by Auburn University.
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ADMINISTRATION
Jim Weaver Director of Athletics
Sharon McCloskey Senior Associate A.D./SWA
Tim East Associate A.D., External Affairs
Mike Gentry Assistant A.D., Athletic Performance
Reyna Gilbert Assistant A.D., Student Life
Mike Goforth Assistant A.D., Athletic Training
Lisa Rudd Assistant A.D., Financial Affairs
Dave Smith Assistant A.D., Athletics Communications
Sandy Smith Assistant A.D., Ticketing Services
Tom Gabbard Associate A.D., Internal Affairs
Jon Jaudon Associate A.D., Administration
Chris Helms Associate A.D., Olympic Sports
John Ballein Associate A.D., Football Operations
Lu Merritt Pam Linkous Jermaine Holmes Tim Parker Director of Student-Athlete Human Resources Director of Development Senior Assistant A.D., for Intercollegiate Athletics Manager Academic Support Services Compliance
Cara Walters Game Operations Manager
Jeremy Wells Assistant A.D., Marketing & Promotions
Russ Whitenack Director of the Monogram Club
WRESTLING SUPPORT STAFF
Administration
Marianne Baffi Wrestling Secretary
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By the way,
Britnye Kurty Student Trainer
Alicia Longworth Marketing
Ruben Moguel Equipment Manager
What is a Hokie?
That’s the most often-asked question in Virginia Tech athletics. The answer leads all the way back to 1896 when Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College changed its name to Virginia Polytechnic Institute. With the change came the necessity for writing a new cheer and a contest for such a purpose was held by the student body. Senior O.M. Stull won first prize for his “Hokie” yell which still is used today. Later, when asked if
2009-2010 Hokies
“Hokie” had any special meaning, Stull explained the word was solely the product of his imagination and was used only as an attention-getter for his yell. It soon became a nickname for all Tech teams and for those people loyal to Tech athletics. The official school colors – Chicago maroon and burnt orange – also were introduced in 1896. They were chosen because they made a “unique combination” not worn elsewhere at the time.
Jonathan Pierce Manager
Damian Salas Scoreboard
Tech’s lovable mascot – The HokieBird
SPORTS MEDICINE The Sports Medicine Department at Virginia Te c h i s c o n s t a n t l y evolving to incorporate new ideas utilizing stateof-the-art resources for the betterment of all Hokie student-athletes. Under the leadership of Assistant Director of Sean Collins Athletics for Athletic Training Mike Goforth, the department is constantly improving and developing new strategies to provide the most current and comprehensive care. Their team of certified athletic trainers, orthopaedic surgeons, Board Certified primary care physicians, chiropractors, physical therapists, sport psychologists, nutritionists, massage therapists and orthotists are available on site to manage the health care needs of Tech athletes. The staff continually looks for ways to enhance the services provided for their athletes as evidenced by their participation in local and national projects pertaining to related topics such as concussion management, prevention of antibiotic resistant types of staph infection (MRSA), high ankle sprains and collegiate health care management strategies. Tech is its ninth full year in the 4,300-squarefoot Eddie Ferrell Memorial Training Room, which consolidated the training rooms that existed in the Merryman Center and Cassell Coliseum. The
facility gives the training staff a centralized area to care for the needs of all Virginia Tech studentathletes. There is top-of-the-line equipment and a unique style of architecture, developed by Glenn Reynolds, AIA and Larry Perry. The Ferrell Training Room nearly doubled the size of the former Merryman Center facility. Tech now has more than 10,000 square feet dedicated to sports medicine, placing in the top five percent nationally. The $10 million Merryman Center includes 2,400 square feet of medical space and a physician’s suite. The suite is equipped with a new state-of-the-art X-ray system, a fluoroscopy unit and a minor procedure room. The training room also has offices for the staff, dozens of training tables, two cold tubs, whirlpools, an underwater treadmill, a Biodex System 3 and various other pieces of rehabilitation equipment and treatment modalities. In addition, a training room has been constructed in Rector Field House to serve teams when they practice indoors and the Gordon Family Mobile Sports Medicine Unit is a new portable training room that can be transported to various venues. “As a staff, we are very pleased with our facilities and the opportunity for all of us to come together to benefit all of our athletes,” Goforth said. Their programs consist of strengthening, stretching and – most importantly – movement pattern analysis and training to help prevent the re-occurrence of injuries.
A vital part of student-athlete medical services is access to the Montgomery Regional Hospital’s SWVA Center for Orthopaedics and Schiffert Student Health Center. Both facilities are staffed with qualified physicians and staff, and have a wide variety of technologies designed to increase the level of care available to Tech’s athletes. If physical therapy is needed, student-athletes can be seen by therapist Mark Piechoski in the Ferrell Training Room. Piechoski, who is a certified athletic trainer, physical therapist and strength and conditioning specialist plays a large role in the overall program developed to return the injured athlete back to 100 percent. In addition, staff sport psychologist Dr. Gary Bennett is available to all studentathletes for personal and performance issues. Team chiropractor, Dr. Greg Tilley provides Tech athletes with specialized treatment for spinerelated conditions and also plays a huge role in performance enhancement through various chiropractic techniques. Dr. Mark Rogers serves as the team physician for the Hokies and travels to several events a year, including last year’s NCAA Wrestling Championships. Team orthopaedic surgeons Dr. Jim LeBolt and Dr. Demian Yakel bring a wealth of experience and skill to assist when athletes need orthopaedic consultation for certain types of sports-related injuries. Sean Collins, in his fourth season at Virginia Tech, works with the Hokie wrestling program. He is assisted by student trainer Britnye Kurty.
Support Services
Athletic Trainer Sean Collins works closely with the Tech wrestling team to provide top-notch care.
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ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE Strength and Conditioning
Support Services
One of the most important aspects of a successful college wrestling program is its strength and conditioning program. Before the lights ever come on, before the first whistle Mike Gentry is blown and before the first match is wrestled, college wrestlers work on getting themselves physically prepared for the rigors of a five-month season. Thanks to the direction of Assistant Athletics Director for Athletic Performance Mike Gentry, the Virginia Tech strength and conditioning program is among the best in the nation, helping to make the wrestling program one of the best as well. One of the main support centers of Tech wrestling is the strength and conditioning program. The wrestling team trains in the Jim “Bulldog” Haren Weight Room. Located in Jamerson Athletic Center, the 5,000-square foot weight room was officially dedicated in September, 1985 to Haren, a former Hokie player and long-time supporter of the Virginia Tech Athletics Department. Gentry is in his 23rd season as the Hokies’ director of strength and conditioning. As assistant athletics director for athletic performance, his duties include overseeing the strength and conditioning training of athletes in all 21 varsity sports at Virginia Tech. Assisting Gentry in the weight room this year are four full-time assistant strength and conditioning coaches: Terry Mitchell is the assistant director of strength and conditioning. Former Tech football players Jarrett Ferguson and Keith Short, as well as former Tech softball player Megan, serve as coordinators for strength and conditioning. Mitchell, who handles the strength and conditioning for Tech’s wrestling team, has experience in the Texas Rangers farm system. He graduated from Lee (Tenn.) College in 1994 and earned a master’s in health promotions at Tech in 2004. He is married to the former Terri Thompson, and this is his seventh year with the Hokie wrestling program.
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Sport Psychology
Virginia Tech also offers another important service to all its student-athetes – sport psychology. D r. G a r y B e n ne t t is the coordinator of the sport psychology Gary Bennett department, which offers psychological and performance enhancement services for student-athletes. Bennett, who is in his 10th year as the sport psychologist for the Virginia Tech Athletics Department, also works closely with the Cook Counseling Center. Bennett meets with student-athletes on an individual basis for personal counseling and to discuss the mental aspects of the game. He also works on team building, communication and performance enhancement. The sport psychology department also offers an injury group to afford injured athletes the opportunity to meet with other injured athletes and talk about their recovery process. Injured athletes may also meet individually with the sport psychologists if they do not feel comfortable in the group or cannot make the sessions. One of the sport psychology resources is the Dynavision 2000, a unique conditioning and training program designed to increase focus and concentration, improve coordination and visuomotor reactions and increase peripheral awareness. Virginia Tech is privileged to be one of only a handful of schools with this cuttingedge technology.
Sports Nutrition
Eating healthy and choosing nutritious diets are important aspects of a Virginia Tech studentathlete’s life, and that’s why in July 2002, the athletics department implemented Amy Freel t he s p o r t s nu t r i t io n program. Amy Freel serves as the director. Freel, who is in her eighth year as the sports nutritionist in the Virginia Tech Athletics Department, works individually with studentathletes to provide them with information they need on their diet. She also provides individual players with diet counseling on issues such as gaining lean muscle mass, losing body fat, and eating choices to improve performance. The sports nutritionist works with the “Training Edge,” a dining option for health-conscious students and athletes, to design menus for training tables and daily menu selections. Also in July, 2002, the Virginia Tech Athletics Department purchased the BOD POD body composition system. Tech is one of a handful of college athletic departments using this type of technology. The BOD POD is found in many professional training facilities, such as the NFL and Major League Baseball. It accurately measures body composition (percent of body fat, lean muscle mass and fat mass) through air displacement within five minutes. Research has shown that an increase in lean muscle mass will increase athletic performance. The Sports Nutrition Program has helped countless Tech athletes maximize their athletic performance. Freel received her undergraduate degree in dietetics in 1996 from Ball State University. She became a registered dietitian in 1997 and earned her Master’s degree in dietetics from Ball State in 1998. Tech wrestlers have the luxury of training in both their workout room and in a 5,000-square foot weight room.
STUDENT LIFE A t V i r g i n i a Te c h , student-athletes don’t just play sports. With help from the Athletics Office of Student Life, Hokie student-athletes work outside the athletic arena to develop into community assets and responsible adults. Reyna Gilbert Inspired by the NCAA/ CHAMPS (Changing Athletes’ Minds for Personal Success) Life Skills Program, the Athletics Office of Student Life creates programs designed to enhance student-athletes in five areas of commitment: athletic excellence, academic excellence, personal and leadership development, community service and career development. The program has been previously honored for its commitment to serving the good of the studentathletes by the Division I-A Athletic Director’s Association as a program of excellence. Led by the Virginia Tech Student Athlete Advisory Committee, Hokie student-athletes volunteered countless hours in the local community last year. In addition, over 300 Virginia Tech student-athletes earned a 3.00 grade point average during one or both semesters. The accomplishments in the classroom and the community are all the more impressive given the Hokie student-athletes’ success in the 2008-2009 season. The office is under the guidance of Assistant Athletics Director for Student Life Reyna Gilbert. She is assisted by Student Services Coordinator Danny White.
Student-Athlete Advisory Committee
The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) is a committee made up of studentathletes assembled to provide insight on the student-athlete experience. The SAAC also offers input on the rules, regulations and policies that affect student-athletes’ lives on NCAA member institution campuses. Two members of each sport team serve on SAAC each academic year. The leadership team during 2008-2009 was Beth Walker (softball) - president, Preston Lemon (men’s tennis) – vice president, and Brittany Pryor (track & field) – secretary.
designed to teach student-athletes why they are much sought after for their transferable skills (resiliency, time management, teamwork, competitiveness and ambition).
Academic Excellence
The Virginia Tech Athletics Office of Student Life is responsible for nominating studentathletes for academic honors and awards. Athletes are nominated for on-campus, Atlantic Coast Conference and national awards. Student-athletes with a 3.0 GPA are rewarded each semester by being honored on the Athletic
Director’s Honor Roll. In 2008-2009, 342 studentathletes were named to this prestigious list.
Community Outreach
Virginia Tech student-athletes are involved more than ever in the local community. Having volunteered many hours in the schools, community groups and hospitals, studentathletes are setting a high precedent for all involved with the program. Under the “Hokies with Heart” umbrella, each sports team has a community partner with which they volunteer their time.
Above: The wrestling team’s community partner is Falling Branch Elementary. The team took part in the school’s “Beautification Day” in which they took part in groundskeeping projects the school needed help with. Below: David Marone (left) and Tim Miller (right, top) pose with a group of kids at the Hokie Night at Gilbert Linkous Elementary School.
Personal Development
Support Services
The Office of Student Life aims to help student-athletes lead balanced lifestyles, encouraging emotional well-being, personal growth and decision-making skills. To do so, each team attends two personal development workshops during the year. The workshops educate them in healthy living, service learning, career development, diversity and life skills.
Career Development
Virginia Tech student-athletes savor their collegiate athletic experiences with the understanding that upon graduation, they will need to secure a job. The Student Life Office worked with Becca Scott in the Virginia Tech Career Services Center to create programs
Virginia Tech Wrestling
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ACADEMIC SUPPORT
Whether in the classroom or on the field, expectations placed on Virginia Tech student-athletes remain consistently high year after year. In collaboration with the Tech Athletics Department, Student-Athlete Academic Support Services Greg Beatty (SAASS) works tirelessly to help Hokie student-athletes achieve their full potential. Services available include tutors, study assistance, computer and technology aid as well as individual skill development programs. In addition, SAASS integrates its services with those of the Virginia Tech community, assisting students in arranging appointments with various University departments, such as their academic advisors, the Registrar, the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid, dean’s offices, Career Services, Cook Counseling Center, Cranwell International Center and the Center for Academic Enrichment and Excellence. The department is committed to providing a comprehensive academic and personal development program for student-athletes, offering academic counseling in combination with university academic advising to ensure students receive a complete system of support. Stakeholders of the office’s mission include student-athletes and their families, the university community, coaches and athletics administrators. SAASS seeks to develop relationships with its stakeholders, founded on trust and respect, and provides the following services to accommodate their needs: • University and NCAA information • Orientation • Academic assessment • Development of an effective student life program • Appropriate referrals • Monitored study environments • Tutorial programs • State-of-the-art technological learning assistance • Student-athlete academic performance evaluations
Each team at Virginia Tech is assigned an academic counselor to coordinate individualized support efforts for every team member. Together, SAASS department members assist approximately 500 student-athletes in all areas of academic assistance. In addition, student-athletes have access to the department’s spacious facilities, located in the West Side of Lane Stadium. Opened during the 2006-07 academic year, the SAASS suite, located in the Quillen Family Academic Center, features 18 private tutor rooms, a state-of-the art classroom, a 36-station computer lab with printer access, a conference room, three quiet areas for reading and studying and a reference
library. The office is available between classes, after practice and in the evenings. Jermaine Holmes is in his first year at Virginia Tech as the director of Student-Athlete Support Services. As director, Holmes provides leadership for SAASS, and along with a staff of 10, oversees the development and execution of programs aimed to help Hokie student-athletes balance their academic and athletic demands and achieve success in both areas. Greg Beatty serves as advisor for the Hokie wrestling squad. Terrie Repass enters her 35th year of service at Tech as the office secretary and first contact person for SAASS.
Matt Epperly takes advantage of one of the many resources the Virginia Tech Student-Athlete Academic Support Services has to offer.
Support Services
COMPUTER SERVICES
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Another example of Virginia Tech’s commitment to providing its studentathletes with the best academic resources possible is the presence of the Computer Services department, under the direction of Tommy Regan. Because all Tech students are required to own computers, the Virginia Tech athletics department helps its scholarship athletes fulfill that requirement by providing them with state-of-the-art laptops equipped with the most recent software. In addition to procuring laptops for the athletes, the office also addresses hardware and software needs for the student-athletes and the entire Virginia Tech athletics staff. Assisting Regan this year is Chris Mayer.
2009-2010 Hokies
Tommy Regan
Chris Mayer
2009-2010 SCHEDULE Nov. 7 Kent State 1 p.m. 7 Chattanooga 5 p.m. 8 at Hokie Open All Day ACC Challenge Duals 15 vs. American 11 a.m. 15 vs. Bucknell 1 p.m. 15 vs. Gardner-Webb 3 p.m. 21 at Navy Classic All Day 27 Newberry 5 p.m. 27 Campbell 7 p.m. Dec. 4-5 at Cliff Keen Las Vegas Open All Day Jan. 4 Appalachian State 6 p.m. 8 at Virginia Duals TBA 9 at Virginia Duals TBA 16 North Carolina * 2 p.m. 17 Gardner-Webb 4 p.m. Matt Rosen
Tim Miller
Matt Epperly
17 UNC Greensboro 6 p.m. 23 at Virginia * 1 p.m. 29 Central Michigan 7 p.m. Rumble on the River 31 vs. Duke * 2 p.m. Feb. 5 at Lehigh 7 p.m. 6 at Maryland * 7 p.m. 13 at NC State * 1 p.m. Andrew Lewis Middle School 21 Old Dominion 8 p.m. Mar. 6-20 at ACC Championships All Day