First NAIA national competition

Th e Flames wrestling team became thefirst LBC team tocompete in NAIA national competition, finishing 18th out of a field of 80 teams.

The team was ranked 20th in the nationin thelast poll ofthe"Amateur Wrestling News," theofficial spokesman for collegewrestling.

Ten wrestlers qualified for the national competition by capturing first place in the NAIA District 19 meet.

When Dave Damron underwent knee surgery for torn ligaments and Howard Johnson's role in the 167-pound weight class was filled by Mark Brooks, eight ofthe original 10wrestlers were left to make the trip to Oklahoma.

These included Mike Speer at 118 pounds; Jim Matney, 134pounds; JesseCastro, 142 pounds;Steve lies, 150 pounds; Bill Fox,158 pounds; Mark Brooks, 167pounds;Rick Adams,177 pounds and Marc Eaton, HWT. Castro made the return tripto LBC asthe Flame's firstNAIA All-Americanafter placing fourth inthe tournament.In the second round Castro defeated the runner-up of the NCAA (continued on page 135)

Senior Jesse Castro rides his Appalachian State opponent on his way to winning thematch before an emotional LBC crowd. His opponent was ranked 14th in the nation inNCAA Division I.

Jim Matney, oneoffive senior wrestlers, scores a near fall against his South Carolina State opponent. Matney captured firstplace inthe 134pound class before the home crowd atthe LBC Invitational.

Senior BillFox scores against yet another opponent. Fox culminated his1980-81 season with an eighth place finish attheNAIAnationals. Fox qualified for Honorable Mention AllAmerican status.

Rick Adams, a senior from Great Bridge, Va. prepares to flip aSouth Carolina State wrestler on his way to a victoryinthe 177-pound weight class. Adams finished secondin theLBC annual tournament.

After victories in the AA U southern atlantic regionals,