Feb. 24, 2002

Norfolk, VA-The Old Dominion wrestling squad picked up their fifth win in their last six matches, downing Howard 37-8 this afternoon at the ODU fieldhouse. The Bison were victorious in just one bout all afternoon and forfeited three weight classes.

The lower weights were the scene of the afternoon's most intense matches as sophomore John Starkes (Chesapeake, VA) came from behind to defeat HU's Reginald Torrance 6-3 and senior Paul Jimenez (Norfolk, VA) prevailed in a overtime thriller against Derek Butts.

Old Dominion's Jesse Pearce (Norfolk, VA) and Jeff Rusak (Reading, PA) posted dominating wins over their competition to wrap up the match. Both wrestlers scored easy technical falls, Pearce 18-3 over Brandon Hogan and Rusak 20-5 over James Blanton.

Howard's lone win of the afternoon came in the heavyweight bout, where Adrian Thompson used a second period escape to defeat ODU's Derrell Lorthridge (Wilmington, DE) 1-0.

The Bison had one team point deducted for unsportsmanlike conduct following the 133 lb. bout.

Jeff Rusak (#4 InterMat/ #4 AWN) can finish his collegiate career undefeated in dual meet competition if he can win next Thursday. His career record now stands at 129-17 and 53-0 in dual meets. Rusak is 29-0 this season with 15 pins.

The Monarchs, 5-9 overall, will wrap up their regular season on Thursday with George Mason. It will be the final home match for seniors Paul Jimenez, Brad Krepps, Matt Small and Jeff Rusak.

ODU 37, HU 8
285-Adrian Thompson (HU) dec. Derrell Lorthridge, 1-0
125-John Starkes (ODU) dec. Reginald Torrance, 6-3
133-Paul Jimenez (ODU) dec. Derek Butts, 8-6 OT
141-Blake Romano (ODU) wins by forfeit
149-Headley Murray (HU) wins by forfeit
157-Jesse Pearce (ODU) TF Brandon Hogan, 18-3
165-Dave Kaplan (ODU) dec. Ephraim Walker, 4-3
174-Jeff Rusak (ODU) TF James Blanton, 20-5
184-John Adams (ODU) wins by forfeit
197-Greg Gill (ODU) wins by forfeit