Nov. 23, 2002

The Old Dominion University Wrestling Team got off to a good start as they captured first place finishes in six weight classes to come out on top in the team standings. Head Coach Grey Simons stated that this was "a good way to re-evaluate what his team needed to focus on" and that he "was pleased with his younger team members". Senior Ben Summerlin, (Lynchburg, VA) showed his capacity for leadership as he easily won by fall in :21 seconds in his first bout of the day, going on to easily win the title in the 174 weight class.

Junior Greg Gill, (Chesapeake, VA) also gathered a fall and a major decision as he made his way to the top of his bracket. Derrell Lorthridge, (Wilmington, DE) also a junior showed that he will once again be a major factor as he and freshman teammate, Stelios Adractas (Burke, VA/285) mutually defaulted the Championship bout in the heavyweight round. Chris Buckner (Chesapeake, VA/133), and Adam Wright (Bridgewater, VA/184) each finished first in their respective classes showing that ODU will have a lot to offer in the coming year and beyond. Assistant Coach Joe Baranik was also pleased with the team indicating that Monarch fans "haven't seen anything yet, we still have stallions in the stable" referring to the rest of their newcomers, a total of 11 freshman this year.

Newport News Apprentice took second place with a good showing of three first place finishes and two second place wrestlers. Anderson placed third with Delaware State rounding out the team competition. For all schools involved it was a good day of serious competition and a positive way to start out the season.

The Monarchs head to Chapel Hill next Saturday for the Carolina Open, a competition which, Coach Simons says they are eagerly anticipating.

1st Place Rounds
125	Bessinger (APP) Dec Pollack (AND), 6-3
133	Buckner (ODU) Dec McAuliffe (APP), 7-3
141	Peters (APP) Dec Sichak (ODU), 5-4
149	Vecchione (APP) Dec Merry (AND), 8-4
157	Whitby (ODU) Dec Leming (APP), 12-8
165	Smith (DEL ST) Dec Kaplan (ODU), 5-3
174	Summerlin (ODU) Dec Robertson (AND), 5-3
184	Wright (ODU) TF Qualls (APP), 4:30
197	Gill (ODU) Dec Foley (DEL ST), 5-2
285	Default (ODU)


3rd Place Rounds
133	Busch (ODU) Dec Rubeson (DEL ST), 8-3
141	Braun (UNATT) default
157	Gosnell (ODU) MD Goodale (ODU), 12-3
165	Poynter (AND) Dec Keitt (DEL ST), 5-0
174	Adams (ODU) TF Hall (DEL ST), 4:21
184	Dolida (ODU) F Robinson (AND), 2:07
197	Dollar (AND) Dec Hansen (APP), 13-8
285	Fletcher (AND) Dec Stackhouse (APP), 4-3