Nov. 25, 2008

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Old Dominion 125-pounder James Nicholson, ranked 5th in the country, wrestled his third nationally ranked opponent in three days as he appeared in the 43rd NWCA All-Star Classic on Monday and dropped a 6-2 decision to #3 Charlie Falck (Iowa). Nicholson is 6-0 on the season for ODU and in dual competition dropped #6 Obenson Blanc (Oklahoma State) and #16 Joey Fio (Oklahoma) this weekend.

"James Nicholson gave Old Dominion University tremendous exposure Monday night when he wrestled #3 charlie falck of iowa," said head coach Steve Martin. "This event was primarily represented by Big Ten and Big 12 school; Nicholson was the only CAA wrestler there. He took on the task of weighing in three days in a row and competing and he beat #6 Obie Blanc on Saturday, #16 Joey Fio on sunday and lost to #3 Falck in a match tonight that was tied with a minute and half left. This event is the most prestegious event besides the NCAA Tournament and will definitely help give more exposure to the CAA and our university."

Nicholson battled against Falck, taking a 2-2 tie into the third period. Falck started down in the third and escaped to go up one before adding another takedown and the riding time point for the final score, 6-2. The exhibition was the second time these two had wrestled, as the pair also wrestled a tight match last season.

This weekend, ODU will travel to the Northeast Duals and will face three talented programs in Harvard, who is receiving votes in the national poll, #5 Missouri, and Bloomsburg.