February 20, 2000

CLARION, Pa. (February 20, 2000) - The Virginia Tech wrestling team won eight of 10 weight classes en route to a 35-9 decision over Clarion University in an Eastern Wrestling League wrestling match in Clarion, Pa., on Sunday.

Mike Akers and Scott Justus led the Hokies with pins at 125 and 184 pounds, respectively. Chris Martin earned a technical fall for Tech at 165 pounds, while Jeremy Gaysek won by forfeit at 141 pounds. Christian Basnight (197 pounds), Mike Mercado (133 pounds), Sean Gray (149 pounds) and Eric Hall (174 pounds) all earned regular decisions.

With the win, Tech closes out the regular season with a 9-7 overall record and a 2-4 mark in the EWL. The Hokies will next be in action on March 4-5 at the EWL Championships in Pittsburgh.

VIRGINIA TECH 35, CLARION 9

197 Christian Basnight (VT) dec. Jesse Shirey, 9-4 3-0

HWT Josh Testa (CU) dec. Doug Easlick, 12-5 3-3

125 Mike Akers (VT) pinned Mike Snyder, 1:30 9-3

133 Mike Mercado (VT) dec. Mike Diaz, 11-4 12-3

141 Jeremy Gaysek (VT) won by forfeit 18-3

149 Sean Gray (VT) dec. Stan Spoor, 6-0 21-3

157 Pete Kroshefskie (CU) pinned Jesse Street, 4:15 21-9

165 Chris Martin (VT) tech. fall Shane McChesney, 6:55 26-9

174 Eric Hall (VT) dec. Brad Harris, 10-8 ot 29-9

184 Scott Justus (VT) pinned Aaron Mitchell, 1:06 35-9