May 4, 2000

BLACKSBURG, Va. - Brent Rider and Phil Niklowicz have signed national letters-of-intent to wrestle for the Hokies next season, Virginia Tech head wrestling coach Keith Mourlam announced Thursday.

Rider, a native of Waverly, N.Y., captured the New York state championship at 140 pounds for Tioga High School in 1999. As a senior, Rider earned a second-place finish at the same weight. A five-year letterwinner and three-time state qualifier, Rider posted a career record of 185-18. Rider, who also was a three-year letterwinner in football and a four-year letterwinner in baseball, will wrestle at 149 pounds for the Hokies.

"We are excited about Brent joining our program next year," said Mourlam. "He is strong, physical and very competitive. We believe that he can make an impact to our lineup right away."

Niklowicz, a native of Caro, Mich., was a two-time Michigan state champion for Caro High School. Niklowicz captured the 125-pound state title in 1999 and the 135-pound crown in 2000. He finished third at 119 pounds in 1998 and finished fifth at 112 pounds in 1997. Nikowicz holds the school record for most wins in a season (58) and for most career wins (214). Niklowicz, who also earned two letters in both cross country and football, will wrestle at 133 pounds for Tech.

"Phil will be a great addition to our program," said Mourlam. "He is the type of wrestler that really fits our style here at Virginia Tech. Phil also will be in our lineup right away."

Virginia Tech recently completed one of its best seasons in school history. The Hokies finished third at the EWL Championships, crowned two All-Americans and finished 19th at the NCAA Championships.