February 19, 2006

BLACKSBURG, Va. - Despite scoring its most points of the season, the Virginia Tech wrestling team fell 25-21 to NC State on Sunday afternoon, as the Hokies celebrated senior day.

The two Hokie (1-16, 1-4 ACC) seniors, 17^th-ranked David Hoffman at 141 pounds and 9^th-ranked Mike Faust at heavyweight, both won in their final home matches. They were recognized in a prematch ceremony.

At 125 pounds, sophomore Justin Staylor started the Hokies off off on a high note with a pin of Jeremy Hartrum in 4:30. Freshman Sheridan Moran lost a 9-4 decision to the Wolfpack's (11-5-1, 3-2-1 ACC) Garrett Cummings at 133 pounds.

Hoffman was up 6-2 at 141 pounds before pinning Jalil Dozier in 3:44.

Tech dropped the next two matches, as junior Joe Thompson lost by technical fall to NC State's Joe Caramanica at 149 pounds, 19-2. Freshman Dave Kiley was pinned in 0:41 seconds by Kody Hamrah at 157 pounds.

At 165 pounds, Junior transfer Tucker Michels won his third match in a row with a 10-6 decision over Obie Simpson. He took a quick 5-0 lead after the first period with a takedown and a three-point near fall to claim an early advantage, and held off Simpson with a series of escapes in the second and third periods.

Sophomore Steve Ratley also picked up a win for the Hokies, defeating Rick Brownlee 7-3 at 174 pounds.

NC State's Jeremy Colbert won at 184 pounds by technical fall over freshman Mark Czarny, 17-0. The Wolfpack's Ryan Goodman won by forfeit at 197 pounds.

Faust's match at heavyweight was one of the most exciting of the afternoon, as he earned his 30^th victory of the season with a 3-2 win over Jainor Palma. Up 3-1 in the third period, Palma made it close with an escape in the final seconds, but Faust was able to hold on for the win.

The Hokies next wrestle at the ACC Championships on March 4 at Virginia Military Institute.

NC State 25

Virginia Tech 21

125 - Justin Staylor (VT) fall Jeremy Hartrum, 4:30

133 - Garrett Cummings (NCST) dec. Sheridan Moran, 9-4

141 - #17 David Hoffman (VT) fall Jalil Dozier, 3:44

149 - Joe Caramanica (NCST) tech. fall Joe Thompson, 19-2

157 - Kody Hamrah (NCST) fall Dave Kiley, 0:41

165 - Tucker Michels (VT) dec. Obie Simpson, 10-6

174 - Steve Ratley (VT) dec. Rick Brownlee, 7-3

184 - Jeremy Colbert (NCST) tech. fall Mark Czarny, 17-0

197 - #13 Ryan Goodman (NCST) win by forfeit

285 - #9 Mike Faust (VT) dec. Jainor Palma, 3-2