By: Amber Miller
Virginia Tech wrestling had its best season in the programs history finishing fourth in the NCAA Wrestling Championships. The annual Maroon and Orange scrimmage this past Saturday determine the starters for the Hokies season opener. Results are below:
125- Joey Dance
133- Dominic Latona
141- Dennis Gustafson
149- Solomon Chishko
157- Sal Mastriani
165- Mike Ciavarro
174- Zach Epperly
184- Zack Zavatsky
197- Jared Haught
Heavyweight: Ty Walz
Last season, the Hokies had six All-Americans in the year of 2016: Ty Walz (4th at HWT), David McFadden (6th at 165lb), Jared Haught (6th at 197lb), Zach Epperly (3 rd at 174lb), Solomon Chisko (6th at 141lb), and Nick Brascetta (3rd at 157lb).
Head coach of the Virginia Tech wrestling program, Kevin Dresser, is entering his 11th season with the Hokies. He was hired in April of 2006 and has continued to build the program ever since. His recruiting skills are off the charts, having a top 25 recruit in each incoming class. Coach Dresser comments on the intrasquad, “I thought today was a very good start… this week will be a critical week for us to progress.”
Virginia Tech is entering the 2016-17 seasons ranked No. 6 by InterMat and No. 4 by FloWrestling. A big year is expected with nine NCAA qualifiers, six All-Americans and two defending ACC champions returning. The Hokies will host Edinboro and VMI this Saturday, Nov.5, at 1pm in Cassell Coliseum. Watch live on WatchESPN or follow @VT_Wrestling for updates on the Hokies.
The Hokies have an interesting schedule ahead. They will travel to Las Vegas for an Invitational on December 2 nd and 3rd . Virginia Duals will take place in Hampton, VA on January 13th and 14th.
The Hokies will appear in the Moss Arts Center on November 3 rd against Chattanooga at 1pm. You can purchase tickets here:
Later in the season, they will return to the Moss Arts Center against Duke on January 29th at 4pm. Check out the remainder of the Hokies schedule, promotions, and channels in which the Hokies will be featured here: http://www.hokiesports.com/wrestling/schedule/