NO.7 WVU HEADS TO NWCA NATIONAL DUALS

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (January 16, 2003) – The seventh-ranked West Virginia University wrestling team (2-1, 1-0) will be among the top 16 dual teams in the nation this weekend in Columbus, Ohio, for the Cliff Keen/National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) National Duals.

This will be the Mountaineers seventh appearance at the tournament since its inception in 1988-89 season. West Virginia has placed twice (sixth in 1998 and eighth in 1991). WVU is seeded sixth this year and will face No.12 Oklahoma in the first round.

"It is very significant to be invited to a tournament that assembles the top dual teams in the nation," head coach Craig Turnbull said. "There is no easy road in this tournament. We are seeded sixth but we still drew a power in Oklahoma, which speaks volumes about the strength of the tournament.

"Every team we face is going to be a challenge," he added. "I think this will be a tremendous experience for our team."

Nine of West Virginia's ten starters are ranked in two of the major wrestling polls, including No.1 Greg Jones (174), No.7 Billy Smith (149) and No.8 Tom McMath (165).

The tournament will begin on Saturday, January 18 and continue on Sunday, January 19. All dual matches will be available on live webcast at The Amateur Wrestling Show's web site http://members.citynet.net/sites/taws. Results will be posted on Ohio State's athletic web site, www.ohiostatebuckeyes.com.

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