WRESTLERS TAKE THREE TITLES AT NAVY CLASSIC

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (November 22,2003) West Virginia University wrestled to a second-place team finish while sending five wrestlers to championship matches Saturday at the Navy Classic in Halsey Field House.

"It was disappointing not to wrestle our entire starting lineup," says head coach Craig Turnbull. "Fortunately, the guys who filled in performed at a high level. We had some newcomers show some promise today which is very encouraging."

Senior Joe Clarke (141), junior Matt Daddino (197), and sophomore Matt Lebe (157) each took home tournament titles in iheir respective weight classes.

Senior Mike Torriero (149) and freshman Zac Fryling (165) both earned runner-up finishes for the Mountaineers.

Torriero dropped a 15-4 decision to Jake Giamoni at 149, a match much closer than score indicated. Perhaps thc best match of the day belonged to true freshman Fryling. Fryling fell in lhe 165 finals to Dustin Kawa of North Carolina State. The match was tied 7-7 mid-way through the third period. Kawa would score a takedown with three seconds remaining to edge Fryling, 9-7.

West Virginia had eight grapplers finish in the top-four on Saturday. Also giving strong performances were Casey Brewster (125), Nathan Kendjorsky (125) and Eric Mullen (165). WVU wrestled without Troy Forte (125), Greg Jones (184), Seth Lisa (133) and Brent Millcr (HWT).

Ww next competes at the Las Vegas Invitational on Dec. 5-6.

Navy Classic: Final Team Scores
1 - The Citadel 110
2. West Virginia 103
3. Navy 95
4. Rutgers 94
5 N.C. State 88
6. Kent State 60
7. McDaniel College 17.5