WVU Defeats Titans in California Opener

By Steve Stone
WVU Sports Information Office

January 3, 2008

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The West Virginia University wrestling team got off to a good start in their two-day California road swing by defeating Cal State Fullerton,27-12, in a dual meet on Wednesday, January 2, in Fullerton, Calif.

The Mountaineers (2-1) scored an impressive victory over the Titans (3-3) after winning seven of 10 bouts, including two pin falls.

WVU received an immediate boost as two-time All-American Brandon Rader (141) returned to the starting lineup after battling a knee injury and pinned Fullerton’s Teddy Astorga in 1:30. Senior Zac Fryling (157) also pinned Devin Velasquez of the Titans in 3:25 to cap a dominant victory.

Junior Jared Garvin (133) went the distance in his first start of the season, defeating Armando Gonzalez in a 2-1 decision that lasted two overtimes. In the lightweight division, Kyle Turnbull (125) improved to 2-1 on the season with a 4-2 decision over Andre Gonzalez.

At 184 pounds, Kurt Brenner earned an impressive win over No. 14-ranked Ian Murphy. Brenner scored a 3-2 decision to continue his fast start. Senior Jared Villers (197), who leads the team with seven wins, followed with an 8-3 decision over John Drake. Chance Litton (174) also contributed with a 6-0 decision over the Titans’ Todd Noel.

Cal State Fullerton followed its first dual loss with a victory over Oregon, 22-17, in the second meet of the night.


West Virginia 27 Cal State Fullerton 12
HWT - Wade Sauer (CSF) dec. Dustin Rogers (WVU), 7-6
125 - Kyle Turnbull (WVU) dec. Andre Gonzalez (CSF), 4-2
133 - Jared Garvin (WVU) dec. Armando Gonzalez (CSF), 2-1 in 2OT
141 - Brandon Rader (WVU) pinned Teddy Astorga (CSF), 1:30
149 - Morgan Atkinson (CSF) dec. David Jauregui (WVU), 4-3
157 - Zac Fryling (WVU) pinned Devin Velasquez (CSF), 3:25
165 - Teddy Bristol (CSF) pinned Donald Jones (WVU), 3:50
174 - Chance Litton (WVU) dec. Todd Noel (CSF), 6-0
184 - Kurt Brenner (WVU) dec. Ian Murphy (CSF), 3-2
197 - Jared Villers (WVU) dec. John Drake (CSF), 8-3

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