Appalachian wrestlers (L to R) Terryl Williams, Tommy Hutchinson, Scott Ervin, Eddie Hutchinson and Neal Martin (Photo: ASU Athletics)

Winter Sports Previews: Wrestling
by ASU Sports Information

Nov. 8, 2007 - This is the first of a three-part series previewing the 2007-08 winter sports seasons. Make sure to check back to GoASU.com on Friday for the men's basketball preview and on Monday for the women's basketball preview.

In 2007-08, Appalachian State University Wrestling looks for a return to dominance. After a 2006-07 season that fell short of expectations, many expect the Mountaineers to re-gain their place at the top of the SoCon.

“Injuries will be the key for us this season,” said head coach Paul Mance. “If we can stay healthy, we have the opportunity to be one of the best teams in the conference this season.”

125

Sophomore Frank Celorrio returns as the first option at 125. In 2006-07, Celorrio finished his freshman season with a 9-13 record, including a fourth-place finish at the SoCon Mat Jam. Pressuring Celorrio will be sophomore Corey Hulsey, who had 15 appearances a year ago. Freshman Austin Annas and sophomore John Harkey are other options.

133

Senior Terreyl Williams returns with his 33-17 career record including a 13-0 mark in 2006-07 before his season was cut short due to injury. Williams has placed second and fourth at the SoCon Mat Jam in 2005 and 2006 respectively. Behind Williams are freshman Mark Taylor and sophomores Miles Keene and Alex Brown.

141

Senior Marcus Cox returns after also missing the 2006-07 season. Cox is the owner of a 33-22 record, including a 24-13 mark in 2005-06. Backing up Cox will be redshirt junior Ryan Scott. Scott missed the 2006-07 season and posted a 6-11 record in 2005-06. Also fighting for time is freshmen Mike Kessler, Ben Cloninger and Michael Cox as well as sophomore Garett Minor.

149

Senior SoCon Champion Scott Ervin returns to defend his title and improve upon his fifth-round finish at the 2006 NCAA Championships. Last season, Ervin defeated the No. 2 ranked wrestler at the NCAA Championships and posted a 27-5 record that included the 149-pound championship at the Keystone Classic. Ervin holds a 49-17 overall record and 22-6 mark in dual matches. Behind Ervin is sophomore Zack Martin. Other options include sophomore Mark Maya and freshmen Chip Powell and Derek Carmichael.

157

Senior Eddie Hutchinson is first choice at 157 with a 25-33 overall record and 12-15 in 2006-07. He notched a third-place finish at the 2007 SoCon Mat Jam. Other options include freshmen Alex Cooke and Cody Bradshaw.

165

Senior Tommy Hutchinson leads the way in the 165-pound weight class following a 11-17 overall record and a fourth- place finish at the 2007 SoCon Mat Jam. Behind Hutchinson on the depth chart is sophomore Brett Houghton, who did not see action in 2006-07. He is the holder of a 5-12 record in the 2005-06 season. Other options include sophomores Antione Jones and Brandon Young, as well as freshmen Alex Cooke and Senior Ken Kepley.

174

At 174-pounds, the Mountaineers lack depth, but have one of the league’s best with Neal Martin. Last season Martin was an at-large qualifier for the NCAA Championships. Martin, a senior this season, owns an impressive 62-40 career record and finished the season at 28-14 in 2006-07. Martin finished third at the SoCon Mat Jam after a first-round defeat, but battled back to earn a trip to Auburn Hills, Mich., where he went 0-2 at the NCAA Championship.

184

At 184, the Mountaineers look to a pair of freshmen to make quick impacts. Dylan Temple and Austin Trotman are the frontrunners, while a third freshman, Glen Holmes, looks to pressure a move to the top.

197

Sophomore Brandon Brothers returns at 197 and brings experience to the 197-pound class. He looks to build on his freshman season. Looking to pressure Brothers is freshman John Allen Griswold.

HWT

The heavyweight class boasts a pair of juniors with match experience. Jared Campbell returns after missing the 2006-07 season due to injury. Campbell is the owner of a 13-15 career record. Junior Derrick Calloway has appeared in 12 career matches including nine last season.

Appalachian’s schedule is one of the toughest in the nation as the Mountaineers face ACC powerhouses Virginia and Virginia Tech, and travel to five national tournaments, including the Reno Tournament of Champions, the Keystone Classic and the Southern Scuffle. Five home matches highlight the slate including Appalachian’s first ever single dual-match at the Holmes Convocation Center on January 19. ASU will host Virginia, at 6 p.m. following the 3 p.m. men’s basketball game against Georgia Southern.