Kilgore Leads Flashes at Hokie Open
11/7/2010 12:00:00 AM | Wrestling
SALEM, Va. - Junior Dustin Kilgore (197) proved why he is No. 3 in the nation and true freshman Tyler Small (133) made a lasting first impression on the college wrestling world as Kent State had a strong showing Sunday at the Hokie Open. Seven Golden Flashes placed in the top six led by a first place from Kilgore and third places by Small and senior Matt Cathell (157).
Kilgore went 4-0 on the day, winning a pair of bouts by technical fall. His only close match came in the finals, a 9-7 victory over No. 10 Jerome Ward of Iowa State.
"The score was close but he pretty much dominated the whole match," Head Coach Jim Andrassy said.
Small went 4-1 in his first collegiate competition with his only setback coming in overtime of the semifinals to Old Dominion's Kyle Hutter 7-5. Small also recorded his first pin.
"Tyler's a gamer," Andrassy said. "He did extremely well for his first tournament and his only loss came against a tough opponent."
Cathell also went 4-1 Sunday, tallying three pins and one major decision. His only loss came to Virginia Tech's Pete Yates, who went on to win the championship at 157.
"Matt's one of the guys that opponents just don't know what to expect from and he was bowling guys over today," Andrassy said. "He lost a close match. And that's one those that we're going to need when we face Virginia Tech next week."
Junior Chase Skonieczny (141) finished 5-1 Sunday with a pair of major decisions on his way to a fifth place.
"He's another guy whose style is hard to wrestle against," Andrassy said. "All three of his losses this year are to All-Americans and those types of guys have been able to figure him out. Chase needs to learn how to go head-to-head with those top-notch guys."
Redshirt freshman Brandonn Johnson (174), sophomore Stevie Mitcheff (125) and junior Ross Tice (165) all claimed sixth place. Going 6-2 with a major decision, Mitcheff piled up the most wins on the day.
"That was the best Stevie's ever done at a college tournament," Andrassy said. "And we think he's starting to turn the corner."
Johnson, who was among the most impressive Sunday, according to Andrassy, went 4-2 with a pair of pins. His first loss came at the hands of All-American Jon Reader of Iowa State. In his fifth place match, Johnson was tied 1-1, before getting caught on his back.
Tice, sophomores Casey Newburg (184) and Keith Witt (184) and senior Sli Bostelman (157) all went 3-2. Sophomore Tommy Sasfy was one win away from placing, going 4-2 on the day.
Senior Chris Estep (174), junior Ryan Buckner (197) and redshirt freshman T.J. Keklak all came away with two victories.
"Overall we wrestled harder today than yesterday," Andrassy said. "There are a few guys that had disappointing weekends, but overall today was a good step in the right direction."
The Golden Flashes (1-1) head to Hershey, Pa. Saturday, Nov. 13 for dual meets against Virginia, North Carolina and Virginia Tech.
