A Wrestling Preview: Virginia Tech Vs. Campbell

Matchup: Campbell University (0-0, 0-0 SoCon) @ #21 Virginia Tech (0-0, 0-0 ACC)

When: Nov. 5, 2011 5:00 PM

Venue: Salem Civic Center, Salem, VA (Capacity: 6,820)

• Address: 1001 Roanoke Boulevard, Salem, VA 24153
• Directions

                 From Lynchburg: Take I-460 West to the intersection 419 South and follow the signs.

                 From Richmond: Take I-64 West to 81 South to exit 141 to intersection 419 South and follow the signs.

                 From Norfolk/Virginia Beach: Take I-81 to exit 141 to intersection 419 South and follow the signs.

                 From Western Virginia: Interstate 81, third Salem exit (141) Follow signs on Route 419 south.

Campbell

The Campbell Camels are ranked 4th in the Southern Conference, but only because there is some stiff competition in front of them. The Camels have a very young team this season. Their roster include 23 true freshman wrestlers with only two seniors, one is a 4th year senior, Joel Caudill, who had a record of 0-15 last year. The other senior is a redshirt senior with no match experience last season. Before the Camels come to Salem to take on the Hokies at 5 PM, they are scheduled to make a stop in Charlottesville, VA for the Cavalier Duals. While in HooVille, the Camels will take on Anderson University and the University of Virginia. This will make for a long day for the Camels.

Campbell's Stud

John Merickel (Jr.) 184

Merickel finished his 2010-2011 campaign with an overall record of 11-18. His dual meet record was 9-13 and he had one pin and one major decision as the 184 pound starter last year for the Camels.

Hokies

Depending on which poll you look at, the Hokies come into this match ranked anywhere between #12 and #21 in the country. IntermatWrestle, the most reliable rankings in my opinion, put us at #21 to start the season. We are pre-season #2 in the ACC, but expect the ACC to be very competitive this year. Saturday's match versus Campbell marks the first competition for the Hokies this year and will be followed by the Hokie Open Sunday November 6th, beginning at 9 AM. The venue for this tournament is the Salem Civic Center as well.

Hokie's Studs

#6 Devin Carter (So.) 133

Devin finished his 2010-2011 season with an overall record of 35-7 with a perfect 5-0 record in the ACC. Carter was the ACC Champion at 133 pounds last year and was one round from All-American status in the NCAA tournament last year.

#7 Jesse Dong (Sr.) 157

Jesse began his 2010-2011 season as a redshirt, but it was pulled in January. His career record is 19-18 with a conference record of 10-3. Jesse is a two-time ACC Champion.

#16 Pete Yates (R-Jr.) 165

Yates holds a career record of 69-24 and a career conference record of 9-0. Pete made the NCAA Tournament last year, where he upset the #11 seed out of Iowa in the 1st round.

#19 David Marone (R-Sr.) HWT

Marone boasts a career record of 69-36, ACC record of 11-3, and earned an at large bid to the NCAA Championships last year. He made the most of it as he was one match from the All-American round.

Matchup to Watch

184 Pounds

John Dickson vs. John Dickson

Prediction

Fully expect Virginia Tech to dominate this match from start to finish. The Camels do not return any starters from last year who had a 2010-2011 record over .500.