RICHMOND, Va. (November 3, 2009) - The Colonial Athletic Association has announced its wrestling Silver Anniversary team, which includes 22 All-America honorees and 10 former CAA Wrestlers of the Year.
As part of its 25th Anniversary celebration in 2009-10, the CAA is recognizing Silver Anniversary teams in 21 championship sports. The teams are selected by a panel of current and former coaches in the conference.
Members of the CAA Silver Anniversary team for wrestling are:
Mike Coyle (James Madison), John Curtis (George Mason), Jason DeBruin (Hofstra), Josh Feldman (Virginia Tech), Matt Finacchio (George Mason), Don Fisch (Rider), Sean Gray (Virginia Tech), Charles Griffin (Hofstra), Nick Hall(Old Dominion), Ryan Hluschak (Drexel), Chris Martin (Virginia Tech), Jon Masa (Hofstra), James Nicholson (Old
Dominion), Michael Patrovich (Hofstra), Josh Patterson (Binghamton), Rob Rebmann (Drexel), Lou Ruggirello(Hofstra), Jeff Rusak (Old Dominion), Chris Skretkowicz (Hofstra), Jody Staylor (Old Dominion), James Strouse (Hofstra), Doug Umbehauer (Rider), Chris Weidman (Hofstra), Ryan Williams (Old Dominion) and Payam Zarrinpour (Sacred Heart).
Wrestling began as a conference sport in the CAA with seven teams in 1991-92. Membership varied with nine different schools competing in the league during the first decade. In 2001-02 the CAA merged with the East Coast Wrestling Association (ECWA), increasing membership to 12 schools. Currently, eight teams compete for the CAA championship.
Hofstra has captured all eight CAA wrestling championships since joining the conference in 2001-02. George Mason has won five CAA titles (1992, 1995-97, 2001) and James Madison (1999, 2000) and Virginia Tech (1993, 1998) have claimed a pair of championships. Old Dominion won the CAA championship in 1994. Individually, the Monarchs have had two wrestlers finish as national runner-up at the NCAA Wrestling Championship - Jody Staylor (126 lbs) in 1994 and Ryan Williams (141 lbs) in 2009.
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CAA Wrestling 25th Anniversary Team
Mike Coyle - James Madison - 1995‐2000 - Phillipsburg, N.J.
- CAA Athlete of the Year and NCAA All‐American in 2000
- Two‐time CAA Champion (141 pounds in 1999, 133 pounds in 2000)
- JMU's Most Outstanding Wrestler in 1999 and 2000
John Curtis - George Mason - 1989‐1993 - Fairfax, Va.
- Three‐time NCAA qualifier and two‐time All‐American (1992, 1993)
- CAA Athlete of the Year and CAA Champion at 190 pounds in 1992 and 1993
- Tied for third on George Mason's career wins list with 113
Jason DeBruin - Hofstra - 1997‐2002 - Spencerport, N.Y.
- Four‐time NCAA qualifier who posted a 135‐36 career record
- Four‐time conference champion (141 & 149 pounds)
- Named Most Outstanding Wrestler at 2002 CAA Championship
Josh Feldman - Virginia Tech - 1990‐94 - Dunwoody, Ga.
- Three‐time NCAA qualifier who earned All‐America honors in 1994
- CAA heavyweight champion in 1992, 1993 and 1994
- Posted a career record of 85‐23‐1
Matt Finacchio - George Mason - 1993‐95 - West Point, Pa.
- Two‐time NCAA qualifier who earned All‐America honors in 1995
- CAA Champion in 1994 (118 lbs.) and 1995 (126 lbs.)
- Won the Virginia State Intercollegiate championship in 1995 (126 lbs.)
Don Fisch - Rider - 2003‐08 - Williamstown, N.J.
- Four‐time NCAA qualifier who received All‐America honors in 2007
- CAA Champion in 2005 (141 lbs.) and 2008 (149 lbs)
- CAA Rookie of the Year in 2003‐04 and Rider Athlete of the Year in 2006‐07
Sean Gray - Virginia Tech - 1998‐2002 - Flemington, N.J.
- CAA Champion at 134 pounds and CAA Rookie of the Year in 1998
- Two‐time NCAA All‐America selection
- Compiled a career record of 131‐17
Charles Griffin - Hofstra - 2004‐08 - Reading, Pa.
- Four‐time NCAA qualifier and two‐time NCAA All‐American (2007 & 2008)
- CAA Wrestler of the Year in 2007 and 2008 and Rookie of the Year in 2005
- Three‐time CAA champion (133 & 141) who compiled a career record of 126‐25
Nick Hall - Old Dominion - 1991‐96 - Middle Island, N.Y.
- Three‐time NCAA qualifier who was an All‐American in 1995
- CAA Wrestler of the Year and CAA heavyweight champion in 1995 and 1996
- Three‐time Virginia State champion who posted a career record of 116‐18‐3
Ryan Hluschak - Drexel - 2004‐08 - Slatington, Pa.
- Two‐time NCAA qualifier (157 lbs.) who received All‐America accolades in 2007
- Holds the Drexel record for career wins with 121
- NWCA All‐Academic team member during all four seasons
Chris Martin - Virginia Tech - 1996‐2001 - Norfolk, Va.
- Four‐time NCAA qualifier who earned All‐America honors in 2000 (165 lbs)
- Compiled a career record of 126‐27
- Shares the Tech record for career dual meet wins with 58
Jon Masa - Hofstra - 2000‐06 - Long Beach, N.Y.
- Four‐time NCAA qualifier and three‐time NCAA All‐American (149 lbs.)
- CAA Wrestler of the Year in 2005 and Most Outstanding Wrestler at 2006 Championship
- Four‐time CAA champion who compiled a career record of 131‐34
James Nicholson - Old Dominion - 2007‐present - Des Moines, Iowa
- Two‐time NCAA qualifier who received All‐America honors in 2008 (125 lbs.)
- CAA champion at 125 pounds in 2008 and 2009 and 2008 CAA Rookie of the Year
- Received NWCA Academic All‐America accolades in 2008
Michael Patrovich - Hofstra - 2001‐07 - Bohemia, N.Y.
- Four‐time NCAA qualifier who earned All‐America honors in 2006 & 2007
- CAA Wrestler of the Year in 2006 and Most Outstanding Wrestler at 2007 Championship
- Three‐time CAA champion (165 & 174 lbs.) who compiled a 106‐30 career mark
Josh Patterson - Binghamton - 2006‐present - Ontario, N.Y.
- Three‐time NCAA qualifier who received All‐America honors in 2009 (184 lbs)
- Led the nation with 46 victories and 22 pins in 2009
- CAA champion at 184 pounds in 2009
Rob Rebmann - Drexel - 2000‐04 - Pen Argyl, Pa.
- Two‐time NCAA qualifier who was Drexel's first NCAA All‐American in 2004 (125 lbs)
- Member of the Amateur Wrestling News All‐Rookie team in 2000‐01
- Career record of 66‐32 in three seasons, including 30 wins in 2001‐02
Lou Ruggirello - Hofstra - 2006‐present - Walden, N.Y.
- Three‐time NCAA qualifier and CAA champion at 133 pounds
- First Hofstra wrestler to be ranked #1 in the nation (Dec. 2007)
- 2008 NCAA Championships Gorrarian Award winner
Jeff Rusak - Old Dominion - 1998‐2002‐ Reading, Pa.
- Two‐time NCAA qualifier and two‐time CAA champion at 174 pounds
- Named CAA Wrestler of the Year in 2002 and Rookie of the Year in 1999
- Career record of 135‐19 with an ODU‐record 51 pins
Chris Skretkowicz - Hofstra - 2001‐05 - Hamburg, N.J.
- Four‐time NCAA qualifier and two‐time All‐American at 197 pounds
- CAA Wrestler of the Year in 2003 and 2004 and Rookie of the Year in 2002
- Three‐time CAA champion who holds the Hofstra career wins record (140)
Jody Staylor - Old Dominion - 1993‐95 - Virginia Beach, Va.
- Two‐time NCAA qualifier who was the national runner‐up at 126 lbs in 1994
- CAA Wrestler of the Year and Virginia State Champion in 1994
- CAA champion at 126 pounds in 1994 and 1995
James Strouse - Hofstra - 2002‐07 - Levittown, N.Y.
- Four‐time NCAA qualifier who earned All‐America honors in 2007 (157 lbs)
- Three‐time CAA champion and four‐time CAA finalist at 157 pounds
- Went 41‐5 and was ranked as high as #2 in the nation as a senior
Doug Umbehauer - Rider - 2004‐09 - Shamong, N.J.
- Four‐time NCAA qualifier who received All‐America honors in 2009 (184 lbs)
- CAA champion at 184 pounds in 2007 and 2008
- Compiled a 103‐39 career record and was Rider's Athlete of the Year in 2008‐09
Chris Weidman - Hofstra - 2004‐07 - Baldwin, N.Y.
- Earned NCAA All‐America honors at 197 pounds in 2006 and 2007
- CAA champion at 197 pounds in 2007
- Had 33‐8 record and was ranked as high as #3 in the nation as a senior
Ryan Williams - Old Dominion - 2005‐09 - Mechanicsburg, Pa.
- Three‐time NCAA qualifier who was the national runner‐up at 141 lbs in 2009
- 2009 CAA Wrestler of the Year and Most Outstanding Wrestler at 2008 championship
- Two‐time CAA champion at 141 pounds who holds the ODU career wins record (137)
Payam Zarrinpour - Sacred Heart - 2003‐07 - Shiraz, Iran
- Four‐time NCAA qualifier who received All‐America honors in 2007 (Hvy.)
- Three‐time CAA heavyweight champion who was Rookie of the Year in 2004
- Compiled a 127‐32 record for his career
As part of its 25th Anniversary celebration in 2009-10, the CAA is recognizing Silver Anniversary teams in 21 championship sports. The teams are selected by a panel of current and former coaches in the conference.
Members of the CAA Silver Anniversary team for wrestling are:
Mike Coyle (James Madison), John Curtis (George Mason), Jason DeBruin (Hofstra), Josh Feldman (Virginia Tech), Matt Finacchio (George Mason), Don Fisch (Rider), Sean Gray (Virginia Tech), Charles Griffin (Hofstra), Nick Hall(Old Dominion), Ryan Hluschak (Drexel), Chris Martin (Virginia Tech), Jon Masa (Hofstra), James Nicholson (Old
Dominion), Michael Patrovich (Hofstra), Josh Patterson (Binghamton), Rob Rebmann (Drexel), Lou Ruggirello(Hofstra), Jeff Rusak (Old Dominion), Chris Skretkowicz (Hofstra), Jody Staylor (Old Dominion), James Strouse (Hofstra), Doug Umbehauer (Rider), Chris Weidman (Hofstra), Ryan Williams (Old Dominion) and Payam Zarrinpour (Sacred Heart).
Wrestling began as a conference sport in the CAA with seven teams in 1991-92. Membership varied with nine different schools competing in the league during the first decade. In 2001-02 the CAA merged with the East Coast Wrestling Association (ECWA), increasing membership to 12 schools. Currently, eight teams compete for the CAA championship.
Hofstra has captured all eight CAA wrestling championships since joining the conference in 2001-02. George Mason has won five CAA titles (1992, 1995-97, 2001) and James Madison (1999, 2000) and Virginia Tech (1993, 1998) have claimed a pair of championships. Old Dominion won the CAA championship in 1994. Individually, the Monarchs have had two wrestlers finish as national runner-up at the NCAA Wrestling Championship - Jody Staylor (126 lbs) in 1994 and Ryan Williams (141 lbs) in 2009.
Share your thoughts of your favorite CAA Wrestlers and moments at www.facebook.com/CAASports. If you do not have a membership to Facebook, click here to join for free.
CAA Wrestling 25th Anniversary Team
Mike Coyle - James Madison - 1995‐2000 - Phillipsburg, N.J.
- CAA Athlete of the Year and NCAA All‐American in 2000
- Two‐time CAA Champion (141 pounds in 1999, 133 pounds in 2000)
- JMU's Most Outstanding Wrestler in 1999 and 2000
John Curtis - George Mason - 1989‐1993 - Fairfax, Va.
- Three‐time NCAA qualifier and two‐time All‐American (1992, 1993)
- CAA Athlete of the Year and CAA Champion at 190 pounds in 1992 and 1993
- Tied for third on George Mason's career wins list with 113
Jason DeBruin - Hofstra - 1997‐2002 - Spencerport, N.Y.
- Four‐time NCAA qualifier who posted a 135‐36 career record
- Four‐time conference champion (141 & 149 pounds)
- Named Most Outstanding Wrestler at 2002 CAA Championship
Josh Feldman - Virginia Tech - 1990‐94 - Dunwoody, Ga.
- Three‐time NCAA qualifier who earned All‐America honors in 1994
- CAA heavyweight champion in 1992, 1993 and 1994
- Posted a career record of 85‐23‐1
Matt Finacchio - George Mason - 1993‐95 - West Point, Pa.
- Two‐time NCAA qualifier who earned All‐America honors in 1995
- CAA Champion in 1994 (118 lbs.) and 1995 (126 lbs.)
- Won the Virginia State Intercollegiate championship in 1995 (126 lbs.)
Don Fisch - Rider - 2003‐08 - Williamstown, N.J.
- Four‐time NCAA qualifier who received All‐America honors in 2007
- CAA Champion in 2005 (141 lbs.) and 2008 (149 lbs)
- CAA Rookie of the Year in 2003‐04 and Rider Athlete of the Year in 2006‐07
Sean Gray - Virginia Tech - 1998‐2002 - Flemington, N.J.
- CAA Champion at 134 pounds and CAA Rookie of the Year in 1998
- Two‐time NCAA All‐America selection
- Compiled a career record of 131‐17
Charles Griffin - Hofstra - 2004‐08 - Reading, Pa.
- Four‐time NCAA qualifier and two‐time NCAA All‐American (2007 & 2008)
- CAA Wrestler of the Year in 2007 and 2008 and Rookie of the Year in 2005
- Three‐time CAA champion (133 & 141) who compiled a career record of 126‐25
Nick Hall - Old Dominion - 1991‐96 - Middle Island, N.Y.
- Three‐time NCAA qualifier who was an All‐American in 1995
- CAA Wrestler of the Year and CAA heavyweight champion in 1995 and 1996
- Three‐time Virginia State champion who posted a career record of 116‐18‐3
Ryan Hluschak - Drexel - 2004‐08 - Slatington, Pa.
- Two‐time NCAA qualifier (157 lbs.) who received All‐America accolades in 2007
- Holds the Drexel record for career wins with 121
- NWCA All‐Academic team member during all four seasons
Chris Martin - Virginia Tech - 1996‐2001 - Norfolk, Va.
- Four‐time NCAA qualifier who earned All‐America honors in 2000 (165 lbs)
- Compiled a career record of 126‐27
- Shares the Tech record for career dual meet wins with 58
Jon Masa - Hofstra - 2000‐06 - Long Beach, N.Y.
- Four‐time NCAA qualifier and three‐time NCAA All‐American (149 lbs.)
- CAA Wrestler of the Year in 2005 and Most Outstanding Wrestler at 2006 Championship
- Four‐time CAA champion who compiled a career record of 131‐34
James Nicholson - Old Dominion - 2007‐present - Des Moines, Iowa
- Two‐time NCAA qualifier who received All‐America honors in 2008 (125 lbs.)
- CAA champion at 125 pounds in 2008 and 2009 and 2008 CAA Rookie of the Year
- Received NWCA Academic All‐America accolades in 2008
Michael Patrovich - Hofstra - 2001‐07 - Bohemia, N.Y.
- Four‐time NCAA qualifier who earned All‐America honors in 2006 & 2007
- CAA Wrestler of the Year in 2006 and Most Outstanding Wrestler at 2007 Championship
- Three‐time CAA champion (165 & 174 lbs.) who compiled a 106‐30 career mark
Josh Patterson - Binghamton - 2006‐present - Ontario, N.Y.
- Three‐time NCAA qualifier who received All‐America honors in 2009 (184 lbs)
- Led the nation with 46 victories and 22 pins in 2009
- CAA champion at 184 pounds in 2009
Rob Rebmann - Drexel - 2000‐04 - Pen Argyl, Pa.
- Two‐time NCAA qualifier who was Drexel's first NCAA All‐American in 2004 (125 lbs)
- Member of the Amateur Wrestling News All‐Rookie team in 2000‐01
- Career record of 66‐32 in three seasons, including 30 wins in 2001‐02
Lou Ruggirello - Hofstra - 2006‐present - Walden, N.Y.
- Three‐time NCAA qualifier and CAA champion at 133 pounds
- First Hofstra wrestler to be ranked #1 in the nation (Dec. 2007)
- 2008 NCAA Championships Gorrarian Award winner
Jeff Rusak - Old Dominion - 1998‐2002‐ Reading, Pa.
- Two‐time NCAA qualifier and two‐time CAA champion at 174 pounds
- Named CAA Wrestler of the Year in 2002 and Rookie of the Year in 1999
- Career record of 135‐19 with an ODU‐record 51 pins
Chris Skretkowicz - Hofstra - 2001‐05 - Hamburg, N.J.
- Four‐time NCAA qualifier and two‐time All‐American at 197 pounds
- CAA Wrestler of the Year in 2003 and 2004 and Rookie of the Year in 2002
- Three‐time CAA champion who holds the Hofstra career wins record (140)
Jody Staylor - Old Dominion - 1993‐95 - Virginia Beach, Va.
- Two‐time NCAA qualifier who was the national runner‐up at 126 lbs in 1994
- CAA Wrestler of the Year and Virginia State Champion in 1994
- CAA champion at 126 pounds in 1994 and 1995
James Strouse - Hofstra - 2002‐07 - Levittown, N.Y.
- Four‐time NCAA qualifier who earned All‐America honors in 2007 (157 lbs)
- Three‐time CAA champion and four‐time CAA finalist at 157 pounds
- Went 41‐5 and was ranked as high as #2 in the nation as a senior
Doug Umbehauer - Rider - 2004‐09 - Shamong, N.J.
- Four‐time NCAA qualifier who received All‐America honors in 2009 (184 lbs)
- CAA champion at 184 pounds in 2007 and 2008
- Compiled a 103‐39 career record and was Rider's Athlete of the Year in 2008‐09
Chris Weidman - Hofstra - 2004‐07 - Baldwin, N.Y.
- Earned NCAA All‐America honors at 197 pounds in 2006 and 2007
- CAA champion at 197 pounds in 2007
- Had 33‐8 record and was ranked as high as #3 in the nation as a senior
Ryan Williams - Old Dominion - 2005‐09 - Mechanicsburg, Pa.
- Three‐time NCAA qualifier who was the national runner‐up at 141 lbs in 2009
- 2009 CAA Wrestler of the Year and Most Outstanding Wrestler at 2008 championship
- Two‐time CAA champion at 141 pounds who holds the ODU career wins record (137)
Payam Zarrinpour - Sacred Heart - 2003‐07 - Shiraz, Iran
- Four‐time NCAA qualifier who received All‐America honors in 2007 (Hvy.)
- Three‐time CAA heavyweight champion who was Rookie of the Year in 2004
- Compiled a 127‐32 record for his career
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