ODU Faces #9 Central Michigan in Dual Action Sunday :: Re-match against Chippewas slated for 2:00 at Rose Arena in Mount Pleasant, Michigan

Re-match against Chippewas slated for 2:00 at Rose Arena in Mount Pleasant, Michigan

Jan. 30, 2009

NORFOLK, Va. -- The ODU Monarchs, still ranked in the Top 20 according to W.I.N. Magazine, will hit the road to face their third Top Ten team and eighth team ranked in the Top 25 so far this season. The tough schedule continues as the 20th ranked Monarchs take on the 9th ranked Chippewas of Central Michigan University for the second time this season. The two teams matched up at the Virginia Duals earlier this month with the Chippewas taking a 24-12 victory. Old Dominion is 13-5 in dual action overall while CMU boasts a 12-1-1 record.

Central Michigan is coming off its first loss of the season to unranked Virginia Tech, which halted a 15-match home unbeaten streak. CMU is 39-5-2 at home since the 2000-01 season. Old Dominion has posted an impressive 24-7 record away from home in the last two seasons, with all seven losses coming to teams ranked in the Top 25.

Scouting Central Michigan

Central Michigan boasts a powerful lineup with five nationally ranked opponents according to InterMat, including rookie sensation Scotti Sentes at 125 lbs, listed as 7th in the nation. Sentes and ODU's James Nicholson have already wrestled three times this year, with the CMU grappler taking a 2-1 edge in three decisions.

Conor Beebe (133) is ranked 19th, and ODU's Kyle Hutter will face him after winning 6-4 last time. Steve Brown (10th at 149), Trevor Stewart (12th at 165) and Mike Miller (8th at 174) are the other ranked grapplers.

Looking Ahead for the Monarchs

ODU has two home matches left this season, against Virginia on February 8 at 5:30 pm, and against #13 Virginia Tech on February 19 at 7:30 pm. If the rankings hold, the Virginia Tech match will be the first ever dual against Top Twenty teams at The Ted Constant Convocation Center. Tickets can be purchased at the Constant Center Box Office or online at www.coxtix.com. For more information, please call the Constant Center Ticket Office at 757-683-4444.

CAA Tournament

Old Dominion will play host to the CAA Tournament this year at Oscar Smith High School in Chesapeake, Virginia. The tournament begins at 11:00 am on Friday, March 6 and will conclude with the finals on Saturday, March 7 at 1:00 pm.