Feb. 3, 2009

NORFOLK, Va. -- Old Dominion junior Chris Brown (Chesapeake, Va./Great Bridge) hauled in his third straight CAA Wrestler of the Week honor today, after posting his third straight win against a nationally ranked opponent. Brown gave Old Dominion the lead against #9 Central Michigan temporarily, with a 5-2 win over #12 Trevor Stewart. Brown improved to 21-6 overall and 16-3 in duals this season.

The Monarch grappler has wins against six guys currently ranked in the Top 20 according to the USA Today/NWCA/InterMat rankings: #7 Nick Marable (Missouri), #11 Luke Manuel (Purdue), #12 Trevor Stewart (Central Michigan), #15 Andy Rendos (Bucknell), #19 Ricky Schmelyun (Bloomsburg) and #20 Ryan Patrovich (Hofstra).

Brown has won 12 of his last 13 matches and now has 96 career wins, good for 9th all-time at Old Dominion. He is currently ranked as high as 11th in the nation and is 14th according to the NCAA Coaches Panel, which will be factored into the national seeding at the end of the season. Stewart was ranked 10th by the Coaches when Brown pulled the upset.

The Monarchs host Virginia (9-9) on Sunday, February 8 immediately following the women's basketball game at 2:00 pm. Tentative start time for the wrestling dual is 5:30 pm. Tickets are available at the Ted Constant Convocation Center; admission is $6 for adults, $5 for discount (children, seniors, faculty/staff, and military) and student admission is free with a valid ID.