For Immediate Release
January 18, 2011
Contact: Jim
Sheehan
(516) 463-6764
Wrestling:
Varela Named CAA Wrestler of the Week; Clemente Earns Rookie Honors
Hempstead, NY - Hofstra University junior wrestler Vince Varela has
been named the Colonial Athletic Association Wrestler of the Week, and
red-shirt freshman Zach Clemente has been selected the CAA Rookie
Wrestler of the Week for the period ending January 17, the conference
office announced Tuesday.
Varela, a transfer from Arizona State University, posted a 4-0 record
at 141 pounds at the ninth annual CAA Duals in Fairfax, Virginia last
Saturday. The Rio Rancho, New Mexico native recorded a win by fall, a
major decision victory, and two decisions as the Pride won three of
the four matches. Varela defeated the #1 ranked CAA wrestler in
Binghamton’s Anwar Goeres, 7-5, as well as the #4 ranked conference
wrestler, Brennan Brumley from Old Dominion, 4-2. He also pinned
Boston University’s Jordan Frease in 4:43, and notched a 13-2 major
decision over George Mason’s Brian Benton. Varela accounted for 16
team points for the Pride and boosted his season record to 14-8
overall and 7-3 in dual matches.
Clemente, a transfer from the University of Virginia, also had a
perfect day, recording a 3-0 mark at 157 pounds at the CAA Duals. The
Troy, New York native, who entered the Duals unranked in the CAA,
posted a win by fall and two decisions to accumulate 12 team points
for the Pride. Clemente pinned Micah Blair from Old Dominion in 46
seconds and defeated the sixth-ranked CAA grappler, Nick Tourville
from Boston University, 7-4. He also downed George Mason’s Jaaziah
Betha, 9-2. Clemente is now 10-11 on the season.
Varela shares his CAA Wrestler of the Week honor with James Nicholson
from Old Dominion University and Nate Schiedel from Binghamton
University.
Nicholson, a senior 125 from Des Moines, Iowa, won all four of his
matches at the CAA Duals, winning three by fall. His only bout that
reached the third period was a 9-3 decision over the 16th ranked
wrestler in the nation, Steve Bonanno from Hofstra. Nicholson, ranked
fourth in the nation, raised his record to 21-0 on the season.
Schiedel, a sophomore 184 from Caledonia, New York won all three of
his matches at the CAA Duals, two by fall, including a pin in just 18
seconds, and another when he moved up two weight classes. Ranked 10th
in the nation, Schiedel improved to 22-4 on the season.
The Hofstra Pride return to action this weekend (Sat.-Sun, Jan. 22-23)
when they compete in the New York State Collegiate Championships at
Binghamton University.
-30-
