The Citadel Bulldog wrestling team captured the Navy Classic tournament after compiling 110 points en route to defeating nationally ranked West Virginia, which is ranked 16th by the Wrestling Mall, and NC State Saturday in Annapolis, MD.

"It was a great team effort coupled with tremendous individual performances that allowed us to capture the title," Citadel coach Rob Hjerling stated. "Although this was a great day for our wrestling program our team needs to keep things in perspective."

The Bulldog's 110 points outdistanced West Virginia's 103, Navy's 95, Rutgers' 94, North Carolina State's 88, Kent State's 60 and McDaniel College's 17 point-performances to capture the coveted crown.

The Citadel captured four individual titles as Ryan McLester (125), Sean Markey (133), Billy Linane (HWT) and Jordan Everett (HWT) all won their weight classes. Linane, who is ranked as the 18th best heavyweight in the nation by Amateur Wrestling News (AWN), and Everett, who started the season ranked 19th in the 197-pound weight class, shared the heavyweight division as they both reached the finals after going 3-0 in the bracket. McClester, who is ranked 12th nationally by AWN, defeated Kent State's Drew Opfer in the finals to earn the title, while going an undefeated 4-0 in the tournament. Markey, who is also ranked 12th by AWN, defeated Jarad Opfer to take the crown in the finals of the 133 pound weight class. After receiving a bye in the first round, Markey pinned his next three opponents including a 50 second defeat of Navy Chris Miosi in the third round.

Senior Keith Clifton captured second place in the tourney at 174 as he fell in the finals by a score of 4-3 to Rutgers Andy Roy. Sophomore Travis Piccard finished third at 149 pounds by pinning Navy's Chris Rossi in 1 minute and 45 seconds, while freshman Levi Duyn finished fourth at 141 losing to Daniel Hemminger of Navy in the consolation round. Sophomore Mike Martinez finished sixth at 165 with a tournament record of 3-3.

Sophomore Brad Ragan, junior Nolan Roggenkamp, sophomore Derik Neitz and true freshman Nick Leone were all instrumental in winning the team title.

The Bulldogs will host Davidson after the Thanksgiving break on December 2 at 7:00 pm in McAlister Field House. All fans attending the match will receive a free 2003 Citadel Wrestling poster.