Oct. 26, 2004

Spartanburg, SC - The Southern Conference wrestling coaches have selected The Citadel to win the 2004-05 regular-season crown. The Bulldogs collected four of four first-place votes - and 24 total points - in the preseason poll.

The Citadel, reigning Southern Conference champion, is returning nine starters and placed three wrestlers in the preseason National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) Intermat Division I top 20 coaches poll. Returning SoCon champions Keith Clifton (16th at 174) and Ryan McClester (15th at 125) were ranked in the NWCA/Intermat coaches poll. Sean Markey, coming off a berth to the NCAA championships last season, also grabbed the number 18 spot in the country at the 133 pound weight class.

Nipping at The Citadel's heels with two first place votes are the Chattanooga Mocs. Returning a total of 10 starters from last-year's squad that finished second in the league, the Mocs will look to make a run at the title behind a core of seasoned veterans. This preseason Chattanooga placed five wrestlers on the NWCA/Intermat coaches top 20 poll. Matt Pitts (125), Josh Keefe (133), Michael Keefe (141), Jake Yost (157) and John Sioredas (165) were all ranked in the top 20 in their weight classes.

Grabbing the third spot was Appalachian State. Led by All-SoCon selection Jason Jones at 147 pounds, the Mountaineers will look to build on last season's record and make a run at the top spot in the league.

Rounding out the league's six squads are VMI, UNC Greensboro and Davidson.

2004 Wrestling Preseason Poll

1. The Citadel (4) 24

2. Chattanooga (2) 22

3. Appalachian State 17

4. VMI 12

5. UNC Greensboro 10

6. Davidson 5