March 6, 2004

Charlottesville, VA - The Southern Conference announced today that The Citadel's Ryan McClester was named the 2003-04 Wrestler of the Year. McClester, a 125-pound junior from Lugoff, SC, compiled a record of 36-5 including a 15-0 mark in dual matches and a 5-0 record against conference opponents, while helping to lead The Citadel grapplers to their first SoCon title in 37 years. McClester also earned the top seed and a first round bye in the 125-pound weight class for tomorrow's Southern Conference wrestling tournament at Mat Jam.

Other Bulldogs joining McClester on the All-Conference team were juniors Keith Clifton (174) and Billy Linane (HWT) and sophomore Dan Thompson (157). Clifton, Linane and Thompson also drew the number one seed and a bye in their respective weight classes. Of note, junior Sean Markey (133) and sophomore Travis Piccard (149) received byes in their weight classes with their No. 2 seeds.

Mat Jam will be held today at University Hall on the grounds of the University of Virginia at 11 am.

2004 All-Conference Team

125- Ryan McClester, Citadel, Jr.

133- Josh Keefe UTC, Fr.

141- Michael Keefe, UTC, Fr.

149- Jason Jones, Appalachian State, Jr.

157- Dan Thompson, Citadel, o.

165- Jon Sioredas, UTC, Jr.

174- Keith Clifton, Citadel, Jr.

184- John Davis, UTC, So.

197- Jason Cox, VMI, Sr.

285- Billy Linane, Citadel, Jr.

Wrestler of the Year: Ryan McClester