Oklahoma City, Okla. - Senior Dan Thompson became The Citadel's first All-American wrestler while senior Sean Markey ended his collegiate career on day two of the 2006 NCAA Wrestling Championships at the Ford Center Thursday night.

At 165 pounds, Thompson started the day in the quarterfinals where he faced Oklahoma State's second-seeded Johny Hendricks. Hendricks came away with a 9-6 decision to give the Bulldog his first loss of the tournament. Thompson dropped down to the consolation fifth round where he defeated ninth-seeded Michael Poeta from Illinois, 7-6. The victory over Poeta moved Thompson into the final eight and secured his All-American status. Thompson then moved on to the consolation sixth round where he faced his first non-seeded opponent in Edinboro's Deonte Penn. The Bulldog ended up on the wrong end of a near cradle and was pinned in the first round. The loss moved Thompson into the seventh-place match where he will face fellow All-American Eric Luedke of Iowa.

At 141 pounds, Markey opened up day two in the consolation third round against Minnesota's Manuel Rivera. Markey used two takedowns, two near-fall points, two escapes and a riding point to down Rivera, 9-2. With the win, Markey moved on to the consolation fourth round where he faced Northern Iowa's Christopher Ettelson. Ettelson pinned Markey in 1:27 to end the career of The Citadel's all-time pin and victory leader.

"I am very, very happy for Dan," said Citadel coach Rob Hjerling. "This is a great stepping stone for Citadel wrestling. Dan has accomplished a great feat for the program and for himself."

"I am also disappointed that Sean could not finish his career the way that he had wanted, but he had an outstanding carrer at The Citadel none the less. From the moment Sean stepped into The Citadel's wrestling room five years ago, he has been a catalyst for this program. He has shown what is required for success and has led by example. Sean has been instrumental in helping us, as coaches, to turn this program around."

"We are all very happy for what both of these wrestlers have done for the Bulldog Program."

The 2006 NCAA Wrestling Championship will conclude on Saturday, March 18. For complete coverage visit ncaasports.com, intermatwrestle.com and takedownradio.com.