Hokie ClubNEW YORK CITY - The Hokies opened competition at the 2016 NCAA National Championship on Thursday morning and currently sit in a tie for 8th place with NC State in the team standings with 9 points.
Joey Dance opened the day with an 8-2 decision over Alfredo Rodriguez of SIUE and advances to take on David Terao of American (26-5) in the second round. At 141 pounds, Solomon Chishko made his debut on the NCAA stage with a 9-3 victory, facing Logan Everett of Army (19-13) next. Nick Brascetta held on for a 9-4 victory over Russell Parsons of Army in his fourth trip to Nationals.
Freshman David McFadden made a big splash inhis first trip to the NCAA championship, pinning his opponent in 4:44 to move on to the next round. He will face Bo Jordan of Ohio State (17-2) next. Zack Zavatsky won a 9-3 decision to become the fifth Hokie to advance to the second round and was immediately followed by a 6-2 win from Jared Haught. Ty Walz rounded out the first session with a 5-2 victory over Tanner Hall of Arizona State.
Seven Hokies will advance to the second round of competition tonight and Zach Epperly will compete in wrestlebacks, facing Rustin Barrick of Bucknell.