Wrestling Appalachian State Sports Information

ASU Schedule Set for 2011-12 Wrestling Season

BOONE, N.C. - Appalachian State University wrestling coach JohnMark Bentley announced his 2011-12 schedule on Friday. This year's schedule is highlighted by six home competitions, including the second annual Appalachian Open.

"I am excited about the upcoming year," notes Bentley. "I feel this year's team has the potential to be one of the best dual-meet teams ASU has had in some time."

This season begins with a visit to Salem, Va., to compete at the Hokie Open on Nov. 6. The following weekend, the Mountaineers return to Boone for their home-opener, a tri-meet featuring Anderson and Belmont Abbey on Sat., Nov. 13.

The Southern Conference slate opens with a trip to new SoCon associate member Gardner-Webb on Dec. 5. The Apps then head west for the Reno Tournament of Champions on Dec. 16.

New Year's Day marks a new face for the Southern Scuffle. The perennial fixture for many teams has moved to Chattanooga for this season's edition on Jan. 1-2. ASU continues its SoCon schedule with road duals against newcomer Campbell on Jan. 9 and The Citadel on Jan. 20.

This year's Appalachian Open features wrestlers from dozens of regional teams and is scheduled for Sat., Jan. 28. ASU's final road dual is against SoCon-rival Chattanooga on Feb. 5.

The regular season concludes with four home duals beginning with matches against VMI and Virginia on Feb. 10 and 11, followed by Duke and Davidson on Feb. 18 and 19.

"Our difficult schedule should help prepare our athletes for the NCAA Tournament," predicts Bentley. "We return experience in eight of the 10 weight classes, and we have several guys who have the ability to make a run at the NCAA Championships."

This season's Southern Conference Championships will be held at Chattanooga on March 3 and the 2012 NCAA Championships will be conducted at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis, Mo., March 15-17.