Hofstra to host NWCA All-Star Classic

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Jaclyn Pasquerella (Hofstra Univ.)
01/15/2002


Hempstead, NY (Jan. 14) - Hofstra University is proud to host the annual NWCA (National Wrestling Coaches Association) All-Star Classic on January 28th at 7 p.m. in Hofstra Arena.     Twenty-four grapplers will take to the mat including two exhibition bouts at the 149 and 197 weight classes featuring Hofstra's own 149-pound senior Jason DeBruin (Spencerport, NY/Spencerport) and 197-pound freshman Chris Skretkowicz (Hamburg, NJ/Wallkill Valley Regional).  The All-Star Classic will feature wrestlers from many top ranked schools including Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Iowa, Iowa State, Illinois, Michigan and Ohio State.      The meet highlights the top available wrestlers at each weight class.  There are four schools with two student-athletes competing for top recognition including: Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Pennsylvania and Michigan.  The NWCA All-Star Classic is a preview of the top grapplers competing for a national title at the NCAA Championships to be held in March.      The coaches that will be matside at the All-Star Classic include Mark Johnson from Illinois, who is in his tenth season and whose Fighting Illini placed fifth at the NCAA's in 2001. Joe McFarland, in his third year at Michigan, coached the Wolverines to a seventh place finish at the NCAA Championships in 2001.  Rounding out the coaching staff are Mike Ritchey from Southern Oregon and Mark Ostrander from Iowa Central.  Ritchey, now in his fifth season, coached seven All-Americans is 2001.  Ostrander has compiled an overall record of 82-12 in seven seasons at Iowa Central.     Tickets can be purchased for the NWCA All-Star Classic by calling the Hofstra Arena Box Office at (516) 463-6633 extension 1.