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BLACKSBURG - Virginia Tech head wrestling coach Kevin Dresser announced Thursday that the staff is pulling the redshirt off 157-pounder Jesse Dong, with his permission, effective immediately. The junior from Westerville, Ohio, will make his official debut at the Southern Scuffle at the end of the month.

Pete Yates, who is 16-0 as the 157-pounder, will bump up to 165 pounds for the rest of the season. Dong was 14-1 as an unattached wrestler this season, winning the Michigan State Open and placing second at the Penn State Open.

“Jesse and I sat down on Monday and discussed this option and he wants to get back in the mix,” Dresser said. “Additionally, Pete is really struggling with 157 pounds, so he is excited about this move as well. Pete will be back on the mat next week [after suffering an injury at the Las Vegas Invitational] and Jesse is ready right now. This moves makes us a stronger team as we head into the second half of the season.”

Dong was ranked as high as third last season at 157 pounds, winning the ACC title. He advanced to the round of 12 at the NCAA Championships and finished the season with a record of 32-4.

For updates on Virginia Tech wrestling, follow the Hokies on Twitter (@VT_Wrestling).