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BLACKSBURG – Returning All-American Tyler Walz will face NCAA runner-up Adam Coon of Michigan at the 50th annual Hire Heroes NWCA All-Star Classic presented by the Wrestlers in Business Network on November 1 in Atlanta, Ga., it was announced Monday. The All-Star Classic will be held at Georgia Tech’s McCamish Pavilion at 5 p.m.
“It will be a big time atmosphere in Atlanta, hopefully the Hokie Nation will be out in full force,” said associate head coach Tony Robie. “Competing against a guy like Coon in this type of atmosphere is great simulation for the NCAA tournament. We could very well see this match up in the NCAA semi finals this year, having the opportunity to do a trial run early in the season will go along way in helping [Walz] prepare for March.”
Both juniors, it will be the first appearance in the event for each athlete.
“What we have seen from both Adam Coon and Ty Walz is they have an ability to really entertain the fans with their exciting, athletic brand of wrestling,” said NWCA Executive Director Mike Moyer. “One of the most memorable sequences in all of last year’s NCAA championships was Adam Coon’s scramble with Mike McMullan in the semifinals. Walz is also as athletic as they come. I don’t think the fans in Atlanta will see a push-and-shove 1-1 match here.”
Walz came into last year’s tournament as the No. 10 seed and finished in seventh place, helping lead Virginia Tech to a 10th-place finish as a team in St. Louis. Walz, a graduate of national prep wrestling powerhouse St. Edward High School in Lakewood, Ohio, defeated returning All-American Austin Marsden of Oklahoma State to earn All-American honors. This isn’t the first matchup between these two athletes, with Walz taking home a 5-3 overtime victory at the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational last December.
“[Walz] has some history with Coon, they wrestled last December in Las Vegas where Ty beat him in the semi-finals,” said Robie. “I also believe that they have history going back to their high school days. Coon finished second at last years NCAA Championships and is, without a doubt, one of the top heavyweights in the nation. He's a guy that [Walz] could see several times this season and is someone that [Walz] could face deep in the tournament next March at Madison Square Garden … [Walz]'s preparation coming into this season has been phenomenal, he really understands the type of commitment it takes to win at a high level. I'm certain that he will be ready.”
Walz will be Virginia Tech’s sixth entrant into the event, with Joey Dance and Devin Carter (twice) representing the Hokies in the past three years. Sean Gray appeared in the event twice, wrestling for the Hokies in 2001 and 2002.
“The NWCA All-Star Classic is one of the premier events of the season, it showcases many of the best athletes in our sport,” said Robie. “Having representation from Virginia Tech three years running says a lot about how far we have come in recent years and is a testament to the individuals selected. If you're wrestling in this event, it means you're among the best our sport has too offer. Congratulations to Ty.”
Announced #NWCAClassic50 Matchups
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285- Adam Coon, Jr. (Michigan) vs. Ty Walz, Jr. (Virginia Tech)
WHAT: 50th Annual Hire Heroes NWCA All-Star Classic presented by the Wrestlers in Business Network Atlanta Chapter
WHEN: Sunday, November 1, 2015, 5 p.m. Eastern
WHERE: Hank McCamish Pavilion, Georgia Tech, Atlanta, Ga.
TICKETS: VIP/Social $125, Premium Floor $100, Premium $50, Reserved $25-$35; General Admission $10-$20; Student Rate $15
PURCHASE ONLINE: Click here
TV/LIVE STREAMING: ESPNU (Find ESPNU on your cable or satellite provider)
EVENT WEBSITE: http://www.theallstarclassic.com
About the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA)
The NWCA brings the wrestling coaching community together to advance the sport and ensure that current and future generations have the opportunity to engage in a safe and educationally based wrestling experience. This is primarily done by strengthening existing programs, creating new programs, and providing coaches with progressive educational opportunities.
For updates on Virginia Tech wrestling, follow the Hokies on Twitter Follow @VT_Wrestling
