The clocks have changed, the sun goes down earlier, and college wrestling is back.
For Virginia Tech, the squad wrapped up the 2023-2024 campaign with a seventh place finish in Kansas City at the NCAA wrestling championships, which included sophomore Caleb Henson taking home the 149 lbs individual championship (the second individual champion in program history).
Enter the 2024-2025 season and the Hokies are ranked as the eighth best program in the country.
Tech started the campaign very close to Blacksburg, about 30 minutes up the road at Roanoke College, in which the Hokies took on Chattanooga on Friday night, prior to the Southeast Open throughout Saturday, where 21 Virginia Tech grappler’s competed.
The Hokies emphatically took down the Mocs (quite literally) on Friday night, winning the season opening dual 37-6.
“We’ve been talking about getting bonus points, getting pins,” head coach Tony Robie said following the 1-0 start. “That’s been a point of emphasis for us, so I was happy with that…I was pleased. We got some young guys that got some experience tonight, so I’m encouraged with what we have.”
With so many young guys across the mat, leadership matters. Especially at a program like Robie has build in Blacksburg - consistently top ten the last decade.
“I’m excited for my last year, and I’ve been here for a while,” said senior 141 lbs wrestler Sam Latona. “I feel like I’m getting a pretty good feel for what it takes to be a leader, and the guys before me - they really showed me the ropes, and I have a good feel for what the coaches want.”
Although the ever exciting Henson did not compete over the weekend, his impact will be felt all weekend, Robie explained.
“Obviously what he’s [Henson] done on the mat is incredible, but hes taking on a leadership role this year. He’s very vocal and he’s done an amazing job.”
Of the young guns with this program, one of the best not only in the ACC, but also the country may be Brazilian redshirt freshman Rafael Hipolito Jr. (157 lbs).
Hipolito Jr. decimated his opponent on Friday night, prior to claiming the Southeast Open title in his weight class - one of four Hokie wrestlers to grab a title, including Sonny Sasso, Jimmy Mullen, and Gage Wright.
Tech travels south to Appalachian State for the Mountaineer Invitational on Saturday, before heading home to Cassell Coliseum for a big time dual against No. 10 Missouri next week.
Full Results from the Southeast Open, per Virginia Tech:
Open Division
- 141-pounds: Hunter Mason – Runner-up
- 157-pounds: Rafael Hipolito, Jr. – Champion
- 165-pounds: Mac Church – Runner-up
- 165-pounds: Jackson Spires – 6th Place
- 165-pounds: Kylan Montgomery – 6th Place
- 197-pounds: Sonny Sasso – Champion
- 285-pounds: Jimmy Mullen – Champion
Freshman/Sophomore
- 157-pounds: Matt Henrich – Runner-up
- 165-pounds: Gage Wright – Champion
- 285-pounds: Parker Ferrell – 5th Place
