Feb. 6, 2000

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Hofstra, led by a record-tying five champions and eight finalists, captured the third annual American University Congressional Cup Wrestling Tournament, which featured 10 nationally-ranked wrestlers, in Bender Arena.

Maryland sophomore Brandon York (Gaithersburg, Md.) was the lone Terp to make the finals of the tournament. After a string of solid wins to reach the championship match, he came up short to Hoftsra's Roman Fleszar, 14-8.

American junior Denis Alampiev was voted Most Outstanding Wrestler after posting two pins and a major decision en route to the 165 title. George Mason freshman Donnie DeFilippis (141) captured the Most Falls-Shortest Time Award with two falls in 6:19 (3:36 and 2:43).

The Flying Dutchmen tallied a tourney record 116 points and were highlighted by two-time Congressional Cup champions junior Roman Fleszar at 133 and sophomore Jason DeBruin at 141. Junior Eric Schmiesing was victorious at 149 and junior Dennis Papadatos at 157 and junior Rob Anspach at 174. Freshman Tom Noto won by forfeit.

Virginia placed a strong second with four finalists and one champion in sophomore Ryan McGrath at 184. Senior graduate Steve Garland departed before the finals because of his participation in an All-Star tournament the next day.

American placed third, its best finish, and was paced by Alampiev and sophomore champion Ryan Pallinger at 197. Rutgers placed fourth with one champion in Frank Sabatino at heavyweight.

George Mason, despite four falls, placed fifth without a finalist. Carson-Newman finished seventh highlighted by 157 champion Tony Morgan.

Previous championships included Cal St. Bakersfield (1999) and Nebraska (1998), who had five champions.

The Terps host American on Wednesday, Feb. 9 beginning at 7:30 p.m. in Ritchie Coliseum. They have won their last four consecutive duals on the home mat.

Final Team Sports
1. Hofstra (H) 116
2. Virginia (V) 73.5
3. American (A) 42.5
4. Rutgers (R) 35.5
5. George Mason (GM) 30.5
6. Maryland (M) 28
7. Carson-Newman-(CN) 27.5

MOST OUTSTANDING WRESTLER:
Denis Alampiev (AU)

MOST FALLS-SHORTEST TIME:
Donnie DeFilippis (GMU) 2- 6:19

Championship Finals
WT. WRESTLERS
125 Tom Noto (H) won by forfeit over Steve Garland (V) (departed)
133 Roman Fleszar (H) dec. Brandon York (M), 14-8
141 Jason DeBruin (H) dec. P.J. Bory (V), 15-7
149 Eric Schmiesing (H) dec. John Pozniak (V), 4-3
157 Tony Morgan (CN) dec. Dennis Papadatos (H), 7-1
165 Denis Alampiev (A) maj. dec. Noel Thompson (H), 14-1
174 Rob Anspach (H) dec. Justin Haskins (R), 5-4
184 Ryan McGrath (V) maj. dec. Steve Sinkovich (H), 11-1
197 Ryan Pallinger dec.  (sd) Andy Yoerger (CN), 3-1, sd
HWT Frank Sabatino dec. (sd) Ryan Painter (V), 4-2, sd
tb-tie breaker  sd-sudden death