Oct. 23, 2008

AMES, Iowa - Nick Gallick and Jake Varner have both been invited to the 43rd Annual NWCA All-Star Classic presented by the United States Marine Corps Nov. 24 in St. John Arena at Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio.

Gallick, a junior who placed fifth at 141 pounds at last year’s NCAA tournament, will face J Jaggers of Ohio State.  Varner, a two-time All-American at 184 pounds, moves up to the 197-pound weight class this season.  He will face off against Hudson Taylor from Maryland.

Varner returns to the NWCA All-Star Classic after edging Roger Kish from Minnesota 2-0 at last year’s event in Eugene, Ore.  Varner holds the top ranking for the 197-pound class in both the W.I.N. Magazine and Amateur Wrestling News preseason rankings.

Gallick is ranked at the second spot in the 141-pound weight class in both W.I.N. Magazine and Amateur Wrestling News.  His All-Star Classic opponent Jaggers is the top-ranked individual at 141 pounds.

Since the event began in 1967, 63 Cyclone wrestlers have been a part of the NWCA All-Star Classic.  This is the fourth straight year that at least one Iowa State grappler is participating in the event.