Virginia wrestling releases 2013-2014 schedule

Virginia has announced the wrestling team's schedule for the 2013-2014 season, which kicks off on November 2nd.

The Hoos faced a difficult list of opponents last year, both in and out of conference. UVA's only losses were against ranked teams (#4 Iowa, #12 Nebraska, and twice to #7 Virginia Tech), and the team pulled off victories over #19 Boise State and #24 Maryland. Coach Steve Garland has once again looked to challenge his team, especially in tournament settings.

In the release on VirginiaSports.com, Garland boasted, ""This year's schedule is pretty intense once again. Last year we ramped up our schedule and this year we are taking another big step in ensuring our student-athletes get the chance to compete against the best of the best. We will take on teams represented from the Big 12, Big Ten, EIWA and of course a huge home dual with Virginia Tech - and this is all before Christmas."

The season kicks off with the "Virginia Quad Meet" in Charlottesville, consisting of dual meets against Anderson, Gardner-Webb, and West Virginia, and continues with a similar event the next weekend in Blacksburg, the "Hokie Duals" against VMI, Wisconsin, and Kent State.

Other notable out-of-conference dual meets come in Albany against Lehigh and Rutgers, who both finished on the edge of last sesaon's final rankings, as well as matchups on the road against in-state rivals ODU and George Mason.

The addition of Pittsburgh to the ACC means that Virginia will wrestle a 6-match conference schedule. UVA will see Virginia Tech, Maryland, and UNC at home and Duke, Pittsburgh and NC State on the road.

Unlike the rest of UVA's home meets, the Virginia Tech match will take place at John Paul Jones Arena (on November 24th, the day after the teams' football matchup). Two years ago, fans were treated to a great atmosphere and a fantastic nailbiter match at JPJ that the Hokies won in overtime of the final bout. Whether you're a fan staying the full weekend for the UVA-VT football game or a student who has yet to witness a wrestling match, this is one to circle on your calendar.

UVA will take part in three tournaments: The Las Vegas Invitational, Southern Scuffle, and the Virginia Duals. All three are large, presigious meets where the Hoos will face some of the nation's top competition. (Click here for the list of teams participating in the Las Vegas Invitational and here for those in the Southern Scuffle).

The ACC Championships, which rotates host sites throughout the conference, will be held in Blacksburg this year on March 8th. The NCAA tournament will be held two weeks later in Oklahoma City.

The full schedule follows: