SALEM, Va.- Freshman Tyler Hutchens placed fourth at 133 lbs. as the VMI wrestling team competed at the Hokie Open on Sunday.

Hutchens (Herndon, Va.) was the Keydets' lone placewinner at the event that included between 20-25 schools, including those from the ACC, CAA, SoCon and others.  Hutchens was one of six Keydets competing unattached at the event, while his brother, Joel, finished 12th while competing at 149 lbs.

"Several of the eleven 'rats' who competed on Sunday were unceremoniously welcomed to the world of Division I wrestling," said VMI head coach John Trudgeon.  "This can and must be a motivator for them.  Tyler and Joel Hutchens won 5 and 4 matches, respectively, including several close, hard fought one point matches,which will help their confidence as we head into another stiff test this Sunday at the Keystone Classic at the University of Pennsylvania.  Our youthful squad will be competing against Pennsylvania, Rider, Pittsburgh and Boston University. We look forward to the challenge."

Tyler Hutchens began his day by dropping a 9-5 decision to UNC Greensboro's Angel Garcia.  The freshman then went on an impressive run, winning five straight matches.  He scored a decision against Appalachian State's Lawrence White, then posted a technical fall victory over King's Jason Ricker.  He then advanced on a default, before winning a 4-3 decision over Liberty's Cameron Hurd.  Following another default win, Hutchens dropped a 9-2 decision to Carson-Newman's Kody Pierson after defeating Pierson only a week previous.

Joel Hutchens also lost his first match, dropping a major decision to Duke's Mike Bell.  Hutchens rebounded to defeat teammate Richard Crozier, 6-5, before pinning King's Chris Dice.  He then scored an 8-2 decision over Virginia's Sam McGregor before knocking off Adam Broda of Virginia Tech, 5-3.  Hutchens run came to an end with a 9-7 loss to King's Phil Ramirez.

The VMI wrestling team returns to action on Sunday, competing at the Keystone Classic, being hosted by Penn.