Spartanburg, S.C. - The Citadel wrestling team was picked to finish fourth by the Southern Conference coaches on Wednesday.

Odie Delaney, the reigning SoCon Champion and NCAA qualifier was named to the Preseason All-Conference Team for the 197-pound weight class. Delaney went 5-0 in SoCon play a year ago and won the SoCon Championships en route to competing at the NCAA Championships in St. Louis.

The Citadel (13 points) was predicted to finish fourth out of six teams. Chattanooga, who has won the last five SoCon Championships, received 24 points followed by Appalachian State (22 points) and UNC Greensboro (16 points). VMI (9 points) and Davidson (6 points) were selected to finish fifth and sixth. 

2009-10 SoCon Wrestling Preseason Coaches Poll
School (First-place votes) Points
1. Chattanooga (4) 24
2. Appalachian State (2) 22
3. UNC Greensboro 16
4. The Citadel 13
5. VMI 9
6. Davidson 6

2009-10 SoCon Wrestling Preseason All-Conference Team
125 Demetrius Johnson, Chattanooga
133 Frank Celorrio, Appalachian State
141 Cody Cleveland, Chattanooga
149 David DeCamp, Davidson
157 Joey Knox, Chattanooga
165 Kyle Blevins, Appalachian State
174 Austin Trotman, Appalachian State
184 Jason McCroskey, Chattanooga
197 Odie Delaney, The Citadel
HWT Josh Wine, VMI

The Citadel will open the 2009-2010 season on Saturday at McAlister Field House as they host The Citadel Open starting at 9 a.m. At 1 p.m. that afternoon, they will host NC State in dual meet action. For more information on Bulldog Wrestling or The Citadel Athletics, visit the official website of Bulldog Athletics, www.CitadelSports.com.