NWCA makes first announcement for All-Star Classic

The National Wrestling Coaches Association made its first announcement Tuesday about the lineups of the 2014 NWCA All-Star Classic.

Lehigh's Mason Beckman and Edinboro's A.J. Schopp will wrestle at 133 pounds in the 49th annual exhibition event Nov. 1 at The Palestra at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. Both are NCAA Division I All-Americans and Pennsylvania natives.

Beckman beat Schopp, 5-1, in last year's meet. Schopp is making his third appearance in the event, winning in 2012.

'Every time these two wrestlers get on the mat with one another, it's going to be a hard-fought battle,” NWCA Executive Director Mike Moyer said in a news release. 'Edinboro coach Tim Flynn and Lehigh coach Pat Santoro have always been supportive of the All-Star Classic and we're excited to have these two wrestlers meet on the mat again.”

Schopp placed fourth at 133 of the 2014 NCAA Championships in Oklahoma City, Okla. He posted a 35-3 mark, losing to the University of Iowa's NCAA champion Tony Ramos in the semifinal. Beckman recorded a 28-6 mark, finishing sixth in the same bracket.

Beckman owns a 3-2 edge over Schopp, including high school and freestyle competition. Schopp won the latest match at the 2-13 Midlands Championships.

Tickets can be purchased from the Penn Athletic Ticket Office and more information can be found at www.theallstarclassic.com.

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