BOONE, N.C. - Highlighted by six home matches and new competition, Appalachian State University wrestling released their 2009-10 schedule, head coach JohnMark Bentley announced Friday.

Appalachian opens the season with its two annual exhibition matches, the Intrasquad match on Oct. 28 and the Black and Gold match Nov. 3.

The Mountaineers' official season opener is on Nov. 8 at the Michigan State Open. It is ASU's first appearance in the tournament. Appalachian follows that by competing in the Keystone Classic and Northeast Duals, before traveling to Athens, Ohio to take on Ohio and Millersville.

Appalachian hosts its home opener and only home match in 2009, on Saturday, Dec. 19 against Virginia. The Black and Gold return home on Jan. 14 when they host UNC Greensboro in their SoCon opener. The Mountaineers then host Franklin & Marshall and Belmont Abby in a tri-meet on Jan. 20 before going on the road for three-straight matches.

ASU finishes off the season with three-straight home matches, hosting SoCon foes Davidson and VMI before wrapping up the regular-season on Feb. 23 against Liberty.

The Mountaineers will have a two week break before competing in the Southern Conference tournament, which will be in Davidson, N.C. on March 6.