InterMat Recruiting Notebook
7/5/2012
InterMat Staff
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The InterMat Recruiting Notebook includes all the latest wrestling recruiting news from across the country.
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Recruiting Notebook: July-October 2012
Llopez makes it back-to-back days with a top 30 Class of 2014 commitment to Maryland
May 16, 2013: Earlier this evening, Josh Llopez (St. Mary's Ryken, Md.) verbally committed to the University of Maryland. The rising senior is ranked No. 28 overall in the Class of 2014, and finished the 2012-13 season ranked No. 9 overall at 160 pounds after earning runner-up honors at the National Prep Championships.
Earlier in 2012-13, Llopez was runner-up at the preseason Super 32 Challenge, and placed fourth at the Walsh Ironman and Beast of the East tournaments. He is also a two-time Fargo top three finisher, winning Junior Nationals in the summer of 2012 and finishing third at Cadet Nationals in 2011. Other accomplishments for Llopez include state titles while competing for La Plata as a freshman and sophomore, NHSCA Freshman Nationals title in 2011, FloNationals runner-up finish in 2012, and Super 32 Challenge championship in October 2011.
Llopez projects as a 165/174 at the college level and joins fellow top 30 junior, No. 19 Alfred Bannister (Bishop McNamara, Md.) as a verbal commitment to the Terrapins in the Class of 2014.
National Prep champ, Beast of the East OW Bannister commits to Maryland
May 15, 2013: Alfred Bannister (Bishop McNamara, Md.), who was named Outstanding Wrestler at the Beast of the East this past December, verbally committed to the University of Maryland this evening. The junior is ranked No. 19 overall in the Class of 2014, and finished the 2012-13 season ranked 7th at 138 pounds.
This past season, Bannister placed at National Preps for the third straight year (7th-2nd-1st), and also made a second consecutive Beast of the East final (was runner-up in December 2011). He also was runner-up at the NHSCA Junior Nationals, after winning titles at grade-level nationals as a freshman and sophomore. Bannister projects as a 141 pound wrestler when enrolling at Maryland in the fall of 2014.
Two-time National Prep champ Clark to join Tar Heels
May 13, 2013: Jack Clark (McDonogh, Md.), a two-time National Prep champion verbally committed to the University of North Carolina as part of the Class of 2014. Ranked No. 32 overall among rising juniors, Clark is the first commit for the Tar Heels in this class.
Runner-up at the FloNationals and the Beast of the East, Clark ended the 2012-13 season ranked No. 14 overall at 145 pounds. Other accomplishments in his career include a National Prep runner-up finish in 2011, Cadet National freestyle third place finish in 2011, and FILA Cadet National freestyle championship in 2010.
Three-time state champ Thorn commits to Minnesota
Tommy Thorn won this third state championship (Photo/Mark Beshey, The Guillotine)
May 13, 2013: The Thorn legacy will continue at the University of Minnesota.
Tommy Thorn (St. Michael-Albertville, Minn.), one of the nation's top juniors, gave a verbal commitment to wrestle for the Gophers. His oldest brother Mike was a two-time All-American (2010, 2011) for the Gophers. His brother David is currently a redshirt junior in the Minnesota program and is coming off an All-American finish at 125 pounds.
Tommy Thorn is a three-time state champion heading into his senior season at St. Michael-Albertville. He compiled a 47-1 record this past season en route to winning a state championship at 120 pounds. Thorn was a Junior National freestyle champion last summer in Fargo, and won a Cadet National freestyle title the previous summer. He has represented the United States twice at the FILA Cadet World Championships.
State champion Luke Wilson stays home, chooses Cal Poly
May 8, 2013: Luke Wilson (Righetti, Calif.), ranked No. 17 in the nation at 152 pounds, signed his National Letter of Intent to attend Cal Poly this afternoon. A state champion this season at 152 pounds, he finished third in the NHSCA Senior Nationals last month. Wilson is also ranked No. 89 overall in the Class of 2013, and is the second top 100 recruit - joining No. 36 Spencer Empey (Reed, Nev.) - in the Cal Poly recruiting class this year.
No. 96 Otero makes it three top 100 senior to choose Arizona State
May 7, 2013: NHSCA Senior Nationals runner-up Lawrence Otero (Volcano Vista, N.M.) - ranked No. 96 overall in the Class of 2013 - verbally committed to Arziona State this afternoon. A four-time state champion, who also placed seventh at the Super 32 Challenge in the 138 pound weight class this fall, Otero ended the season ranked No. 18 at 138 pounds in the nation.
He joins No. 82 Kaleb Baker (Christian Brothers, Tenn.) and No. 94 Mech Spraggins (Belleville West, Ill.) as top 100 prospects to commit to Arizona State as part of the Class of 2013.
Pennsylvania state champion Bradley verbals to Iowa
April 17, 2013: Two-time state finalist Aaron Bradley (Nazareth, Pa.), who won state last month after a 34-1 senior campaign, made the decision to commit to the University of Iowa. This season, Bradley was also runner-up at the Beast of the East, losing in the tiebreaker to Brooks Black; that lone loss was avenged with an overtime win in the Dapper Dan Wrestling Classic.
Bradley -- as of last month's ranking update -- was ranked No. 7 nationally at 285 pounds, and is ranked No. 53 overall in the Class of 2013. He joins two-time state champion Broc Berge (Kasson-Mantorville, Minn.) as well as four-time state champions Jake Marlin (Creston, Iowa) and Brandon Sorensen (Denver-Tripoli, Iowa) as commitments to the Hawkeyes in the Class of 2013.
Top 25 junior Hall continues St. Johns pipeline to Michigan
April 12, 2013: Having already won three state titles, and possessing a career record of 146-2, Zac Hall (St. Johns, Mich.) is one of the nation's top Class of 2014 prospects. This afternoon, Hall made the decision to join three of his fellow Redwings teammates in Ann Arbor come the fall of 2014, as he committed to the University of Michigan.
Past credentials for Hall include a 2012 InterMat JJ Classic title, a runner-up finish at the 2012 Junior National freestyle championships, runner-up finish at the 2012 FILA Cadet National freestyle championships, along with being a two-time Super 32 Challenge placer and Cadet National freestyle All-American. He is currently ranked inside the top five at 126 pounds nationally, and among the top 25 Class of 2014 prospects.
Top 60 senior Ellingwood chooses Central Michigan
April 6, 2013: Jordan Ellingwood (Plainfield Central, Ill.), state runner-up this past season at 195 pounds, committed to Central Michigan University. Ranked 58th overall in the Class of 2013 and No. 5 at 195 pounds, Ellingwood finished 88-6 in finishing third and second at state the last two years. He was also a Preseason Nationals champion this past fall, and projects to the 184-pound weight class in college.
Three-time state champion Jimenez, only a junior, commits to Wisconsin
April 5, 2013: Johnny Jimenez (Marmion Academy, Ill.), already a three-time state champion, has verbally committed to the University of Wisconsin as part of the Class of 2014. In three seasons of high school wrestling, Jimenez has amassed a record of 112 wins against just seven losses. This past summer, he finished third at the Cadet Nationals in freestyle. Jimenez has placed third and fourth at the Ironman the last two years. Currently he is ranked No. 8 at 120 pounds nationally and No. 44 overall in the Class of 2014.
State runner-up, three-time placer Fuentes commits to Drexel
April 1, 2013: Zack Fuentes (Norristown, Pa.) made it a fifth Pennsylvania big-school state placer from the past season to commit to Drexel as part of the Class of 2014. Ranked No. 10 in the nation at 113 pounds, Fuentes finished second at the state tournament in this weight class after placing 5th at 106 in 2012 and 4th at 103 in 2011. He also emerged victorious at the Dapper Dan Wrestling Classic, with a 3-2 decision over Junior National freestyle champion Paul Mascarenas.
Sophomore Duggan commits to Virginia Tech
March 29, 2013: Virginia Tech received a verbal commitment from one of the nation's top sophomores, Patrick Duggan (Cumberland Valley, Pa.). Duggan has a career record of 72-12 and is coming off a state runner-up finish at 132 pounds. He was a Cadet National freestyle runner-up.
Two-time state champ Lineberger commits to Notre Dame College
March 21, 2013: Two-time state champion Garrett Lineberger (Thomas Stone, Md.), who is currently ranked No. 20 at 182 pounds, committed to Notre Dame College. The three-time state finalist, two-time state champion, in Maryland Class 4A/3A won the last 79 matches of his career after losing to Josh Llopez in the 2011 state championship match at 152 pounds.
Lineberger joins fellow state champion Ivan McClay (Massillon, Ohio) as a nationally ranked wrestler to commit to Notre Dame College in the Class of 2013. The Falcons finished third in the recently completed NCAA Division II championships. Lineberger projects as a 184 pound wrestler in college.
Chattanooga adds two-time NCAA qualifier Mock
March 12, 2013: Corey Mock, a two-time NCAA qualifier for North Carolina, will be transferring to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. He will wrestle at 165 pounds. Mock was a four-time state champion at Chapel Hill (N.C.) High School, becoming the first four-time 4A state champion in NCHSAA history.
LeCount to be part of Central Michigan Class of 2014
Feb. 26, 2013: Coming off a state championship the previous weekend, Cody LeCount (Perry Meridian, Ind.) made his college commitment this past Sunday. This top junior, who is ranked No. 19 nationally at 132 pounds, will be attending Central Michigan in the fall of 2014. LeCount already has 140 career wins in three high school seasons, against just two losses, and has twice been a state finalist. During this past offseason, he was a Cadet National freestyle runner-up. He projects as a 141/149 pound wrestler for the Chippewas.
No. 18 Clagon, three-time NHSCA champion, chooses Rider
Feb. 10, 2013: B.J. Clagon (Toms River South, N.J.), a defending state champion and ranked No. 3 nationally at 145 pounds, verbally committed to Rider University. Clagon also placed second and seventh in his other high school seasons to be a three-time state placer in the Garden State. He is also a three-time NHSCA grade-level champion, is undefeated this season, and had a record of 111-6 prior to his senior year.
Clagon projects as a 141/149 at the college level, and joins J.R. Wert (Christiansburg, Va.) and Wayne Stinson (North Burlington, N.J.) as impact commits to Rider in the Class of 2013.
No. 77 Santos chooses N.C. State
Feb. 3, 2013: Peter Santos (Oakmont, Calif.), ranked No. 9 at 170 pounds and No. 77 overall in the Class of 2013, verbally committed to North Carolina State on Sunday afternoon. Santos joins Peter Renda (Brandywine Hts., Pa.) and Scott Delvecchio (S. Plainfield, N.J.) as top 100 prospects to commit to the Wolfpack in this class. Santos was fifth in last year's state tournament at 170 pounds, and seventh in the 152 pound weight class at the Flo Nationals last April.
No. 98 Bade chooses Penn
Jan. 20, 2013: Ken Bade (Detroit Catholic Central, Mich.), ranked No. 98 in the Class of 2013, and No. 13 in the 126 pound weight class, committed to Penn yesterday. The two-time state champion has also won the Medina Invitational each of the last two years. He also placed fifth and seventh at the FloNationals in April after each of the last two seasons. Bade joins No. 37 Frank Mattiace (Blair Academy, N.J.) as a top 100 commitment to the Quakers, and is a projected 125 in college.
Lakitsky transfers to Purdue
Jan. 8, 2013: After playing two years of Junior College football at Lackawanna College, 2011 state champion Garth Lakitsky (Tamqua Area, Pa.) has chosen to compete in wrestling at the NCAA Division I level. Lakitsky, who was his school's first ever state champion, made noise at the Dapper Dan with a victory over four-time New Jersey state champion Andrew Campolattano in the 215 pound weight class.
Having played two years of junior college football, Lakitsky will have three years left to complete three years of competition while at Purdue University. He projects as a 285 pound wrestler for the Boilermakers.
Junior freestyle All-American Assad commits to Purdue
Jan. 4, 2013: Three-time state placer Aaron Assad (Brecksville, Ohio), a Junior National freestyle All-American this past summer verbally committed to Purdue University this morning. Already this season, Assad placed fifth at the Ironman, second at the Beast, and was Outstanding Wrestler after winning a title at Brecksville. He projects as a 125 pound wrestler in college.
Kyle Snyder, elite junior, chooses Ohio State
Jan. 1, 2013: Undefeated for his high school career, having won almost everything there is to win, Kyle Snyder (Good Counsel, Md.) is one of the best wrestlers in the nation regardless of weight and regardless of grade level. Only a junior, Snyder has already won the Beast of the East three times, Ironman twice, National Prep twice, added two titles in Fargo, and single titles at Powerade and the Super 32 Challenge.
He is currently ranked No. 2 overall in the Class of 2014, and is the top-ranked wrestler at 220 pounds. Tonight, he made the decision to commit to attending The Ohio State University in the Fall of 2014. He projects as either a 197 or 285 pound wrestler.
InterMat JJ Classic champ Trembley signs with St. Cloud State
Story courtesy of St. Cloud State University Sports Information
Nov. 26, 2012: St. Cloud State University head wrestling coach Steve Costanzo and his staff has announced the addition of Taner Trembley to the Huskies' roster beginning in the fall 2013. Trembley is a senior at Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial High School.
"I am so excited to get Taner on board," said Costanzo. "Taner is one of the best student-wrestler's in the state of Minnesota. He has an exciting style of wrestling that is fun to watch. Combined with an outstanding work ethic and a passion for the sport of wrestling, Taner wrestles for seven minutes and has very few weaknesses on the mat."
Trembley is out of Lake-Crystal-Wellcome Memorial High School. He is a four-time MSHSL state entrant, placing fourth in 2010, fifth in 2011 and first at 132-pounds in 2012. Trembley was crowned an USA Wrestling Pre-Season National Champion earlier this month and finished third in the Cadet National folkstyle competition in 2011. He won the 2012 InterMat JJ Classic after finishing third in the event in 2011. Trembley enters his senior campaign with a career record of 163-50.
"Taner has been on my radar for the past two years," said assistant coach Brady Wilson. "I have always liked his style of wrestling. He is always on the attack and never gives up easy points. We will look forward to working with him during his tenure with the Huskies. Taner is going to be a special wrestler and a force to be reckoned with."
Trembley is the fourth student-wrestler to commit to the Huskies this fall. He will be joining Tanner Johnshoy (Prior Lake, Minn.), Jarred Oftedahl (Chaska, Minn.) and Trae Story (Little Canada, Minn.).
The Huskies are currently ranked No. 2 in the nation among Division II teams and have finished second in the nation at the NCAA Division II championships in 2012 and 2011. The two-time defending NCAA Division II Super Region 3 champs, St. Cloud State also won the 2012 Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference championships. SCSU will host the annual Holiday Inn/Husky Open in Halenbeck Hall on Dec. 8.
Three-time Fargo freestyle AA McGhee signs with Missouri
Nov. 21, 2012: Barlow McGhee (Rock Island, Ill.), ranked No. 16 nationally at 120 pounds, signed his National Letter of Intent with Missouri this afternoon. The three-time freestyle All-American in Fargo is also a two-time state placer (third at 103 in 2011, second at 113 in 2012), and was champion at the Preseason Nationals in the 120 pound weight class earlier this month.
McGhee in Fargo was sixth in Cadet freestyle at 112 in 2010, fourth in Cadet freestyle at 112 in 2011, and eighth in Junior freestyle at 120 in 2012. He joins three other nationally ranked commits - J'Den Cox (Hickman, Mo.), B.J. Toal (Troy Christian, Ohio), and Parker Vonegidy (Piedmont, N.C.) - as the core of the Missouri recruiting class of 2013.
Quartet of nationally ranked wrestlers commit in last two days
Nov. 21, 2012: Four nationally ranked wrestlers in their respective weight classes made their college choices today and yesterday.
George Fisher (Marmion Academy, Ill.), ranked No. 14 at 132 pounds, signed his National Letter of Intent with the University of Michigan. He was a Preseason Nationals champion at 132 pounds earlier this month, and projects as a 133/141.
Jaret Singh (Kearney, Mo.), ranked No. 11 at 113 pounds, committed to Division II Maryville University. He is a two-time state champion, and projects as a 125 pound wrestler in college.
Eric Hoffman (Northern Calvert, Md.), ranked No. 18 at 152 pounds, committed to Wyoming. This past summer he was a Junior National double All-American, placing eighth in both styles at 152 pounds, and projects as a 157/165.
Troy Murtha (Georgetown Prep, Md.), ranked No. 16 at 182 pounds, committed to Princeton. Last month he placed fifth in the Super 32 Challenge at 182 pounds, and projects collegiately as a 184.
FILA Junior Nationals champion Downey signs with Nebraska
Nov. 21, 2012: Pat Downey, a Maryland native who spent the last year-plus at the United States Olympic Training Center, signed a National Letter of Intent to attend the University of Nebraska. This past spring, he was a FILA Junior national freestyle champion at 84 kilos, and also was the FILA Junior World Championships representative at that weight class.
While in high school, Downey was a NHSCA Senior Nationals champion at 189 pounds in April 2011. He also earned a Junior National freestyle championship that July in Fargo at 171 pounds. As a collegiate wrestler, Downey projects to the 184-pound weight class.
NCAA qualifier Fought transfers to Arizona State
Nov. 20, 2012: Coltin Fought, an NCAA qualifier this past March for North Carolina State at 125 pounds, has transferred to Arizona State. He will be eligible to compete in the 2013-14 season. As a true freshman in 2011-12, Fought went 28-13 with eleven wins coming by fall.
Attending Benton High School in Pennsylvania, Fought was a two-time state finalist, winning a state title during his senior year in 2011 at 130 pounds. He was also an NHSCA Senior Nationals champion that April at 130 pounds.
Pair of Super 32 Challenge placers commit to colleges
Nov. 20, 2012: Austin Rose (Central Dauphin, Pa.), who placed 8th at 152 pounds in last month's Super 32 Challenge, verbally committed to Drexel University yesterday. He went 1-2 at 145 pounds in the Pennsylvania Class AAA state tournament this past March, and projects as a 157/165 in college.
Abraham Rodriguez (Hermiston, Ore.), who placed 7th at 160 pounds in last month's Super 32 Challenge, verbally committed to George Mason University this morning. He is ranked No. 20 nationally in the 160 pound weight class, and projects as a 157/165 in college.
Two-time state champion Krohn makes it three top 100 recruits for Stanford
Nov. 17, 2012: Garrett Krohn (Arvada, Col.), a two-time state champion who is ranked No. 42 overall in the Class of 2013, signed his National Letter of Intent to attend Stanford yesterday afternoon. He is also ranked seventh at 195 pounds in the preseason weight class rankings, was runner-up in the 182 weight class at the NHSCA Junior Nationals this spring, and finished third in freestyle at the Junior Nationals competing at 182.
Krohn joins two other top 100 seniors as commits to Stanford - No. 32 Connor Schram (Canon-McMillan, Pa.) and No. 73 Nathan Butler (Leavenworth, Kan.). Keaton Subjeck (Oak Ridge, Calif.) is a fourth Cardinal recruit to appear in the preseason national weight class rankings.
No. 75 Scheidel chooses Columbia
Nov. 15, 2012: Two-time state placer Markus Scheidel (St. Edward, Ohio), a state runner-up this past year, committed to Columbia University this morning. Scheidel, ranked No. 75 overall in the senior class, was also fifth at the NHSCA Junior Nationals this spring and a Cadet National freestyle All-American in the summer of 2011. He projects as a 157 at the college level and is ranked No. 14 at 152 pounds in the preseason, and joins No. 76 Garrett Ryan (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.) as a nationally ranked commit to Columbia.
Two-time state champ Racciato fourth Top 100 commit for Pitt
Nov. 14, 2012: Two-time state champion Mikey Racciato (Pen Argyl, Pa.) made it a four-pack of Top 100 commitments for Pittsburgh as part of their 2013 recruiting class. He ranks sixth at 145 pounds and No. 26 overall in the senior class, has a career record of 143-8, and projects as a 141/149 pound wrestler in college.
Joining Racciato as top 35 recruits in the Pitt class this year are Cody Wiercioch (Canon-McMillan, Pa.), Edgar Bright (St. Edward, Ohio), and Ryan Solomon (Milton, Pa.). The quartet of wrestlers have all placed three times at their state tournaments and combine for nine state finals appearances between them.
Two-time state champion Baker chooses Arizona State
Nov. 14, 2012: Kaleb Baker (Christian Brothers, Tenn.) signed his National Letter of Intent earlier today to Arizona State. Ranked No. 52 overall in the senior class, Baker is a two-time state champion and three-time state finalist. This past season, he was also runner-up at the Preseason Nationals and a champion at the Kansas City Wrestling Classic - both at 145 pounds. He projects collegiately as a 149 pound wrestler, and is ranked No. 9 at 145 pounds in the pre-season rankings.
O'Donnell a second Super 32 runner-up to commit to Princeton
Nov. 14, 2012: Two-time state placer Raymond O'Donnell (Saucon Valley, Pa.) committed to Princeton University. He has placed fourth and third in the Pennsylvania Class AA state tournament the last two years, and was seventh in the Junior National freestyle competition this past summer. Additionally, O'Donnell was a Super 32 Challenge runner-up this fall, a FILA Cadet National Greco-Roman champion this spring, and a three-time Cadet National All-American in 2010/2011.
He is joined as a Princeton verbal commit by fellow Super 32 runner-up Brett Harner (Norristown, Pa.), a three-time state placer and fellow Top 100 ranked senior.
Two-time placer Gravina fourth ranked wrestler to Rutgers
Nov. 14, 2012: Nick Gravina (Northern Highlands, N.J.) made it four nationally ranked wrestlers to commit to Rutgers University as part of its Class of 2013 with his decision. Ranked No. 80 overall in the senior class, Gravina is a two-time state placer, fifth as a freshman 103 pound wrestler and fourth at 145 this past year. He also placed third in the 145 pound weight class at the NHSCA Junior Nationals this past spring.
Gravina joins Anthony Ashnault (South Plainfield, N.J.), Tyson Dippery (Central Dauphin, Pa.), and Taylor Jackson (The Vilalges, Fla.) as nationally ranked Rutgers commits, while Justin Patrick (Ligonier Valley, Pa.) and Garrett Conner (Centerville, Ohio) are also Scarlet Knights' commitments.
LaMont, Brady headline quartet to sign NLIs with Utah Valley
Nov. 14, 2012: Four wrestlers signed letters of intent on Wednesday to enroll at Utah Valley University in the fall of 2013. Most notable among them were Grant LaMont (Maple Mountain, Utah) and Dalton Brady (Chandler, Ariz.).
Ranked No. 46 overall in the Class of 2013, LaMont is a two-time state champion with a career high school record of 148-17 and projects as a 157 in college. He also has demonstrated vast success in USA Wrestling national events: three-time placer at the Preseason Nationals, including a championship in 2011; four-time Fargo All-American, including a Junior National Greco-Roman title this past summer at 145 pounds; and three All-American finishes at the FILA Cadet Nationals, including a Greco-Roman title this past spring at 152. LaMont also is a two-time NHSCA grade-level nationals finalist, second this past year at 138 and a champion in 2011 at 130.
Brady is ranked No. 30 overall in the senior class, and is a three-time state champion. He also placed fourth at 126 pounds in the recently completed Super 32 Challenge and was a FILA Cadet National freestyle champion at 110 pounds in April 2011. He projects as a 125/133 pound wrestler in college.
Joining them in signing letters of intent today are Robbie Mathers, a 2012 graduate from Desert Vista, Ariz. who is spending 2012-13 at the U.S. Olympic Training Center after winning three high school state titles; and Koleton Hardy, a 2011 graduate from Box Elder, Utah who is currently serving a Mormon mission after winning two state titles in high school.
Illinois state champion Langenderfer stays home
Nov. 8, 2012: Three-time state placer Kyle Langenderfer (Lincoln-Way East, Ill.), who is ranked No. 72 overall in the Class of 2013, made his verbal commitment to the University of Illinois on Thursday. Kyle has a career record of 122-14 with state placement finishes of sixth, second, and first. He is ranked No. 19 in the preseason weight class rankings at 145 pounds, and joins top five overall seniors Isaiah Martinez (Lemoore, Calif.) and Brooks Black (Blair Academy, N.J.) as members of the Illini recruiting class.
NHSCA Junior champion Arthur chooses Clarion
Nov. 8, 2012: Two-time state champion Justin Arthur (Huntington, W.V.) verbally committed to Clarion University on Thursday. Ranked No. 88 overall in the Class of 2013, Arthur was also champion of the NHSCA Junior Nationals this past spring at 138 pounds. During the summer, he placed sixth in Junior freestyle at 138 pounds. He is joined by Austin Matthews (Reynolds, Pa.) as a Top 100 verbal commit.
Jackrabbits nab three-time Illinois state placer Holler
Nov. 7, 2012: Ranked No. 96 overall in the senior class, three-time state placer Colin Holler (Carl Sandburg, Ill.) verbally committed to South Dakota State on Wednesday. Holler has placed fifth, third, and third in Illinois' big-school division and carries a career record of 131-19.
Holler appears at No. 13 in the preseason weight class rankings at 160 pounds, and the 2011 Cadet National freestyle champion projects as a 165 pound wrestler in college. He is joined by fellow weight-class ranked wrestlers Paul Mascarenas (Cleveland, N.M.) and Nathan Rotert (Spearfish/Lead-Deadwood) as verbal commits to the Jackrabbits and first-year head coach Chris Bono.
Two-time state champion Lapaglia chooses DII Maryville
Nov. 3, 2012: Two-time state champion Darick Lapaglia (Blue Springs, Mo.) verbally committed to Maryville University, a Division II program led by former Nebraska-Omaha head coach Mike Denney, earlier in the week. With a seventh place finish in freestyle at the Junior Nationals and a Junior National folkstyle title this off-season, both at 138 pounds, Lapaglia is ranked No. 68 overall in the Class of 2013.
Projecting in college as a 141/149, Lapaglia enters his senior year with a 133-10 career record with a third place finish as a freshman before those two state titles.
Hammond makes it three Top 100 recruits to choose Penn State
Nov. 2, 2012: Garrett Hammond (Chambersburg, Pa.) made the decision this morning to stay close to home for his college career by verbally commiting to Penn State. The two-time Class AAA state finalist, champion this past year at 145 pounds, is ranked No. 58 overall in the Class of 2013. He is also a two-time Super 32 Challenge placer, having finished second two weekends ago in the 152 pound weight class.
Hammond has finished with a 39-4 record in each of his last two high school campaigns, and was 38-16 as a freshman when he finished seventh at the National Prep championships while enrolled at Wyoming Seminary. He was also a Cadet National All-American in both styles during the summer of 2011 at 145 pounds.
It is a third Top 100 verbal commit to Penn State in the early period, joining No. 7 Zain Retherford (Benton, Pa.) and No. 35 Matt McCutcheon (Kiski Area, Pa.).
Superstar heavyweight Black chooses the Illini
Nov. 1, 2012: Two-time National Prep champion Brooks Black (Blair Academy, N.J.) made it a second top five Class of 2013 prospect to verbal to the University of Illinois. Ranked fifth overall in the senior class, he joins No. 3 Isaiah Martinez (Lemoore, Calif.) as an Illini-to-be.
Black has also won the last two Walsh Ironman and Beast of the East titles. He has finished third and sixth at 285 pounds the last two years at the Junior National freestyle championships. In addition, Black won three Cadet National championships, including sweeping freestyle and Greco-Roman titles in 2010; along with winning a FILA Cadet freestyle championship in 2011.
He projects as 285 pound wrestler for the Illini at the collegiate level.
Fargo double fourth Robertson chooses Wisconsin
Nov. 1, 2012: Earlier this afternoon, Ricky Robertson (Carl Sandburg, Ill.) verbally committed to wrestle at the University of Wisconsin next fall. Ranked No. 45 overall in the Class of 2013, Robertson placed second at the state tournament with a 43-1 record this past season before earning fourth place in both Greco-Roman and freestyle at the Junior Nationals over the summer.
Other notable accomplishments for Robertson include a double All-American finish at the FILA Cadet Nationals in June at 187.25 pounds - third in freestyle and second in Greco-Roman. During the summer of 2011, he was a Cadet freestyle champion at 170 pounds and a Greco-Roman runner-up at 160. He is the initial Top 100 recruit for the Badgers this year, and joins Andrew Crone (Arrowhead, Wis.) as an early verbal commit.
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Llopez makes it back-to-back days with a top 30 Class of 2014 commitment to Maryland
May 16, 2013: Earlier this evening, Josh Llopez (St. Mary's Ryken, Md.) verbally committed to the University of Maryland. The rising senior is ranked No. 28 overall in the Class of 2014, and finished the 2012-13 season ranked No. 9 overall at 160 pounds after earning runner-up honors at the National Prep Championships.
Earlier in 2012-13, Llopez was runner-up at the preseason Super 32 Challenge, and placed fourth at the Walsh Ironman and Beast of the East tournaments. He is also a two-time Fargo top three finisher, winning Junior Nationals in the summer of 2012 and finishing third at Cadet Nationals in 2011. Other accomplishments for Llopez include state titles while competing for La Plata as a freshman and sophomore, NHSCA Freshman Nationals title in 2011, FloNationals runner-up finish in 2012, and Super 32 Challenge championship in October 2011.
Llopez projects as a 165/174 at the college level and joins fellow top 30 junior, No. 19 Alfred Bannister (Bishop McNamara, Md.) as a verbal commitment to the Terrapins in the Class of 2014.
National Prep champ, Beast of the East OW Bannister commits to Maryland
May 15, 2013: Alfred Bannister (Bishop McNamara, Md.), who was named Outstanding Wrestler at the Beast of the East this past December, verbally committed to the University of Maryland this evening. The junior is ranked No. 19 overall in the Class of 2014, and finished the 2012-13 season ranked 7th at 138 pounds.
This past season, Bannister placed at National Preps for the third straight year (7th-2nd-1st), and also made a second consecutive Beast of the East final (was runner-up in December 2011). He also was runner-up at the NHSCA Junior Nationals, after winning titles at grade-level nationals as a freshman and sophomore. Bannister projects as a 141 pound wrestler when enrolling at Maryland in the fall of 2014.
Two-time National Prep champ Clark to join Tar Heels
May 13, 2013: Jack Clark (McDonogh, Md.), a two-time National Prep champion verbally committed to the University of North Carolina as part of the Class of 2014. Ranked No. 32 overall among rising juniors, Clark is the first commit for the Tar Heels in this class.
Runner-up at the FloNationals and the Beast of the East, Clark ended the 2012-13 season ranked No. 14 overall at 145 pounds. Other accomplishments in his career include a National Prep runner-up finish in 2011, Cadet National freestyle third place finish in 2011, and FILA Cadet National freestyle championship in 2010.
Three-time state champ Thorn commits to Minnesota
Tommy Thorn won this third state championship (Photo/Mark Beshey, The Guillotine) May 13, 2013: The Thorn legacy will continue at the University of Minnesota.
Tommy Thorn (St. Michael-Albertville, Minn.), one of the nation's top juniors, gave a verbal commitment to wrestle for the Gophers. His oldest brother Mike was a two-time All-American (2010, 2011) for the Gophers. His brother David is currently a redshirt junior in the Minnesota program and is coming off an All-American finish at 125 pounds.
Tommy Thorn is a three-time state champion heading into his senior season at St. Michael-Albertville. He compiled a 47-1 record this past season en route to winning a state championship at 120 pounds. Thorn was a Junior National freestyle champion last summer in Fargo, and won a Cadet National freestyle title the previous summer. He has represented the United States twice at the FILA Cadet World Championships.
State champion Luke Wilson stays home, chooses Cal Poly
May 8, 2013: Luke Wilson (Righetti, Calif.), ranked No. 17 in the nation at 152 pounds, signed his National Letter of Intent to attend Cal Poly this afternoon. A state champion this season at 152 pounds, he finished third in the NHSCA Senior Nationals last month. Wilson is also ranked No. 89 overall in the Class of 2013, and is the second top 100 recruit - joining No. 36 Spencer Empey (Reed, Nev.) - in the Cal Poly recruiting class this year.
No. 96 Otero makes it three top 100 senior to choose Arizona State
May 7, 2013: NHSCA Senior Nationals runner-up Lawrence Otero (Volcano Vista, N.M.) - ranked No. 96 overall in the Class of 2013 - verbally committed to Arziona State this afternoon. A four-time state champion, who also placed seventh at the Super 32 Challenge in the 138 pound weight class this fall, Otero ended the season ranked No. 18 at 138 pounds in the nation.
He joins No. 82 Kaleb Baker (Christian Brothers, Tenn.) and No. 94 Mech Spraggins (Belleville West, Ill.) as top 100 prospects to commit to Arizona State as part of the Class of 2013.
Pennsylvania state champion Bradley verbals to Iowa
April 17, 2013: Two-time state finalist Aaron Bradley (Nazareth, Pa.), who won state last month after a 34-1 senior campaign, made the decision to commit to the University of Iowa. This season, Bradley was also runner-up at the Beast of the East, losing in the tiebreaker to Brooks Black; that lone loss was avenged with an overtime win in the Dapper Dan Wrestling Classic.
Bradley -- as of last month's ranking update -- was ranked No. 7 nationally at 285 pounds, and is ranked No. 53 overall in the Class of 2013. He joins two-time state champion Broc Berge (Kasson-Mantorville, Minn.) as well as four-time state champions Jake Marlin (Creston, Iowa) and Brandon Sorensen (Denver-Tripoli, Iowa) as commitments to the Hawkeyes in the Class of 2013.
Top 25 junior Hall continues St. Johns pipeline to Michigan
April 12, 2013: Having already won three state titles, and possessing a career record of 146-2, Zac Hall (St. Johns, Mich.) is one of the nation's top Class of 2014 prospects. This afternoon, Hall made the decision to join three of his fellow Redwings teammates in Ann Arbor come the fall of 2014, as he committed to the University of Michigan.
Past credentials for Hall include a 2012 InterMat JJ Classic title, a runner-up finish at the 2012 Junior National freestyle championships, runner-up finish at the 2012 FILA Cadet National freestyle championships, along with being a two-time Super 32 Challenge placer and Cadet National freestyle All-American. He is currently ranked inside the top five at 126 pounds nationally, and among the top 25 Class of 2014 prospects.
Top 60 senior Ellingwood chooses Central Michigan
April 6, 2013: Jordan Ellingwood (Plainfield Central, Ill.), state runner-up this past season at 195 pounds, committed to Central Michigan University. Ranked 58th overall in the Class of 2013 and No. 5 at 195 pounds, Ellingwood finished 88-6 in finishing third and second at state the last two years. He was also a Preseason Nationals champion this past fall, and projects to the 184-pound weight class in college.
Three-time state champion Jimenez, only a junior, commits to Wisconsin
April 5, 2013: Johnny Jimenez (Marmion Academy, Ill.), already a three-time state champion, has verbally committed to the University of Wisconsin as part of the Class of 2014. In three seasons of high school wrestling, Jimenez has amassed a record of 112 wins against just seven losses. This past summer, he finished third at the Cadet Nationals in freestyle. Jimenez has placed third and fourth at the Ironman the last two years. Currently he is ranked No. 8 at 120 pounds nationally and No. 44 overall in the Class of 2014.
State runner-up, three-time placer Fuentes commits to Drexel
April 1, 2013: Zack Fuentes (Norristown, Pa.) made it a fifth Pennsylvania big-school state placer from the past season to commit to Drexel as part of the Class of 2014. Ranked No. 10 in the nation at 113 pounds, Fuentes finished second at the state tournament in this weight class after placing 5th at 106 in 2012 and 4th at 103 in 2011. He also emerged victorious at the Dapper Dan Wrestling Classic, with a 3-2 decision over Junior National freestyle champion Paul Mascarenas.
Sophomore Duggan commits to Virginia Tech
March 29, 2013: Virginia Tech received a verbal commitment from one of the nation's top sophomores, Patrick Duggan (Cumberland Valley, Pa.). Duggan has a career record of 72-12 and is coming off a state runner-up finish at 132 pounds. He was a Cadet National freestyle runner-up.
Two-time state champ Lineberger commits to Notre Dame College
March 21, 2013: Two-time state champion Garrett Lineberger (Thomas Stone, Md.), who is currently ranked No. 20 at 182 pounds, committed to Notre Dame College. The three-time state finalist, two-time state champion, in Maryland Class 4A/3A won the last 79 matches of his career after losing to Josh Llopez in the 2011 state championship match at 152 pounds.
Lineberger joins fellow state champion Ivan McClay (Massillon, Ohio) as a nationally ranked wrestler to commit to Notre Dame College in the Class of 2013. The Falcons finished third in the recently completed NCAA Division II championships. Lineberger projects as a 184 pound wrestler in college.
Chattanooga adds two-time NCAA qualifier Mock
March 12, 2013: Corey Mock, a two-time NCAA qualifier for North Carolina, will be transferring to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. He will wrestle at 165 pounds. Mock was a four-time state champion at Chapel Hill (N.C.) High School, becoming the first four-time 4A state champion in NCHSAA history.
LeCount to be part of Central Michigan Class of 2014
Feb. 26, 2013: Coming off a state championship the previous weekend, Cody LeCount (Perry Meridian, Ind.) made his college commitment this past Sunday. This top junior, who is ranked No. 19 nationally at 132 pounds, will be attending Central Michigan in the fall of 2014. LeCount already has 140 career wins in three high school seasons, against just two losses, and has twice been a state finalist. During this past offseason, he was a Cadet National freestyle runner-up. He projects as a 141/149 pound wrestler for the Chippewas.
No. 18 Clagon, three-time NHSCA champion, chooses Rider
Feb. 10, 2013: B.J. Clagon (Toms River South, N.J.), a defending state champion and ranked No. 3 nationally at 145 pounds, verbally committed to Rider University. Clagon also placed second and seventh in his other high school seasons to be a three-time state placer in the Garden State. He is also a three-time NHSCA grade-level champion, is undefeated this season, and had a record of 111-6 prior to his senior year.
Clagon projects as a 141/149 at the college level, and joins J.R. Wert (Christiansburg, Va.) and Wayne Stinson (North Burlington, N.J.) as impact commits to Rider in the Class of 2013.
No. 77 Santos chooses N.C. State
Feb. 3, 2013: Peter Santos (Oakmont, Calif.), ranked No. 9 at 170 pounds and No. 77 overall in the Class of 2013, verbally committed to North Carolina State on Sunday afternoon. Santos joins Peter Renda (Brandywine Hts., Pa.) and Scott Delvecchio (S. Plainfield, N.J.) as top 100 prospects to commit to the Wolfpack in this class. Santos was fifth in last year's state tournament at 170 pounds, and seventh in the 152 pound weight class at the Flo Nationals last April.
No. 98 Bade chooses Penn
Jan. 20, 2013: Ken Bade (Detroit Catholic Central, Mich.), ranked No. 98 in the Class of 2013, and No. 13 in the 126 pound weight class, committed to Penn yesterday. The two-time state champion has also won the Medina Invitational each of the last two years. He also placed fifth and seventh at the FloNationals in April after each of the last two seasons. Bade joins No. 37 Frank Mattiace (Blair Academy, N.J.) as a top 100 commitment to the Quakers, and is a projected 125 in college.
Lakitsky transfers to Purdue
Jan. 8, 2013: After playing two years of Junior College football at Lackawanna College, 2011 state champion Garth Lakitsky (Tamqua Area, Pa.) has chosen to compete in wrestling at the NCAA Division I level. Lakitsky, who was his school's first ever state champion, made noise at the Dapper Dan with a victory over four-time New Jersey state champion Andrew Campolattano in the 215 pound weight class.
Having played two years of junior college football, Lakitsky will have three years left to complete three years of competition while at Purdue University. He projects as a 285 pound wrestler for the Boilermakers.
Junior freestyle All-American Assad commits to Purdue
Jan. 4, 2013: Three-time state placer Aaron Assad (Brecksville, Ohio), a Junior National freestyle All-American this past summer verbally committed to Purdue University this morning. Already this season, Assad placed fifth at the Ironman, second at the Beast, and was Outstanding Wrestler after winning a title at Brecksville. He projects as a 125 pound wrestler in college.
Kyle Snyder, elite junior, chooses Ohio State
Jan. 1, 2013: Undefeated for his high school career, having won almost everything there is to win, Kyle Snyder (Good Counsel, Md.) is one of the best wrestlers in the nation regardless of weight and regardless of grade level. Only a junior, Snyder has already won the Beast of the East three times, Ironman twice, National Prep twice, added two titles in Fargo, and single titles at Powerade and the Super 32 Challenge.
He is currently ranked No. 2 overall in the Class of 2014, and is the top-ranked wrestler at 220 pounds. Tonight, he made the decision to commit to attending The Ohio State University in the Fall of 2014. He projects as either a 197 or 285 pound wrestler.
InterMat JJ Classic champ Trembley signs with St. Cloud State
Story courtesy of St. Cloud State University Sports Information
Nov. 26, 2012: St. Cloud State University head wrestling coach Steve Costanzo and his staff has announced the addition of Taner Trembley to the Huskies' roster beginning in the fall 2013. Trembley is a senior at Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial High School.
"I am so excited to get Taner on board," said Costanzo. "Taner is one of the best student-wrestler's in the state of Minnesota. He has an exciting style of wrestling that is fun to watch. Combined with an outstanding work ethic and a passion for the sport of wrestling, Taner wrestles for seven minutes and has very few weaknesses on the mat."
Trembley is out of Lake-Crystal-Wellcome Memorial High School. He is a four-time MSHSL state entrant, placing fourth in 2010, fifth in 2011 and first at 132-pounds in 2012. Trembley was crowned an USA Wrestling Pre-Season National Champion earlier this month and finished third in the Cadet National folkstyle competition in 2011. He won the 2012 InterMat JJ Classic after finishing third in the event in 2011. Trembley enters his senior campaign with a career record of 163-50.
"Taner has been on my radar for the past two years," said assistant coach Brady Wilson. "I have always liked his style of wrestling. He is always on the attack and never gives up easy points. We will look forward to working with him during his tenure with the Huskies. Taner is going to be a special wrestler and a force to be reckoned with."
Trembley is the fourth student-wrestler to commit to the Huskies this fall. He will be joining Tanner Johnshoy (Prior Lake, Minn.), Jarred Oftedahl (Chaska, Minn.) and Trae Story (Little Canada, Minn.).
The Huskies are currently ranked No. 2 in the nation among Division II teams and have finished second in the nation at the NCAA Division II championships in 2012 and 2011. The two-time defending NCAA Division II Super Region 3 champs, St. Cloud State also won the 2012 Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference championships. SCSU will host the annual Holiday Inn/Husky Open in Halenbeck Hall on Dec. 8.
Three-time Fargo freestyle AA McGhee signs with Missouri
Nov. 21, 2012: Barlow McGhee (Rock Island, Ill.), ranked No. 16 nationally at 120 pounds, signed his National Letter of Intent with Missouri this afternoon. The three-time freestyle All-American in Fargo is also a two-time state placer (third at 103 in 2011, second at 113 in 2012), and was champion at the Preseason Nationals in the 120 pound weight class earlier this month.
McGhee in Fargo was sixth in Cadet freestyle at 112 in 2010, fourth in Cadet freestyle at 112 in 2011, and eighth in Junior freestyle at 120 in 2012. He joins three other nationally ranked commits - J'Den Cox (Hickman, Mo.), B.J. Toal (Troy Christian, Ohio), and Parker Vonegidy (Piedmont, N.C.) - as the core of the Missouri recruiting class of 2013.
Quartet of nationally ranked wrestlers commit in last two days
Nov. 21, 2012: Four nationally ranked wrestlers in their respective weight classes made their college choices today and yesterday.
George Fisher (Marmion Academy, Ill.), ranked No. 14 at 132 pounds, signed his National Letter of Intent with the University of Michigan. He was a Preseason Nationals champion at 132 pounds earlier this month, and projects as a 133/141.
Jaret Singh (Kearney, Mo.), ranked No. 11 at 113 pounds, committed to Division II Maryville University. He is a two-time state champion, and projects as a 125 pound wrestler in college.
Eric Hoffman (Northern Calvert, Md.), ranked No. 18 at 152 pounds, committed to Wyoming. This past summer he was a Junior National double All-American, placing eighth in both styles at 152 pounds, and projects as a 157/165.
Troy Murtha (Georgetown Prep, Md.), ranked No. 16 at 182 pounds, committed to Princeton. Last month he placed fifth in the Super 32 Challenge at 182 pounds, and projects collegiately as a 184.
FILA Junior Nationals champion Downey signs with Nebraska
Nov. 21, 2012: Pat Downey, a Maryland native who spent the last year-plus at the United States Olympic Training Center, signed a National Letter of Intent to attend the University of Nebraska. This past spring, he was a FILA Junior national freestyle champion at 84 kilos, and also was the FILA Junior World Championships representative at that weight class.
While in high school, Downey was a NHSCA Senior Nationals champion at 189 pounds in April 2011. He also earned a Junior National freestyle championship that July in Fargo at 171 pounds. As a collegiate wrestler, Downey projects to the 184-pound weight class.
NCAA qualifier Fought transfers to Arizona State
Nov. 20, 2012: Coltin Fought, an NCAA qualifier this past March for North Carolina State at 125 pounds, has transferred to Arizona State. He will be eligible to compete in the 2013-14 season. As a true freshman in 2011-12, Fought went 28-13 with eleven wins coming by fall.
Attending Benton High School in Pennsylvania, Fought was a two-time state finalist, winning a state title during his senior year in 2011 at 130 pounds. He was also an NHSCA Senior Nationals champion that April at 130 pounds.
Pair of Super 32 Challenge placers commit to colleges
Nov. 20, 2012: Austin Rose (Central Dauphin, Pa.), who placed 8th at 152 pounds in last month's Super 32 Challenge, verbally committed to Drexel University yesterday. He went 1-2 at 145 pounds in the Pennsylvania Class AAA state tournament this past March, and projects as a 157/165 in college.
Abraham Rodriguez (Hermiston, Ore.), who placed 7th at 160 pounds in last month's Super 32 Challenge, verbally committed to George Mason University this morning. He is ranked No. 20 nationally in the 160 pound weight class, and projects as a 157/165 in college.
Two-time state champion Krohn makes it three top 100 recruits for Stanford
Nov. 17, 2012: Garrett Krohn (Arvada, Col.), a two-time state champion who is ranked No. 42 overall in the Class of 2013, signed his National Letter of Intent to attend Stanford yesterday afternoon. He is also ranked seventh at 195 pounds in the preseason weight class rankings, was runner-up in the 182 weight class at the NHSCA Junior Nationals this spring, and finished third in freestyle at the Junior Nationals competing at 182.
Krohn joins two other top 100 seniors as commits to Stanford - No. 32 Connor Schram (Canon-McMillan, Pa.) and No. 73 Nathan Butler (Leavenworth, Kan.). Keaton Subjeck (Oak Ridge, Calif.) is a fourth Cardinal recruit to appear in the preseason national weight class rankings.
No. 75 Scheidel chooses Columbia
Nov. 15, 2012: Two-time state placer Markus Scheidel (St. Edward, Ohio), a state runner-up this past year, committed to Columbia University this morning. Scheidel, ranked No. 75 overall in the senior class, was also fifth at the NHSCA Junior Nationals this spring and a Cadet National freestyle All-American in the summer of 2011. He projects as a 157 at the college level and is ranked No. 14 at 152 pounds in the preseason, and joins No. 76 Garrett Ryan (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.) as a nationally ranked commit to Columbia.
Two-time state champ Racciato fourth Top 100 commit for Pitt
Nov. 14, 2012: Two-time state champion Mikey Racciato (Pen Argyl, Pa.) made it a four-pack of Top 100 commitments for Pittsburgh as part of their 2013 recruiting class. He ranks sixth at 145 pounds and No. 26 overall in the senior class, has a career record of 143-8, and projects as a 141/149 pound wrestler in college.
Joining Racciato as top 35 recruits in the Pitt class this year are Cody Wiercioch (Canon-McMillan, Pa.), Edgar Bright (St. Edward, Ohio), and Ryan Solomon (Milton, Pa.). The quartet of wrestlers have all placed three times at their state tournaments and combine for nine state finals appearances between them.
Two-time state champion Baker chooses Arizona State
Nov. 14, 2012: Kaleb Baker (Christian Brothers, Tenn.) signed his National Letter of Intent earlier today to Arizona State. Ranked No. 52 overall in the senior class, Baker is a two-time state champion and three-time state finalist. This past season, he was also runner-up at the Preseason Nationals and a champion at the Kansas City Wrestling Classic - both at 145 pounds. He projects collegiately as a 149 pound wrestler, and is ranked No. 9 at 145 pounds in the pre-season rankings.
O'Donnell a second Super 32 runner-up to commit to Princeton
Nov. 14, 2012: Two-time state placer Raymond O'Donnell (Saucon Valley, Pa.) committed to Princeton University. He has placed fourth and third in the Pennsylvania Class AA state tournament the last two years, and was seventh in the Junior National freestyle competition this past summer. Additionally, O'Donnell was a Super 32 Challenge runner-up this fall, a FILA Cadet National Greco-Roman champion this spring, and a three-time Cadet National All-American in 2010/2011.
He is joined as a Princeton verbal commit by fellow Super 32 runner-up Brett Harner (Norristown, Pa.), a three-time state placer and fellow Top 100 ranked senior.
Two-time placer Gravina fourth ranked wrestler to Rutgers
Nov. 14, 2012: Nick Gravina (Northern Highlands, N.J.) made it four nationally ranked wrestlers to commit to Rutgers University as part of its Class of 2013 with his decision. Ranked No. 80 overall in the senior class, Gravina is a two-time state placer, fifth as a freshman 103 pound wrestler and fourth at 145 this past year. He also placed third in the 145 pound weight class at the NHSCA Junior Nationals this past spring.
Gravina joins Anthony Ashnault (South Plainfield, N.J.), Tyson Dippery (Central Dauphin, Pa.), and Taylor Jackson (The Vilalges, Fla.) as nationally ranked Rutgers commits, while Justin Patrick (Ligonier Valley, Pa.) and Garrett Conner (Centerville, Ohio) are also Scarlet Knights' commitments.
LaMont, Brady headline quartet to sign NLIs with Utah Valley
Nov. 14, 2012: Four wrestlers signed letters of intent on Wednesday to enroll at Utah Valley University in the fall of 2013. Most notable among them were Grant LaMont (Maple Mountain, Utah) and Dalton Brady (Chandler, Ariz.).
Ranked No. 46 overall in the Class of 2013, LaMont is a two-time state champion with a career high school record of 148-17 and projects as a 157 in college. He also has demonstrated vast success in USA Wrestling national events: three-time placer at the Preseason Nationals, including a championship in 2011; four-time Fargo All-American, including a Junior National Greco-Roman title this past summer at 145 pounds; and three All-American finishes at the FILA Cadet Nationals, including a Greco-Roman title this past spring at 152. LaMont also is a two-time NHSCA grade-level nationals finalist, second this past year at 138 and a champion in 2011 at 130.
Brady is ranked No. 30 overall in the senior class, and is a three-time state champion. He also placed fourth at 126 pounds in the recently completed Super 32 Challenge and was a FILA Cadet National freestyle champion at 110 pounds in April 2011. He projects as a 125/133 pound wrestler in college.
Joining them in signing letters of intent today are Robbie Mathers, a 2012 graduate from Desert Vista, Ariz. who is spending 2012-13 at the U.S. Olympic Training Center after winning three high school state titles; and Koleton Hardy, a 2011 graduate from Box Elder, Utah who is currently serving a Mormon mission after winning two state titles in high school.
Illinois state champion Langenderfer stays home
Nov. 8, 2012: Three-time state placer Kyle Langenderfer (Lincoln-Way East, Ill.), who is ranked No. 72 overall in the Class of 2013, made his verbal commitment to the University of Illinois on Thursday. Kyle has a career record of 122-14 with state placement finishes of sixth, second, and first. He is ranked No. 19 in the preseason weight class rankings at 145 pounds, and joins top five overall seniors Isaiah Martinez (Lemoore, Calif.) and Brooks Black (Blair Academy, N.J.) as members of the Illini recruiting class.
NHSCA Junior champion Arthur chooses Clarion
Nov. 8, 2012: Two-time state champion Justin Arthur (Huntington, W.V.) verbally committed to Clarion University on Thursday. Ranked No. 88 overall in the Class of 2013, Arthur was also champion of the NHSCA Junior Nationals this past spring at 138 pounds. During the summer, he placed sixth in Junior freestyle at 138 pounds. He is joined by Austin Matthews (Reynolds, Pa.) as a Top 100 verbal commit.
Jackrabbits nab three-time Illinois state placer Holler
Nov. 7, 2012: Ranked No. 96 overall in the senior class, three-time state placer Colin Holler (Carl Sandburg, Ill.) verbally committed to South Dakota State on Wednesday. Holler has placed fifth, third, and third in Illinois' big-school division and carries a career record of 131-19.
Holler appears at No. 13 in the preseason weight class rankings at 160 pounds, and the 2011 Cadet National freestyle champion projects as a 165 pound wrestler in college. He is joined by fellow weight-class ranked wrestlers Paul Mascarenas (Cleveland, N.M.) and Nathan Rotert (Spearfish/Lead-Deadwood) as verbal commits to the Jackrabbits and first-year head coach Chris Bono.
Two-time state champion Lapaglia chooses DII Maryville
Nov. 3, 2012: Two-time state champion Darick Lapaglia (Blue Springs, Mo.) verbally committed to Maryville University, a Division II program led by former Nebraska-Omaha head coach Mike Denney, earlier in the week. With a seventh place finish in freestyle at the Junior Nationals and a Junior National folkstyle title this off-season, both at 138 pounds, Lapaglia is ranked No. 68 overall in the Class of 2013.
Projecting in college as a 141/149, Lapaglia enters his senior year with a 133-10 career record with a third place finish as a freshman before those two state titles.
Hammond makes it three Top 100 recruits to choose Penn State
Nov. 2, 2012: Garrett Hammond (Chambersburg, Pa.) made the decision this morning to stay close to home for his college career by verbally commiting to Penn State. The two-time Class AAA state finalist, champion this past year at 145 pounds, is ranked No. 58 overall in the Class of 2013. He is also a two-time Super 32 Challenge placer, having finished second two weekends ago in the 152 pound weight class.
Hammond has finished with a 39-4 record in each of his last two high school campaigns, and was 38-16 as a freshman when he finished seventh at the National Prep championships while enrolled at Wyoming Seminary. He was also a Cadet National All-American in both styles during the summer of 2011 at 145 pounds.
It is a third Top 100 verbal commit to Penn State in the early period, joining No. 7 Zain Retherford (Benton, Pa.) and No. 35 Matt McCutcheon (Kiski Area, Pa.).
Superstar heavyweight Black chooses the Illini
Nov. 1, 2012: Two-time National Prep champion Brooks Black (Blair Academy, N.J.) made it a second top five Class of 2013 prospect to verbal to the University of Illinois. Ranked fifth overall in the senior class, he joins No. 3 Isaiah Martinez (Lemoore, Calif.) as an Illini-to-be.
Black has also won the last two Walsh Ironman and Beast of the East titles. He has finished third and sixth at 285 pounds the last two years at the Junior National freestyle championships. In addition, Black won three Cadet National championships, including sweeping freestyle and Greco-Roman titles in 2010; along with winning a FILA Cadet freestyle championship in 2011.
He projects as 285 pound wrestler for the Illini at the collegiate level.
Fargo double fourth Robertson chooses Wisconsin
Nov. 1, 2012: Earlier this afternoon, Ricky Robertson (Carl Sandburg, Ill.) verbally committed to wrestle at the University of Wisconsin next fall. Ranked No. 45 overall in the Class of 2013, Robertson placed second at the state tournament with a 43-1 record this past season before earning fourth place in both Greco-Roman and freestyle at the Junior Nationals over the summer.
Other notable accomplishments for Robertson include a double All-American finish at the FILA Cadet Nationals in June at 187.25 pounds - third in freestyle and second in Greco-Roman. During the summer of 2011, he was a Cadet freestyle champion at 170 pounds and a Greco-Roman runner-up at 160. He is the initial Top 100 recruit for the Badgers this year, and joins Andrew Crone (Arrowhead, Wis.) as an early verbal commit.
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dob092095 (1)
about 8 months ago
just wonder why zain retherford article isn't here.