While the loss of Arujau, the Pride’s most highly regarded recruit from the class of 2010, is certainly a disappointment to those of us who bleed the HU Blue and Gold, the truth is that even without the much heralded Syosset High School product, Hofstra should enjoy significant depth at the lower weights. Coach Tom Shifflet and company still have former state champions in the persons of Steve Bonanno, Jamie Franco, Cody Ruggirello, Luke Vaith, and Justin Accordino who should make for a more than sufficient 1-2-3-4 punch from 125-149.
In speaking with Lighthouse Wrestling, Arujau was quite open about what the future might bring for him. At this point, the three-time NYS finalist, who was named as the No. 2 senior in the Empire State in an InterMat story, indicated that it is now highly likely that he will continue his academic and athletic career in the nation’s capital, wrestling for head coach, Mark Cody at American University. If you remember, the Eagles were one of the finalists on Arujau’s short list prior to his committing to HU.
Once finalized, Arujau will become the first wrestler from the class of 2010 to formally commit to AU. The week long early signing period is set to commence on November 11.
With the departure of Arujau, the Pride’s expected 2010 class instantly becomes a talented trio consisting of Ruggirello, Nick Terdick, and Matt Loew. It is unknown whether the HU coaching staff will use the scholarship formerly offered to Arujau to lock up another recruit from this senior class, or if they will elect instead to save it until 2011.
Arujau becomes the fourth member of this truly peculiar/hard-to-predict senior class to renege on previously given verbal commitment. Already, the nation has stood witness as Josh Dziewa switched from Rutgers to the University of Iowa, Joe Duca from Rutgers to Indiana University, and most recently Max Huntley from the University of Missouri to the University of Michigan.
While I express the sentiments of all Pride alums/enthusiasts in saying that we will miss seeing young Mr. Arujau do great things while donning the Blue and Gold, I also wish him the very best of luck on what should be an incredibly bright and success filled future on the collegiate level.
InterMat was granted permission to republish this article from LighthouseWrestling.com.
http://lighthousewrestling.com/lhw/2009/10/30/lion-king-no-more-46-recruit-nick-arujau-decommits-from-hu
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