"This is probably the best class for the early signing period that we have produced," said ODU head coach Steve Martin. "The incoming recruiting class fills definite needs for us at the 149, 157, 184 & 197 weight classes. All four of these student-athletes are serious about winning national titles as well as succeeding in the classroom."
Craig Wilson is a standout from Missouri, ranked second in the nation by Wrestling USA and third by W.I.N. Magazine. He is a two-time state champion, three-time placewinner in Missouri and has only lost three bouts in his career. He takes his career 151-3 record into his senior season looking for his third consecutive state title. Wilson also was the 2005 Cadet National Freestyle runner-up as well as a placewinner at the 2006 FILA Cadet National Freestyle Tournament and the 2007 Jr. Freestyle Nationals. Wilson was also being recruited by 2007 National Champion Minnesota, as well as national contenders Missouri, Nebraska and Northern Iowa.
MARTIN ON WILSON: "We look to Craig Wilson to be the future prototype of our program. He has goals of being a multiple NCAA champion and he has the credentials and work ethic to back it up. This was a huge pickup for us and it shocked a lot of people. Wilson is very aggressive and wrestles the `Iowa' style of wrestling."
Joe Budi finished his junior campaign ranked 7th nationally after a 50-0 campaign including 23 pins. He was the state champion a year ago, is a two-time placewinner at the Wisconsin state championship and is ranked 9th by W.I.N. Magazine heading into his senior year. Also a Brute/adidas National Folkstyle Champion and two-time USA National Folkstyle Champion, he chose ODU over three nationally ranked contenders in Minnesota, Nebraska and Penn. His 118-20 career record will provide depth at a projected weight of 184 or 197.
MARTIN ON BUDI: "Joe Budi will be an impact wrestler for us right off the bat. He has a very aggressive style for an upper weight. He competes very hard which will allow for a smooth transition into the collegiate wrestling world. He too wrestles the `Iowa' style and has goals of becoming a national champion and All-American."
Jared King wrestles at Virginia state powerhouse Great Bridge High School in Chesapeake, Virginia. King is ranked 10th by Wrestling USA as a two-time state runner-up at Virginia's AAA state tournament. He is a two-time district and two-time regional champion and will add depth to a projected weight of 149 or 157 in college. He chose to wrestle for ODU over in-state rival Virginia Tech.
MARTIN ON KING: "Jared King has been around wrestling his whole life and has a natural feel for the sport. He has the ability to pin anyone at any time. We expect him to step in and contribute right away. Jared is a very scrappy wrestler that has a `go-get-him' style. When the whistle blows, he's going forward across the mat to try and pin his opponent."
The fourth recruit is a local product from Grafton High school in Yorktown. Chase Ennis is a three-time Bay Rivers District Champion as well as a two-time regional champion. He was the state runner-up last season and heading into his senior season he has a career record of 133-20. A two-time placewinner at the Virginia AA tournament, he's also a two-time Virginia Freestyle State Champion. Ennis was also considering Princeton and UT Chattanooga.
MARTIN ON ENNIS: "We consider Ennis the best big guy in the state of Virginia, as well as a diamond in the rough. He is a big, strong kid that has great athletic ability as well as being a very hard worker. We expect Ennis to make an impact in our program."
The four grapplers will continue to add depth to Martin's program, which has improved dramatically each year. This season, the Monarchs are receiving the most votes of those outside the Top 25 in the Intermat national rankings.
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