LAURINBURG, N.C.—St. Andrews Presbyterian College head coach Joe Baranik has announced the addition of nine recruits to the Knights wrestling program for the 2010/2011 season.
St. Andrews started practice on the first day of October with 11 new faces that will help add depth to the Knights roster. Coach Baranik recruited nine new greenhorns that should help produce the Knights best team since the inception of NCAA Division II wrestling at St. Andrews five years ago in 2006.
The nine rookies that span four states (North Carolina, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Georgia) will be competing for starting spots in every weight class other than heavyweight.
SAPC will be anchored by a core of 13 letter winners from last year and two returning grapplers from seasons prior. Junior Eric Brown, the Knights single season record holder in wins, and sophomore Josh Wensel will once again don a Royal Blue and White singlet after spending time away from the program. St. Andrews has a good group of upperclassmen that will bring veteran experience and leadership that includes four seniors, five juniors, and six sophomores.
The 2010/11 St. Andrews active wrestling roster will include one transfer and six freshmen (listed alphabetically) below:
Nathan Cook (165/174) is a freshman from Western Branch High School in Chesapeake, Virginia. Cook was a state qualifier in high school and was a runner-up in the freestyle state tournament. Cook earned high school All-American status.
“Nathan is like a little Bull. I anticipate him starting at 165 pounds this year as a true freshman. He knows a lot of wrestling, and just needs to adapt to the college wrestling intensity.
Chauncey Foster (125/133) comes to St. Andrews from Hampton High School in Hampton, Virginia. Foster placed sixth in the high school Senior Nationals last year and was a NHSCA All-American.
“Chauncey is quite talented and the sky is the limit for how good he will become. He has great quickness and his strength is deceiving. He will definitely see varsity action this year.”
James Green (149/157) joins the Knights from Westlake High School in College Park, Georgia. Green was a two-time regional and one-time state qualifier. Green also excels in the classroom graduating high school with honors.
“James is a very bright kid who wants to learn as much as possible on the mats. James has picked up the sport late, but is catching up fast. He has the athletic ability and just needs more repetitions to reach his potential.”
Kevin Hall (184/197) is a freshman from Mitchell High School in Bakersville, North Carolina. Hall place fifth in the state, was a regional champion, and was a state runner-up in Greco-Roman wrestling. The National Honor Society member is also an excellent guitar player.
“Kevin has worked extremely hard so far this year and just keeps going. He will be one of our leaders before his career is over. He also attended the Knights Wrestling Camp this summer, which will give him an edge in his freshman year.”
Dyonte Hampton (184/197) comes to SAPC along with Green from Westlake High School in College Park, Georgia. Hampton was a regional champion and a two-time state qualifier.
“Dyonte is sheer power and just needs more mat time to be a really good grappler. I anticipate Dyonte seeing some varsity action by the end of the season.”
Caleb Mitcler (133/141) enters his first year after wrestling at Mitchell High School in Green Mountain, North Carolina. Mitcler, who also runs cross country for the Knights, was a four-time state regional qualifier in high school.
“Caleb will come off of cross country season with a high level of conditioning. He will add good depth to his weight class and I see him getting better every week. He isn’t close to reaching his potential and no one has more work ethic on the team than Caleb.”
Greg Pattis (184/197) joins the Knights wrestling team after earning his associates degree from Sandhills Community College. The Pinehurst, North Carolina, native, is a proud member of the Marine Reserves and has served a year in Iraq.
“Greg is the most disciplined wrestler on our team due in large part to his Marine training. With his limited experience in wrestling, he will have to use his strength and power until he gets caught up in the wrestling technique. He has the right mentality to be a good college wrestler.”
St. Andrews also has two freshman grapplers that will red shirt in 2010/11, but will be looked to make an impact in future seasons. The following duo will compete in open tournaments this season:
Steffan Baker (141) comes to St. Andrews from Poquoson High School in Poquoson, Virginia. Baker was a regional champion and placed twice in the Virginia State Tournament.
“Steffan has all the skills to be a really good wrestler. He possesses good skill, speed, and strength. He will have to take advantage of his red shirt year to come back next year at a higher level.”
Bryant Vannoy (133) is a red shirt freshman from Central Mountain High School in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania. Vannoy was a district runner-up and part of the Pennsylvania State Championship Team that featured the Alton twins that were both ranked No. 1 in the nation.
“Bryant has good skills from an outstanding coaching staff and workout partners in high school. I look for him to get plenty of matches in open tournaments this year and push for a varsity spot next season.”
Caleb Mitcler (133/141) enters his first year after wrestling at Mitchell High School in Green Mountain, North Carolina. Mitcler, who also runs cross country for the Knights, was a four-time state regional qualifier in high school.
“Caleb will come off of cross country season with a high level of conditioning. He will add good depth to his weight class and I see him getting better every week. He isn’t close to reaching his potential and no one has more work ethic on the team than Caleb.”
Greg Pattis (184/197) joins the Knights wrestling team after earning his associates degree from Sandhills Community College. The Pinehurst, North Carolina, native, is a proud member of the Marine Reserves and has served a year in Iraq.
“Greg is the most disciplined wrestler on our team due in large part to his Marine training. With his limited experience in wrestling, he will have to use his strength and power until he gets caught up in the wrestling technique. He has the right mentality to be a good college wrestler.”
St. Andrews also has two freshman grapplers that will red shirt in 2010/11, but will be looked to make an impact in future seasons. The following duo will compete in open tournaments this season:
Steffan Baker (141) comes to St. Andrews from Poquoson High School in Poquoson, Virginia. Baker was a regional champion and placed twice in the Virginia State Tournament.
“Steffan has all the skills to be a really good wrestler. He possesses good skill, speed, and strength. He will have to take advantage of his red shirt year to come back next year at a higher level.”
Bryant Vannoy (133) is a red shirt freshman from Central Mountain High School in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania. Vannoy was a district runner-up and part of the Pennsylvania State Championship Team that featured the Alton twins that were both ranked No. 1 in the nation.
“Bryant has good skills from an outstanding coaching staff and workout partners in high school. I look for him to get plenty of matches in open tournaments this year and push for a varsity spot next season.”
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