Coach Franky James 2008-09 version of the Campbellsville University Wrestling Tigers will begin the season as the 18th ranked team in the NAIA.
Coming off a season that saw the team have a dual record of 12-10, finish third in the East Region and a 14th place finish in the NAIA National Tournament, James is optimistic his team will rise in the rankings.
"We began last year ranked #1 in the nation but some key injuries early during the year hampered our performance during the season. We did have some individuals who wrestled very well and they were individually in contention in their weight classes at Nationals, but this year I think we will fly under the radar the first part of the season and be in contention for a National Title in March when the NAIA Tournament rolls around," said James.
Campbellsville lost several starters including 125#
James Hicks who was atwo-time national Qualifier; 133#
Kaci Payne who qualified for nationals four times during his collegiate career and was a two-time Scholar Athlete; 141 #
Kyle Norred who qualified for nationals three times and was a two-time Scholar Athlete; 141
Marc Macias was a two-time national qualifier as well as 149 Josh Mason who qualified nationally once in his career at CU; One of the biggest losses is 157#
David Clemens who was the National Runner up andthree-time All-American; In the 165# class
Chris Branam three-time national qualifier and Scholar Athlete is gone; national qualifier in the 174# class
Johnny Sinchokis no longer with the program and in the 184# class the Tigers lost
Josh Deadricka two-timenational qualifier andtwo-time Scholar Athlete.
Even though several key wrestlers do not return, James has a strong stable of returnees that he will blend with newcomers as the Tigers attempt their fifth run at an NAIA National Title.
Leading the list of returners is 141# Zach Flake National Champion in 2007 and6th place in 2008; 157 # George Sheppard finished in 7th place nationallyin 2008; 197 #Glen Jacksonis a three-timeAll-American with national finishes of 6th, 5th, 6th; 165# Bryan Wells was in the Top 12 in 2008 and 285# Chad Brown is a two-timeNational Qualifier; 157# James Linker is a national qualifier along with Jairus Murton in the 149 class. Dainel Rucker also returns after gaining experience in the 125 class last year.
When asked to preview each weight class for the 2008-09 season, James provided the following comments.
125 Pounds
"With a couple new recruits certifying up at 133 this weight class is not as deep as some others, but still very talented,"said James. Sophomore Daniel Rucker, Freshman Johnny Papesh and Freshman Jarvis Elam will all compete for the starting spot against McKendree on November 5th. "Rucker does have the most experience of this group and has competed well for us in the past. He could be ready for a break out year. Papesh and Elam were both accomplished high school wrestlers with Papesh being a 4x Ohio State placer and Elam being a nationally ranked Kentucky High School State Champion," added James. He said that the most likely scenario will have Elam redshirting this year while Papesh and Rucker push each other and keepthe Tigersvery strong and competitive at 125.
133 pounds
"A deep weight class with several wrestlers competing for varsity action and the chance to start against McKendree. Several Freshman and Redshirt Freshman Joseph Neel are all competing for this spot. Neel continues to work hard and has looked good during the pre season workouts," said James. The four freshman that could competein this classhave a combined 11 state medals between them. "Andrew Clark won 2 state medals in Ohio and is very talented. Cody Vinsant is a tall, lanky wrestler growing into his frame. He placed 3x's in the KY high school state tournament. Tommy Pretty was the Ohio state champion as a Senior and was 3rd as a Junior. He leads this pack of young talent at the time, but they could all catch up in a hurry. Finally, Daphilo Succes used great strength and balance to become a 4x Florida state placer in high School. All of these guys have the talent to compete and the future looks bright for us at 133 pounds," concluded James.
141 pounds
"Thislooks to be our deepest weight class this year," admitted James. "We could have seven or 8 wrestlers competing for varsity action and that does not include the probable return of Zach Flake in January. Whoever wins the starting spot against McKendree will be tough. The challengers are Freshman Seth Lucas, Nick DiFabritus and Matt David. Transfers Brandon Sellers, Tyler Voth and Redshirt Freshman Aaron Smith. Lucas is a very good athlete that is focusing all his efforts on wrestling for the first time. Seth even placed at the Ohio high school state Chess tournament! Nick DiFabritus has a lower center of gravity and really is a scrapper that could surprise. Matt David was a 2x Washington State Finalist in high School. He has shown a very strong work ethic and loads of talent. Transfer Brandon Sellers is a hammer that is working hard to improve. Transfer Tyler Voth is quick with a great combination of strength and power. Reshirt Aaron Smith has sat out the last 2 years with injuries, but he is back working out and looks great. It will be interesting to see who works their way to the front of this weight class," said James. He added that the 141# class will most likely will be a weight thatCampbellsville willtake 2 wrestlers in our top 12 to the National Tourney in March.
149 pounds
Not a very deep weight but three very talented wrestlers will compete, according to James. "Florida State Champion Ruben Perez has the talent and is a hard worker that is coachable. With a year of college under his belt, Ruben will be hard to beat, but true Freshmen Kevin Cloran and Odis Wesby are expected to challenge. We could have two wrestlers competing for varsity matches this year, while the odd man out will redshirt. All three are still growing into the weight class. Kevin was an Ohio State Runner Up at 140 last year and we thought Odis would compete at 141 this year, but he is continues to grow and pack on the size and strength. With any of these guys in the lineup we will be strong at 149 this year," concluded James.
157 pounds
"Returning wrestlers James Linker and George Sheppard will be challenged by Freshman Josh Ashbrook. Linker is a 2x National Qualifier. In 2005-06 he qualified at 174 and last year he competed at 149. Linker could be his best at 157. George is a Sophomore who placed 7th at 157 pounds as a true freshman. George also was 2nd in the East Region and had a win over National Champion Victor Crenshaw. We could have 2 people at this weight fighting for a place on the medal stand at the National Tournament in 2008-09. Ashbrook was a 4x state placer in High school and has a very strong work ethic and the talent to do very well over the next 4 or 5 years. He will be one to watch in the future," said James.
165 pounds
Junior Bryan Wells returns to this weight class and will be challenged by returning wrestler Justin Perry and Freshman Wade Coston. "Wells finished 3rd in the East Region last year and top 12 at the National Tournament. He could have a very good year. Perry is physically stronger this year and needs to put more time in the room. Wade is a 2x Florida state placer and is very talented. With this being a thin weight class, all of these guys could see varsity action this year and fight for a spot in our top 12," concluded James.
174 pounds
"Redshirt Phillip Oudhuis had a good year last year and a very productive summer. He was an Indiana State Runner Up at 160 in High School, but looks to have grown into 174. He is strong, hungry and working well. We expect Philip to have a very good year. Wade Coston could challenge here also and Justin Perry could provide depth at this weight. Also, Andrew Hairston could become eligible in January and challenge for varsity action and a chance at our top 12. Andrew is very talented, but has not been able to get on the mat after transferring from the junior college ranks," said James.
184 pounds
True Freshman Spencer Adams is expected to compete here. "Spencer was a 2x Ohio State Placer in High School . Spencer has a very big frame and continues to get bigger and stronger. We expect him to have a good year at 184 and then most likely move to 197 next year. He comes from a good high school program and is very prepared to make a smooth transition to college wrestling. Diante Wright is a very talented freshman that will redshirt at this weight," said James.
197 pounds
"Senior Co-Captain and 3x All-American Glen Jackson returns at this weight and is ranked #3 in the pre season polls. If he continues to work and improve we expect Glen to finish his career as a National Champion! True freshman Quintez Todd did certify at 197 and could provide depth here if needed. Tez competed at 215 in high school, but is working hard and looks like he will make 197 this year. Tez will redshirt and provide depth at 197 and 285," added James.
285 pounds
Senior Co-Captain Chad Brown is expected to have a very good year. "Chad is ranked #8 nationally in the pre season polls. Chad is lighter and quicker than he was in October last year and is ready to compete. He is being pushed by true Freshman Quintez Todd. Tez has battled with Chad and shown great toughness for a freshman. David Coffey will join the team after football season to push Chad. David will compete for varsity opportunities this season. David was a Georgia 5a State runner up last year," said James.
During the off-season the Tigers added three new assistant coaches and also moved into their own facility, the Gosser Gymnasium. "It's been great having our own locker room, office and practice space as a base for our program. I think it will really help us take what has become a nationally respected program to a whole new level in terms of recruiting and our presence nationally in the NAIA," added James.
The Tigers begin the season with a November 5th dual meet at 3rd ranked McKendree.
