By Blaze Lowery
Trine University:
Trine looks to have a breakout year in its future with a couple leadership shifts that are only improving the culture for the Thunder. Coach Thomas Hall is more than ecstatic to bring on some extra hands, as Trine will bring out more than 40 wrestlers to its room this season. The Thunder are continuously bringing more and more capital to the division and is becoming a place for the love of wrestling to thrive. Adding 17 incoming freshmen, 15 of which are Indiana natives, there is no question they have a highly competitive room of guys who want to compete.
Coach Hall highlights how his team, unlike most, gained from the time away from competition during the pandemic to really focus on his team’s craft and technique. Building this team since he was 23 years old, passion for the sport is what keeps him going. Development, learning, and growing are Hall’s big three this upcoming season.
Key Returning Wrestlers:
Jett Boots of Angola, Conference Runner-Up, Regional Placer
Isaac Hawkins of Fremont, Conference Placer (4th)
Phil Burney, Conference Runner-Up
Ethan Nash of Franklin Community, Conference Placer (3rd)
These wrestlers have tough competition, as this upcoming class is massive and talented. With only one senior graduating, and no seniors on their roster now, the staff will have some time to cater toward technique and complimenting styles.
Incoming Freshman:
Jacob Behm of Fremont
Colin Corbin of Jeffersonville
Ben Edwards of Yorktown
Sean Gaston of Monrovia
Quentin Keesee of Franklin Central
Bradie Porter of Eastern Greentown
Shaun Pratt of Winamac
Dalton Robinson of Bellmont
Baily Rucker of Delphi
Chase Seifert of Peru
Jacob Simpson of Hobart
Jake Stall of McCutcheon
Trey Tobias of Northwood
Lakin Webb of Rensselaer Central
Carson Wools of Center Grove
Tommy Miller of Mt. Prospect (IL)
Kyle Smith of Dundee (MI)
Hall states this incoming class has, “…high goals and are holding each other accountable.” His additions at the leadership level are what will drive these goals and accountability home.
Coaching changes that Trine is making for this upcoming season: Zach Rieger of Adrian College ‘18, 3x NWCA Academic All-American, 2017 National Qualifier; Josh Stephenson of Manchester College ’22, NWCA Academic All-American, 4x Varsity Letter Winner; Luke Carver of Trine University ’21, 2x Regional Placer
Building reputation and culture seems to be the focal point of this program and the proof should be in the pudding as we enter this 2022-2023 season.
Wabash College
The Little Giants have reigned over Division 3 for some time now and it does not look like this dynasty is ending anytime soon. Coming off a National Runner-up finish this past season; these men are ready to get another shot at taking the title. Recruiting fare and wide, their recruiting class is only getting more and more impressive as the years go by. Falling to Wartburg by a single point at the 2022 NCAA national tournament, the taste of defeat is only fuel to the fire for what this team is going to do in the coming season.
Key Returners:
Jack Heldt of Carmel, 2022 NCAA National Runner-Up
Chase Baczek, 2022 NCAA All American (6th)
Daniel Uribe, 2022 NCAA National Qualifier
Blake McGee, 4th at NCAA Central Regional
Ray Arebalo, 6th at NCAA Central Regional
Tyson Nisley of LaPorte, 7th at NCAA Central Regional
It takes more than hard work to crown five All Americans and three national finalists, it takes a plan. Coach Brian Anderson, going into his 19th season, is very strategic what he turns his attention too. Although Anderson is excited about what this season may bring, he and his coaching staff believe that pre-season is the time to make big strides in comparison to the competition. This upcoming recruiting class, similar to their new teammates, have some significant accolades themselves.
Incoming Indiana Freshmen:
Eli Johnson of Norwell
Sammy Saunders of Terre Haute North
Brandon Hammer of Tippecanoe Valley
Dylan Barron of North Newton
Dominic Litchfield of Bellmont
Jesse Herrera of Highland
Top National Recruits include: James Day, 3X New Jersey State Qualifier; David Gelman, 4X State Qualifier, 2X Placer; Arlie Benson, 2X Ohio State Placer; Justin Hood, Rhode Island State Champion; Aidan Lutes, 2X Illinois State Qualifier; Tim Smith, 3X Ohio State Qualifier, 2X Placer; Austin Morris, New Hampshire State Champion
Anderson states ,“The team will have a mix of veterans and a nice group of newcomers to keep the program chasing down NCAA team trophies.” An excited coaching staff and a loaded roster secures Wabash College in for yet another amazing year.
Manchester University
Manchester University acquires third coach in the last three seasons, officially finding the one. Hiring on Josh Hardman, Manchester University ‘00, the Spartans could find that spark they have been searching for. Hardman thrilled for what’s yet to come, is truthful is saying that it is going to “take some time” for the Spartans to really build out a solid foundation. After 5 seasons with Wabash College, Coach Hardman returns to make Manchester wrestling what it used to be. Indiana wrestlers that are willing to put in the work and are excited to be coached should be looking at Manchester as a potential spot for greatness.
Key Returners:
Devontay Moore of North Central
Justin Brantley of Western
Ellisston Ross of Bloomington South
With a smaller roster, these Spartans could make exponential growth in a short time and possibly shock the Central Regional. Even with a new coaching hire, Manchester seemed to rake in a couple of recruits that could break lineup in its first year.
Incoming Freshman:
Keagan Mabie of Mishawaka
Jason Orr of Muncie Central
Small rosters mean big opportunities, meaning any spot goes to the hungriest in the room. Hardman, having vested interest with the university’s future, this team is going to compete and compete they will.
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