Calumet College of St. Joseph

[Riv0376]

http://www.ccsj.edu/athletics/wrestling/index.html

 

10/29/13 -The Crimson Wave wrestling season is nearly upon us. This is an exciting time for the Crimson Wave as they are building off of last year’s success. Things seem to be heading in the right direction under first year Head Coach Ryan Rivera. Coach Rivera was the Interim Head Coach last season after being an assistant at CCSJ for three years.

 

“Our team is working hard to take the next step and start competing with the top programs in the country. We have some very dedicated guys that are going to take us far,” said Coach Rivera. Eric Johnson is looking to build off of his successful run last year with an 8th place overall finish at the National Tournament. Eric Johnson is currently ranked 6th in the NAIA Preseason Coach’s Poll at 197lbs. Eric made history at CCSJ by becoming the programs only All American. “Eric is not satisfied with just placing at last year’s National Championships; he is coming back hungry to be the best. He has been a great example to the rest of the team,” said Coach Rivera.

 

Anthony Hawkins also received votes at 133lbs and the team had 10 points towards the Team National Rankings putting us at 29th overall. “Our depth is going to be key to any success we have this year and I am always looking to add quality guys to the program,” added Coach Rivera.

 

Here is a breakdown of how the Crimson Wave looks by weight class:

 

125-

Returning to the 125lbs weight class for the Crimson Wave will be Senior Anthony Hawkins (Crown Point, IN). Hawkins, a former Indiana State Champ for Crown Point High School, will look to finish his career strong after having qualified for the NAIA National Tournament in two of his previous three seasons.  Also competing at 125lbs this season will be freshman Robert Chicvara (Hammond, IN) from Gavit High School.

 

133-

Battling for the 133lbs spot will be two incoming freshman in Adam Garcia (Merrillville, IN) and Tony Vasquez (Hobart, IN). Garcia was a highly decorated wrestler for Merrillville High School by finishing top five in the state twice during his career.  Vasquez also brings a successful track record with him, after only suffering 4 losses in his senior season for Hobart High School.

 

141-

RS Sophomore Chris Pajdzik, (Hammond, IN) is hoping to make an impact at 141lbs for CCSJ after dropping down a weight class from last season.  Challenging Pajdzik for mat time will be talented Freshman Landon Nave (Crawforsdville, IN).

 

149-

This is another talented weight class for the Crimson Wave with Senior Ryan Peters (Hammond, IN) coming back as a returning starter from two seasons ago.  Senior Andrew Kepchar (Merrillville, IN) will be competing here as well with Freshman Andrew Queseda (Miami, FL).

 

157-

Returning to the team and looking to take control of the weight class is Sophomore Ramiro Rojas (Miami, FL) who was a National Qualifier for the Crimson Wave two seasons ago. Mike Migowa (Tinley Park, IL) is another very accomplished wrestler who will battle with Rojas.

 

165-

Two more newcomers to the program will be taking on each other for the top spot at this weight class. Freshman Ryan Camp (Griffith, IN) will face off with Kevin Dix (Lake Central, IN.

 

174-

Sophomore Tim Miller (Frankfort, IL) is returning as the starter at 174lbs after a promising first year and will face competition from Freshman Albert Pearson (Palos Hills, IL).

 

184-

RS Freshman Dennie Brown (Crawfordsville, IN) is holding down 184lbs for the team.  He joins CCSJ having been a State Qualifier for Southmont High School. Freshman Alex Jara (Merrillville, IN) is also competing here. 

 

197-

Junior Eric Johnson (Highland, IN) comes into the season ranked 6th nationally in the NAIA after placing 8th at last year’s National Championship.  Also competing at 197lbs are RS Junior Gabe Mota (Hammond, IN) and Freshman Abe Alrhami (Frankfort, IL).

 

285-

RS Senior Coty Anderson (Highland, IN) is the returning starter at 285lbs for CCSJ and he is working hard to bounce back from a disappointing finish last season. Anderson placed 4th in the NAIA East Regional two seasons ago.  Freshmen Scott Pitrowsk (Lowell, IN), Mike Pajdzik (Hammond, IN) and Brayon Gary (Fishers, IN) will all be challenging for mat time.