Joining the Viking program are Kale Merrell of Belle Fourche, S.D., Isaiah Curtis of Winner, S.D., Michael Roberts of St. Paul, Minn., Samuel Fischenich of Windom, Minn., Darcy Huffman of Burwell, Neb., and Sean Derry of Omaha, Neb.
Merrell (157 pounds) comes to Augie after starting and lettering for four seasons at Belle Fourche High School. He finished his senior season 39-8 and took second in the state at 152 pounds. In 2008-09 he was also was named to the All-Black Hill Conference team. In 2007-08 he finished 11th in state with a 41-21 record at 145 pounds, while earning Black Hills All-Conference honors. He went 23-15 in his sophomore season and had a seventh place finish at state after winning the Black Hills Conference title. In his freshman season, he went 10-15 and earned the Broncos Most Improved Wrestler award.
“Kale brings a toughness and work ethic to Augie that we look for. He isn't afraid of pushing himself to the limits to achieve his goals. Kale has worked hard to get where he is at and will be a great leader,” Reitmeier said.
Curtis (285 pound) was a four-year starter and letterwinner at Winner High School. He posted a career record of 121-37 with 74 pins after going 21-3 in his senior campaign. Also in 2008-09, he finished second in the state tournament. In his junior season, Curtis was 38-4 and also took second place in the state tournament. Curtis finished his sophomore season with a 31-13 record and finished in seventh place at the state tournament. He started his varsity career with a 28-17 record as a freshman and recorded an eighth place finish in the state tournament.
“We are very excited about getting Isaiah in. He too fits the model of what we are looking for at Augustana; he is an extremely hard worker. He is a big, strong, physical kid that could contribute at heavyweight right away. He adds much need depth in the upper weights,” Reitmeier said.
Roberts (197/285 pounds), a standout at Harding High School in St. Paul, Minn. was a three-year starter and letterwinner for the Knights. He finished his season 25-2 for an undefeated Knights team and participated in the state tournament. He also helped his team become Twin City Champions, while earning All-St. Paul City Conference honors. In 2007-08, Roberts went 26-4 to earn All-Conference honors before participating in the state tournament. The Knights finished 6-1 and took second in the conference during the same season. In his sophomore season, Roberts started his varsity career, finishing the season 10-9.
“Michael is very athletic kid, who has a huge upside. Michael has only been wrestling for a few years and has a lot to learn yet. He continues to improve every time he walks on the mat and will learn so much working with our upper weights,” Reitmeier said.
Fischenich (141 pounds) was a four-year starter and letterwinner at Windom Area High School, where he recorded over 150 wins. He finished his senior season 28-7, while taking fifth in the state tournament. Also during the 2008-09 season, Fischenich earned All-Conference honors and was named the team’s Most Valuable Player. In his junior season, Fischenich went 39-7 and won the sectional championship. He also made the state tournament after earning All-Conference honors for the Cobras that also won the sectional championship. He went 35-9 in his sophomore campaign, with winning the sectional championship and taking fifth place in the state tournament. He also earned All-Conference honors in the same season. Fischenich went 29-9 his freshman season to earn All-Conference honors.
“Sam is a great addition to our program, not only is he great athlete but a great student. I'm very excited about the addition of Sam to our lower weights. He comes from a strong program that will help him adjust to college,” Reitmeier said.
Huffman (157 pounds), who competed at Burwell High School, was a four-year starter and letterwinner for the Longhorns. Huffman won the state championship his senior season, going 45-1, while earning 291.5 team points. In his junior campaign, Huffman went 40-6 and earned a third place finish at the state tournament. He went 27-9 in his sophomore season, as his team finished sixth in state, after going 14-11 his freshman year.
“Darcy is very athletic kid who could have played multiple sports in college. He is one of the most athletic kids we have brought to Augustana. But he has a real passion for wrestling and lets it show in his performance on the mat. Darcy is a great addition to our upper weights,” Reitmeier said.
Derry (149/157 pounds) was a four-year starter and letterwinner for Northwest High School, where he has recorded over 100 wins in his career. Derry was 29-9 his senior season to take fourth place in the state tournament and also made the All-Metro team. In his junior year he went 30-7 and finished fourth in state, while earning All-Metro team honors. In his sophomore campaign, Derry finished the season with a 29-13 record and qualified for the state tournament. In 2005-06, Derry went 27-13 as a freshman, while qualifying for the state tournament.
“Sean is great example of a student-athlete; works extremely hard not only on the mat but in the classroom. Sean will compete at around 149/157 and will add a much needed toughness and depth to the middle weights,” Reitmeier said.
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