"These seven distinguished young men will be a great addition to College Hill," said assistant coach John Clark. "They exemplify what it means to be a student-athlete here at Brown University."
Geographically speaking, this is one of the most western oriented incoming classes in Brown wrestling history. Leading the group that will be traveling eastward to Providence is Texan, Ophir Bernstein, ranked eighth nationally at 189 pounds. Bernstein is a two-time State finalist for Allen High School, placing second in 2010 and first in 2011, and was voted the Most Outstanding Wrestler at the Texas State tournament this past year. Bernstein finished his high school career with a career record of 147-19 (including an undefeated 44-0 his senior year), and was a two-time All-American at USA Wrestling Folkstyle Nationals in Iowa.
From Idaho, Kenny Staub brings four state tournament placements to Brown (third in 2011, second in 2010, fifth in 2009 and fifth in 2008). Staub finished with an impressive 148 career victories for Coeur d'Alene High School, a school record for the Gem State powerhouse, while leading the Vikings to two team state championships.
From Nevada, the Bears welcome NHSCA Senior Nationals All-American Ricky McDonald, a two-time state champion at Bishop Manogue High School. McDonald was also a four-time state place-winner, amassing 193 career wins, while placing four times at the state tournament (first in 2011 and 2010, second in 2009 and third in 2008). Showcasing his athletic ability, McDonald was also an All-State defensive back for his football team.
Also strengthening this incoming class is Nebraska's Zach Rees, who was a three-time state place-winner for Kearney High School, placing second as a senior, fourth as a junior and third as a sophomore, while compiling a career record of 108-20. Showing his strengths in the classroom as well as on the wrestling mat, Rees was an academic All-American in all four years of high school.
Joining the Bears from Kansas is Zack Tanenbaum, a three-time state champion and 2011 Kansas 6A wrestler of the year. Tanenbaum's accomplishments include four region and district titles, and a championship at the Brute Adidas Nationals. The incoming freshman carried a perfect 40-0 record his senior year for Overland Park High School, and was awarded the prestigious NAIA Champion of Character award.
Rounding out this years class are two wrestlers hailing from two states that are mainstays at the top of the national high school rankings, Tanner Hough from Westmont Hilltop High School in Pennsylvania and Tyler Orfe from Bishop Eustace Prep in New Jersey. Orfe was a four-time district champion and three-time New Jersey Region place-winner (second in 2009, fourth in 2010 and 2011). Orfe was twice named all-conference, and finished with 125 career wins. Hough was a three-time Pennsylvania state medal-winner (second in 2011, fourth in 2010 and sixth in 2008), and a three-time district champion. Hough compiled a career record of 143-31; a school record for the Hilltoppers, and placed four times at the Powerade Tournament.
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