Much was made of two-time National Prep champion Kyle Snyder (Good Counsel, Md.), who is ranked second overall in the Class of 2014, and his decision to pass on playing football this fall despite playing a key role on WCAC champion football teams during his freshman and sophomore seasons. In those seasons, with Snyder contributing significantly at the nose tackle position, the Falcons went a combined 22-2; including an undefeated 2011 season, when they finished sixth in the final RivalsHigh 100 ranking. This year, without Snyder, Good Counsel is ranked No. 26 in the nation.
The opening assertions about "specialization” are prescient, especially in a skill-based sport such as wrestling. An additional reason, in some cases is wrestlers may not have the prototypical size (height, weight, etc.) profile that aligns with other sports. However, it is not nearly universal, as there are some students able to achieve rather high levels of success in wrestling and a second sport.
The following is a six-pack of elite Class of 2013 wrestlers, who are also major contributors on their high school football team.
Adam Coon (Fowlerville, Mich.)
Wrestling: Ranked No. 2 in the Class of 2013, three-time state champion, Junior National Triple Crown (folkstyle, Greco-Roman, and freestyle) champion this offseason at 285 pounds, and FILA Junior National Greco-Roman champion.
Football: Four-year starter on both sides of the football (left guard and linebacker), for a team that made the playoffs in 2009 and 2010; was named to the Associated Press All-State second team, and was selected by local media as Defensive Player of the Year in his county.
J'den Cox (Hickman, Missouri)
Wrestling: Ranked No. 6 in the Class of 2013, three-time state champion, NHSCA Junior National champion at 220 pounds, and Junior National double All-American (third Greco-Roman, freestyle champion) at 220 pounds.
Football: Starts on both sides of the football, as an offensive lineman and linebacker; was named an all-state coaches’ selection at the linebacker position last year. This year, the Kewpies are off to a 4-0 start, which is their best since 2000 when the squad started with five consecutive wins. During week three, Cox scored two defensive touchdowns in the first quarter: forcing a fumble and running in the recovery for 38 yards, as well as a pick six returned for 48 yards.
Brian Murphy (Glenbard North, Ill.)
Wrestling: Ranked No. 11 in the Class of 2013; two-time state runner-up, three-time placer; and two-time Junior National freestyle All-American (runner-up in 2011, seventh in 2012).
Football: Is in his second season as the starting quarterback, after leading his Panther squad to the state semifinals in 2011 despite playing much of the season with a broken foot. During a 3-1 start to the season, Murphy has rushed for 250 yards (on 21 carries) and 1 TD; and has a passing line of 20-for-37, 378 yards, with 5 TD and 3 INT.
Oliver Pierce, one of the nation's top senior wrestlers, also shines on the football field as the starting quarterback for nationally ranked Allen, Texas (Photo/Jim Hom)Wrestling: Ranked No. 14 in the Class of 2013; three-time state placer, state champion as freshman in 2010; two-time Junior National double All-American (runner-up and champion in Greco-Roman, fifth and third in freestyle); and Junior National folkstyle champion.
Football: Played wide receiver as a junior, with 50 receptions for 601 yards and six touchdowns; and moved to the quarterback position this year, but also serves as both a kick and punt returner. This season the Eagles are 3-0, ranked second in the state for their classification, and No. 17 in the RivalsHigh 100 national ranking. Pierce has served as catalyst with three touchdown runs and three touchdown passes to date.
Domenic Abounader (St. Edward, Ohio)
Wrestling: Ranked No. 20 in the Class of 2013; two-time state champion; won NHSCA grade level titles as freshman, sophomore, and junior; and was a Walsh Ironman champion in December 2011.
Football: In his second year as a starter at safety, was third-team all-state last year per the Associated Press, and is a team captain this year. His Eagle squad has made the playoffs in ten of the last twelve years, winning a state title in 2010 when Abounader was a contributor on special teams. This year, St. Edward is off to a 4-0 start, and ranked third statewide in Division I per the Associated Press poll.
Mikey Racciato (Pen Argyl, Pa.)
Wrestling: Ranked No. 26 in the Class of 2013; two-time state champion and three-time state placer.
Football: Was the second-string tailback last year with close to 900 yards from scrimmage and 17 total touchdowns, while the team went 13-1 losing in the state quarterfinals. As the primary running back, Racciato is the anchor of the Green Knights offense during their 3-0 start. He has run for 420 yards (74 carries) and six touchdowns.
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