Gratitude Key for Erisman in Little Rock's Growth

Little Rock has become anything but a little program during the 2023-24 season. Although Little Rock’s program is still taking baby steps, the program has been setting records each week.

“There is a big gratitude for all the guys for believing in what we are doing and they have bought in so many different ways,” coach Neil Erisman said. “We always believed we could be this type of team and it’s fun to see it come together.”

Little Rock’s achievements have come in various ways, including nine dual wins and counting, being ranked top 25 for the first time, finishing top 10 at multiple tournaments, and more.

The Trojans have been able to create these records while competing in its fifth season.

“It starts with the quality and character of the kids we are recruiting,” Erisman said. “We get the right guys who love what we talk about, what we believe in, and jump wholeheartedly into it.”

Even though Little Rock continues to rise, it was not always smooth sailing for the Trojans. First, Erisman and the squad had to celebrate the small victories. 

“It started with celebrating that we didn’t get tech falled in a match,” Erisman said. “Through that, it gave the guys a real sense of gratefulness.”

In addition, Erisman and his staff had to make sure to keep confidence flowing high despite tough times. Lastly, Erisman stated the toughest thing about building Little Rock is having no mentors for the wrestlers.

“In the end, the culture of your team is who they are when the coaches are not around,” Erisman said. “When you have a group of young kids coming in and buying into a dream, they don’t know it and haven’t been through it. Everything they were doing,  they were learning for the first time.” 

Luckily, Joseph Bianchi, Tyler Brennan, and a couple of other Trojans have continued to build a culture since the first day on campus.

“They didn’t quit, which goes a long way,” Erisman said. “I have some guys who stayed the course when it looked like it wasn’t possible and now they are showing these young guys. I can’t be grateful enough for the old guys who were mentally and physically strong enough to survive what we had gone through.”

In addition, Little Rock’s underclassmen have provided a spark. 

“It’s not a greater feeling than a young guy helping change the culture towards a higher level of success,” Erisman said. “Nasir Bailey and Stephen Little have elevated the mentality and expectations. They bet on themselves and it gave some of the other guys confidence.”

Bailey currently ranks 13th at 133 pounds with a 16-2 record. He is the first Little Rock freshman to win Pac-12 Wrestler of the Week, to be ranked and upset a ranked wrestler. Little ranks 11th with a record of 11-2. The redshirt freshman defeated a top 5 ranked wrestler and was the first Trojan to be ranked top 10.

“You can get hyped up that Nasir and Stephen will be in a match they can win,” Erisman said. “Last year, we got our first-ranked wins. It shows things are possible.”

As the postseason is arriving, Little Rock’s final goal is to finish in the top 25 in the country. In addition, they have the confidence to shock their rivals and win a Pac-12 title.

Although Erisman is still looking to build Little Rock into the next powerhouse, he is grateful for the first five years at Little Rock.

“I have enjoyed doing this journey with all these guys, especially seeing the older guys mature,” Erisman said. “I saw some pictures and videos and they were babies when they got here. I am grateful for them because we have been through a lot together.”