College Choice Wisconsin
Projected College Weight Class: 149
McCauley, the nation's No. 1 recruit by InterMat, is arguably the best high school wrestler ever to come out of Minnesota. He will follow in the footsteps of another former Apple Valley great, Matt Demaray, who went on to win two NCAA titles for Wisconsin before a successful international wrestling career. McCauley, though, will spend a year at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs before he arrives on campus in Madison. Barring a Larry Owings over Dan Gable-like upset, McCauley will finish his career as a five-time state champion. He won a Junior Nationals freestyle title this past summer and was named Outstanding Wrestler of the event.
Destin McCauley (Photo/John Sachs, Tech-Fall.com)McCauley on his decision to spend time at the Olympic Training Center before enrolling at Wisconsin: "I wanted to go to the Olympic Training Center for a year because my goal is to give a run at the 2012 Olympics. Going out there and focusing on freestyle mainly the whole time will give me great preparation for the Trials. While I'm there, I'll still take classes, generals, but just enough to get me going and not starting my NCAA clock. Plus, I'll be traveling overseas to train and get competitions as well."
McCauley on the recruiting process: "The recruiting process for me had its ups and downs. I liked the thought of everyone calling me and wanting me to be a part of their team. I thought that was really cool. But as time went on it got harder to narrow the choices. Making the phone calls to the coaches to tell them I wasn't coming was one of the hardest things I've ever done because I hate to disappoint people. I also met some great people through it as well."
McCauley on being the No. 1 overall recruit in the country by InterMat: "When I saw I was the No. 1 recruit overall I was very surprised. That was one of my goals as a youth, and I finally was able to achieve that goal!"
McCauley on the strength of Apple Valley's team this season: "The Apple Valley team this year I think will be very tough, and should be considered the No. 1 team in the nation. We had I think six or seven All-Americans in Fargo this year. Along with that we have six of our seven state champs from last year all returning. We are solid the whole way through our lineup. I think we will be pretty tough to beat. Our team is always in real good condition, and we know how to push ourselves to make everyone better. That's one thing that makes us stand out."
College Choice Penn State
Projected College Weight Class: 184/197
Penn State coach Cael Sanderson added another prized recruit to his deep stable of Nittany Lions with the addition of McIntosh, the nation's second-ranked recruit. McIntosh is a two-time California state champion, FloNationals champion, and Junior Nationals freestyle champion. He will be looking to become just the 15th California three-time state champion.
Morgan McIntosh (Photo/John Sachs, Tech-Fall.com)McIntosh on Penn State coach Cael Sanderson: "He's been great through this whole process, and I really look forward to the future, wrestling under him and his coaching staff."
McIntosh on what others schools he considered: "The five schools that I visited were Oklahoma, Ohio State, Minnesota, Cornell, and Penn State."
McIntosh on what drives him in wrestling: "I like the challenge of trying to make the most of the gifts God gave me. I also like the people that I have met."
McIntosh on wrestling goals after high school: "My goal is to live up to my potential, both in the NCAA, and in freestyle, internationally."
College Choice Binghamton
Projected College Weight Class: 197/285
Gwiazdowski, who is ranked as the No. 19 recruit in the country, chose to say in his home state of New York and wrestle for Pat Popolizio at Binghamton. It marks the second straight year that the top wrestler in the Empire State has committed to Binghamton. Last year it was four-time NHSCA Nationals champion Tyler Beckwith who chose to become a Bearcat. As a junior, Gwiazdowski compiled a record of 49-1 en route to winning a state title. He is also a FloNationals champion.
Gwiazdowski on his decision to commit to Binghamton: "It was a tough decision. I was attracted to other places, but in the end I knew that I would find the most success at BU. I've known the coaches and many guys on the team for a while and felt this would be the best place for my college wrestling career. Being closer to home, so family and friends could watch was also important."
Gwiazdowski on Binghamton coach Pat Popolizio: "Pat's a great coach and it shows in his team's successes over the past four years. From starting with nothing and resurrecting a program to Top 25 status is proof of what kind of coach he is. He was coached in high school by my current coach and that gave me a good feeling for what he's about and how he coaches his guys in and out of the wrestling room. I definitely look forward to training under him and Dennis ... and having him in my corner."
Nick GwiazdowskiGwiazdowski on winning FloNationals: "It was a great tournament and I would like to thank the guys at Flo for establishing it. In the beginning I had a few doubters, but a few matches in I gained momentum and start wrestling my best later into matches and that definitely proved to be an important piece to the puzzle. My coaches, Frank Popolizio and John Degl, were also critical in helping me realize my goal and that I could win the tournament by wrestling to my potential."
Gwiazdowski on wrestling goals for senior season: "I want to win another State title and also pin everybody I step on the mat against, and not to give up any points would also be nice. It's also important to help the younger guys on the team to learn more about the sport and help them become better wrestlers as well ... so our team still finds success in the future."
College Choice Cal State Bakersfield
Projected College Weight Class: 165
It's not often that one of the nation's top recruits commits to a recently reinstated program, but that's exactly what Hammond did when he announced his decision to attend Cal State Bakersfield, following in the footsteps of his father, Ray, a former CSUB wrestler. Not only are there family ties to the program, but also coaching ties. CSUB assistant coach Gerry Abas has coached Hammond since he was young. Hammond is a state champion (fourth in 2009), Five Counties champion, NHSCA Nationals champion, and Cadet Nationals runner-up.
Bryce Hammond (Photo/Tech-Fall.com)Hammond on his relationship with Gerry Abas: "I have always had a great relationship with Coach Abas. Being around someone who has the same philosophy and who can inspire you to wrestle better is huge. We just click, I guess. We have spent countless hours working together over the years. A huge part of my offense on my feet, and comfort in funky positions has come from him. Wrestling with him makes wrestling fun for me. Wrestling for him excites me. He is one of the best coaches technically in the country. I have been fortunate enough to learn from him in the past, and I cannot wait to begin working with him full time."
Hammond on how he felt when Cal State Bakersfield's wrestling program was reinstated: "CSUB wrestling being reinstated was very important to college and high school wrestling, this state, as well as this town. The wrestling community of Bakersfield was up in arms when the program was dropped. The support here for wrestling is amazing. This town will not let the program go without a fight. In the past this program has proven its ability to produce successful athletes. Wrestling needs this program to stay alive, and California wrestling especially needs this program to turn around and be successful again. With this coaching staff it can be done. All they need is the recruits to work with. I was very excited to see the program reinstated. There is potential here, and I want to see the program reach what it is capable of. Also, I should say that the president of Cal State Bakersfield, Dr. Horace Mitchell, was a wrestler himself. He has stood by the community's efforts to have the program reinstated. I want to thank him for his support, and for allowing me to become a Roadrunner wrestler."
Hammond on his support system: "My family is a huge aspect to my success and I was not willing to give that up to go to a program across the country. I feel that family support is a tremendous asset in being successful. My church family is also very important to me. My wrestling friends provide another big support system. You can't beat having people who love you around to support you. "
On his college wrestling goals: "My goal in college is to be a four-time NCAA champ."
College Choice Nebraska
Projected College Weight Class: 141
Sueflohn is a state champion and two-time state finalist who hails from the same high school in Wisconsin as Ben Askren and Max Askren. He won the Cheeshead last year, which included victories over 2010 recruit Simon Kitzis (Missouri) and 2011 recruit Alex Dieringer (Oklahoma State).
Sueflohn on his decision to commit to Nebraska: "I loved everything down there: the university, the people, the direction of where this program is going and I really wanted to be a part of it. I really look forward to it."
Sueflohn on wrestling in Wisconsin: "Wrestling in Wisconsin has given me the opportunity to work with great coaches and wrestle great competition that has helped me transform into a better wrestler."
Jake SueflohnSueflohn on the Askren brothers, Ben and Max: "I have been able to work out with the Askrens a few times during my high school career and I have definitely benefited from their knowledge. They are great people with a lot of knowledge about this sport."
Sueflohn on his biggest strength as a wrestler: "I would have to say my work ethic. My work ethic has increased my conditioning to the point where my opponents have a hard time going a full six minutes with me. And my conditioning paired with the fact that I never give up has given me the ability to beat some of the nation's best."
College Choice George Mason
Projected College Weight Class: 125/133
Rodriguez won an NHSCA Junior Nationals title, but will enter his season without a state title after finishing third as a sophomore and runner-up last season. He becomes the highest-ranked recruit George Mason has landed in several years.
Vince Rodriguez (Photo/Tech-Fall.com)Rodriguez on moving from the West Coast to the East Coast: "As for moving from West Coast to East Coast, I'm real excited about it. Ever since I was a little boy one of my life long goals has been to travel the world, and I believe this is a good way to start it. It's an opportunity of a lifetime, and I am very fortunate I get to experience it."
Rodriguez on the pursuit of a state championship: "My main high school goal has always been to be a state champion. Unfortunately, I haven't accomplished that yet, I won (NHSCA) Junior Nationals and received OW of the Junior division this past wrestling season, but I would still trade that for a state title anytime. It's my last year, and I'm willing to sacrifice anything, and do whatever it takes to obtain a state championship."
Rodriguez on his wrestling style: "My style is what I like to call 'slick' and 'greedy,' taking points, and not giving them any. Breaking them down, not physically, but mentally."
Rodriguez on the wrestler he admired the most while growing up: "Growing up, the person I admired the most wasn't an Olympic champion, but one of my valley's local high school wrestlers, Darrell Vasquez. To me, he was one of the greatest wrestlers I had ever seen. I loved his refuse to lose attitude, and I wanted to be just as successful as he was."
College Choice Wisconsin
Projected College Weight Class: 133/141
The name Kelliher has been a staple in the Apple Valley lineup for several years. Matt's older brothers, Tom and Craig, are wrestling in Division I programs after successful wrestling careers at Apple Valley. Tom is a redshirt sophomore at Wisconsin, while Craig is a redshirt freshman at Central Michigan. Matt will be joining Tom on the Badger wrestling team. Kelliher is a two-time state champion and three-time state finalist. He won a FloNationals title in the spring and finished runner-up in the Junior National freestyle competition in the summer.
Kelliher on his decision to commit to Wisconsin: "It was a tough decision to make. I felt that Wisconsin was the overall best fit for me for a lot of reasons. I'm very excited to be a part of the program at Wisconsin."
Matt Kelliher (Photo/Jeff Beshey, The Guillotine)Kelliher on Apple Valley's team this year: "Not many people get the opportunity to say that they wrestled for the No. 1 high school team in the country. I think it is a great opportunity for everyone on the team and with our tough schedule it should be an exciting year."
Kelliher on Apple Valley coach Jim Jackson: "Coach Jackson really dedicates everything he has to his Apple Valley team and it pays off. He is a great coach to have around to push me and my teammates to work harder and become better wrestlers every day."
Kelliher on what drives him as a wrestler: "Mostly what drives me in competition is knowing that I've pushed myself during training, that I've trained to the point where I can be confident that I'm in better shape. While I'm training I know that everything I do is going to put me at an advantage over my opponents."
College Choice Cornell
Projected College Weight Class: 125
Dixon became the fourth InterMat Top 100 recruit to commit to Cornell this recruiting season. He is a three-time state finalist and 2010 state champion. He finished third in the Junior National freestyle competition at 119 pounds this past summer in Fargo.
Dixon on his decision to commit to Cornell: "It was a very tough decision but one that I'm extremely happy with. At this point in time, Cornell is the most balanced school between wrestling and academics. Ultimately, I have to put myself in the best position to succeed not only in wrestling but in my career after wrestling and Cornell seemed to be the perfect place to do that."
Dixon on Cornell coach Rob Koll: "Coach Koll was great during the whole recruiting process. He has taken the Cornell wrestling program from the bottom to being ranked No. 1 in the country during his career as a coach, which to me, was impressive. I really got the sense that he genuinely cares about his athletes and that was important to me. I can't wait to wrestle under him for the next four years."
Dixon on Cornell's chances of winning a national championship this season: "I think Cornell has a very good shot at winning the team race this year. They have an experienced team with great leaders. I think that there is a lot of parity between the top teams in the country but I believe that if everyone wrestles to their potential, Cornell will win the team title."
Dixon on Park Hill's wrestling program: "We have a very different program than we did last year after graduating four Division I signees. However, I think we are still in contention for a team state title this year. Our focus is to win as many individual championships as we can and the team aspect will fall into place. Our team is working very hard on a daily basis and I'm excited to see what we can accomplish."
Dixon on his emotions after winning a state title: "There is nothing more gratifying than setting a goal for yourself and reaching that goal. One of my coaches, Joe Gonier, was especially instrumental in helping me win my first state title. It was one of the best feelings I've ever had."
College Choice Buffalo
Projected College Weight Class: 174/184
Waste, like Dylan Ness last year, will begin his senior season as a national champion in all three styles, but still without the elusive state title at the high school level. (Ness went 44-0 with 42 pins in his senior season en route to winning the state title.) Waste was a Cadet Nationals Triple Crown winner in 2009. He won the FILA Cadet Nationals in Greco Roman and was named Outstanding Wrestler. He is a three-time folkstyle national champion. Waste also won the inaugural InterMat JJ Classic last month. But perhaps his most impressive accomplishment is winning a college open tournament (Kaufman-Brand Open, Amateur Division) before his junior season of high school wrestling. Waste has the ability to be a program changer for Jim Beichner's Bulls.
Jake Waste (Photo/Johnnie Johnson)Waste on the recruiting process: "It was a great experience. The final decision was very tough and draining, though."
Waste on his favorite style of wrestling (folkstyle, freestyle, or Greco-Roman): "Greco is probably the most fun of the styles, but I think folkstyle is my favorite."
Waste on his decision to transfer to Apple Valley after his sophomore year: "My family and I felt that it was the best decision for me. It was very hard, but in the end I think everything turned out for the best."
Waste on the importance of winning an individual state title as a senior: "I want to be the best one-time state champion to ever come out of Minnesota. With that I believe it is very important."
College Choice Minnesota
Projected College Weight Class: 165
Keogh may only be the fourth highest ranked recruit on his own team (according to InterMat), but is the No. 50 recruit in the country. He won his first state title last season at 160 pounds. Keogh has been making waves on the Minnesota high school wrestling scene for what seems to be an eternity. He was a state placewinner (fourth) as a seventh-grader and owns five state medals. He is also an NHSCA Sophomore Nationals champion, FloNationals third-place finisher, and a fourth-place finisher in the Junior National freestyle competition this past summer. Keogh became the second InterMat Top 100 recruit to commit to the Gophers this recruiting season, joining No. 13 recruit Logan Storley (Webster, SD).
Steven Keogh (Photo/Jeff Beshey, The Guillotine)Keogh on the recruiting process: "It was fun, but stressful. It was sort of a rollercoaster. But with the help from my family and coaches I think that I made the right decision."
Keogh on his decision to transfer to Apple Valley after his sophomore season:"I wanted to get better, more national attention, and I wanted to be a part of the best team in the nation. I also wanted to wrestle Division I and going to Apple Valley would be the best place to prepare me for that."
Keogh on his goals before arriving at Minnesota: "Repeat state champ, undefeated season, and a Fargo title."
Keogh on his goals at Minnesota: "Simple. NCAA champion."
College Choice Grand Canyon
Projected College Weight Class: 125
Knoblauch, a state runner-up as a sophomore, may have flown under the radar a bit after an injury prevented him from competing for a state title as a junior. He won the Reno Tournament of Champions last season and should make an immediate impact at Grand Canyon.
Knoblauch on his decision to commit to Grand Canyon: "The reason I chose Grand Canyon was the fact they had a smaller campus. When I went to visit I felt at home there. Also it's not too far from home."
Stevan Knoblauch (Photo/Tech-Fall.com)Knoblauch on his college wrestling goals: "My goal in college is just to do the best I can. Hopefully become a national champion."
Knoblauch on the wrestling accomplishment he's most proud of: "The accomplishment I'm most proud of is winning Reno TOC. I'm hoping this year I will have another win."
Knoblauch on wrestling in California: "I believe California has some of the best wrestlers in the nation. It is pretty awesome for as big of a state California is we have one true champion."
College Choice Wisconsin
Projected College Weight Class: 285
Medbery, a two-time Colorado state champion, NHSCA Nationals champion, Cadet Nationals champion, and multiple-time Junior Nationals All-American, will be joining high school teammate Tyler Graff at Wisconsin. He also plays running back and linebacker for Loveland's football team, and is one of the state's top football players. He rushed for 315 yards in a single game this season.
Medbery on his decision to commit to Wisconsin: "Overall, Wisconsin just seemed like the perfect fit for me. It has everything I was looking for and more. When I was out on my official visit I just knew it was the place for me to accomplish my wrestling goals and academic goals. I really connected with the coaches and the team. The icing on the cake was that it had a physical therapy program, and since that is what I want to study I knew this is where I should be."
Medbery on whether he enjoys football or wrestling more ... and why: "Honestly, they are really close. They both have their perks. Football is a team sport, so it builds more team unity, but wrestling has some team aspects as well as individual aspects. It was a tough decision to pick one over the other, but I think leaving the sport of wrestling would have been impossible. I have more that I want to accomplish to reach my ultimate goals."
Medbery on his relationship with Tyler Graff: "I was fortunate enough to have one year in high school with Tyler and he really helped me develop as a wrestler. He is a perfect example of hard work and dedication and how it can be so helpful and pay off in the long run. Knowing that he will be there with me in Wisconsin is incredible and makes me even more excited knowing I have someone there from my high school that I already know and connect with."
Medbery on his college wrestling goals: "My goals for college wrestling are set to the highest possible potential. I want to be a four-time national champ. I am aware that this will take hard work and many hours of training, but I know it is my goal and what I want to achieve. I also want to help my team win a national title."
Medbery on studying physical therapy at Wisconsin: "This subject is a big interest to me. Ever since I took anatomy last year I knew it was what I wanted to do. I also feel this will keep me connected with the two sports I love for the rest of my life."
College Choice Virginia
Projected College Weight Class: 165
Virginia added to an already strong and deep recruiting class with the addition of Waldhauser, a state runner-up and NHSCA Nationals All-American.
Waldhauser on his decision to commit to Virginia: "The reason I chose Virginia is because the campus was amazing. I got along very well with the coaches, and I really liked all the guys on the team. I felt like the tradition that Virginia had was incredible and I really liked that aspect that they had to offer."
Vincent Waldhauser (Photo/Tech-Fall.com)Waldhauser on his wrestling style: "I would have to say my wrestling style is mostly aggressive. I don't like to mess around. I just attack, attack, attack, and try to tire my opponent out because I think I can wrestle better tired than my opponent can. Also, I think I'm pretty well known on top for pinning people. I enjoy being on top the most also.
Waldhauser on his emotions after finishing as a state runner-up: "My emotions on finishing as the state runner up were pretty sad. I really think I could've won state and the guy that beat me is an excellent wrestler. I'm not trying to take anything from him, but I just believed I could have won in my heart and it was crushing that I didn't. I got second, though, and that's good, but it's not quite the best yet."
Waldhauser on what he enjoys outside of wrestling: "The things I enjoy outside of wrestling would be hanging out with my good friends. I mean wrestling is my No. 1 love. It's what I enjoy doing the most, so usually I just wrestle when I don't have to. But I'd say hanging out with friends, boating maybe, and just doing things outside because I love the outdoors. "
College Choice North Carolina State
Projected College Weight Class: 197
Honeycutt, a two-time state champion, will take a 105-match winning streak into his senior season. He has placed multiple times in Fargo and was a Super 32 Challenge runner-up in 2009.
Harrison HoneycuttHoneycutt on wrestling at 197 pounds in college after wrestling at 215 pounds in college: "I think 197 is a good weight for me. I weigh about 205, so it's a good fit."
Honeycutt on the importance of winning his third state title: "It is very important for me to win my third state title. Not very many people get the opportunity to be a three-time state champ."
Honeycutt on the wrestler he admired the most while growing up: "The wrestler I admired the most while growing up was Alexander Karelin. He was so dominant in his Olympic years."
Honeycutt on his college wrestling goals: "My college wrestling goals are to be a multiple-time All-American and help turn NC State into a national powerhouse."
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