Campbellsville University team preview 2008-09
2007-08 dual record: 12-10
East Region Finish: 3rd Place
National Finish: 14th
Starters lost: 125- James hicks 2x national Qualifier ;133- Kaci Payne 4x National Qualifier and 2x Scholar Athlete; 141- Kyle Norred 3x national Qualifier and 2x Scholar Athlete; Marc Macias 2x National Qualifier 149-Josh Mason National Qualifier; 157- David Clemens National Runner up and 3x All-American;165-Chris Branam 3x National Qualifier and Scholar Athlete 174-Johnny Sinchok National Qualifier 184-Josh Deadrick 2x National Qualifier and 2x Scholar Athlete.
Returning wrestlers with Varsity experience: 141 Zach Flake National Champion in 2007, 6th place in 2008; 157 George Sheppard 7th place in 2008; 197 Glen Jackson 3x All-American with finishes of 6th, 5th, 6th; 165 Bryan Wells Top 12 in 2008; 285 Chad Brown 2x National Qualifier, 157 James Linker National Qualifier, 149 Jairus Murton National Qualifier and Scholar Athlete;125 Daniel Rucker
The Tigers will be flying under the radar in the early part of the season. However, by mid season, Coach James expects this team to be right back near the top of the NAIA standing and in a position to compete for All American honors and National Titles in Oklahoma City. With three new assistant coaches making an impact and a room full of talented, hard working newcomers this is sure to be an exciting year for Campbellsville University wrestlers and fans.
125 Pounds
With a couple new recruits certifying up at 133 this weight class is not as deep as some others, but still very talented. Sophomore Daniel Rucker, Freshman Johnny Papesh and Freshman Jarvis Elam will all compete for the starting spot against McKendree on November 6th. Rucker does have the most experience of this group and has competed well for us in the past. He could be ready for a break out year. Papesh and Elam were both accomplished high school wrestlers with Papesh being a 4x Ohio State placer and Elam being a nationally ranked Kentucky High School State Champion. Most likely scenario will have Elam redshirting this year while Papesh and Rucker push each other and keep us very strong and competitive at 125.
133 pounds
A deep weight class with several wrestlers competing for varsity action and the chance to start against McKendree. Several Freshman and Redshirt Freshman Joseph Neel are all competing for this spot. Neel continues to work hard and has looked good during the pre season workouts. The four freshman that could compete here have a combined 11 state medals between them. Andrew Clark won 2 state medals in Ohio and is very talented. Cody Vinsant is a tall, lanky wrestler growing into his frame. He placed 3x