Norfolk, Va. – The ODU wrestling team’s recruiting class was ranked No. 13 in the nation according to TheOpenMat.com last week and was highest among MAC teams. The Monarchs will add a total of 15 grapplers to their roster for the 2014-15 season, including the three fall period signees and nationally ranked prospects T.C. Warner (Mechanicsburg, Pa./Cumberland Valley), Emilio Saavedra (Modesto, Calif./Modesto), and Joey Balboni (Kenilworth, N.J./David Brearley).
“We are pleased to be getting recognized by TheOpenMat.com for compiling the thirteenth highest recruiting class in the country,” said ODU Wrestling head coach Steve Martin. “We moved up several notches after adding several state champions and place-winners from Virginia. This group as whole is going to add depth throughout our entire lineup. We are excited to bring these student-athletes on campus so that they can chase down their dreams at Old Dominion University.”
According to TheOpenMat.com, “The TOM system is to consider the entire picture of not only the incoming recruits, but what situation they’re coming into and the makeup of the existing team to justify how well a team filled its needs.” These were some of the primary factors that went into formulating these final recruiting class rankings, as well as whether or not prospects have the ability to make an immediate impact on the college wrestling scene.
Aside from Warner, Saavedra, and Balboni, the Monarchs picked up a slew of talented wrestlers, including seven Virginia natives, in the spring period to add talent and depth to the roster. ODU also received commitments from a pair of North Carolina state placers in Josh Markham and Tanner Stephens, who project at 125 and 141 respectively. Additionally, ODU will welcome former Indiana high school state champion and Purdue transfer Riley McClurg, who projects as a 165 or 174 pounder.
ODU Wrestling Full Recruiting Class:
T.C. Warner, (Mechanicsburg, Pa./Cumberland Valley) (157/165)
· Ranked No. 3 nationally by InterMat
· Ranked as No. 25 senior recruit at any weight class
· Pennsylvania AAA State Champion (2014)
· 2x Pennsylvania State runner-up (2012,2013)
Emilio Saavedra, (Modesto, Calif.) (133/141)
· Ranked No. 9 nationally by InterMat
· Ranked as No. 72 senior recruit at any weight class
· California State Champion (2014)
· California State 3rd place finisher (2011)
· California State 4th place finisher (2012)
· FloNationals Champion (2011)
Joey Balboni, (Kenilworth, N.J./David Brearley) (174)
· Ranked No. 13 nationally by InterMat
· New Jersey State runner-up (2014)
· New Jersey State 3rd place finisher (2013)
Josh Markham, (Elizabeth City, N.C.) (125)
· North Carolina 2A State runner-up (2014)
Riley McClurg, Indianapolis, Ind./Purdue University (165/174)
· Indiana State Champion (2013)
John D’Agostino, (Woodbury, Conn./Nonnewaugh) (184)
· Connecticut State runner-up (2014)
Dylan Hunziker, (Stafford, Va./Colonial Forge) (157)
· Virginia 6A State 7th place finisher (2014)
Zach Kelleher, (Virginia Beach, Va./Princess Anne) (197)
· Virginia 5A State Champion (2014)
Carter Page, (Smithfield, Va.) (157)
· Virginia 4A State runner-up (2014)
Cordell Soileau, (Alexandria, Va./Hayfield) (285)
· Virginia 6A State 3rd place finisher
Tanner Stephens, (Currituck, N.C.) (141)
· North Carolina 2A State 3rd place finisher (2014)
Jared Swan, (Stafford, Va./Mountain View) (174)
· Virginia 5A State Champion (2014)
Terrane Thompson, (Warren County, Va.) (125)
· 2x Virginia State placer (2013,2014)
Javid Mammadli, (Alexandria, Va./Edison) (133)
McKinnis Spadoni, (Virginia Beach, Va./Princess Anne) (149)
· 2x Virginia State placer (2013,2014)
TheOpenMat.com’s Top 25 Recruiting Class Rankings
1. Oklahoma State
2. Penn State
3. Northwestern
4. Cornell
5. Minnesota
6. Nebraska
7. Stanford
8. Oklahoma
9. Ohio State
10. North Carolina
11. Iowa
12. Iowa State
13. OLD DOMINION
14. Indiana
15. Lehigh
16. Maryland
17. Illinois
18. Buffalo
19. Michigan
20. N.C. State
21. Wisconsin
22. Army
23. Arizona State
24. Princeton25. Bucknell
Full link to TheOpenMat.com’s Recruiting Class Rankings here.