Messiah Unveils 2008 Recruiting Class Deep In Talent, Numbers
Posted: 6/6/2008
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To-be sophomore Bryce Stever will have additional help in the lighter weight classes next winter.

Grantham, PA — The Messiah College wrestling program officially announced its 2008 recruiting class Friday, bringing 14 new grapplers to campus this fall.

“Our wrestling squad will be bolstered by a strong group of newcomers this coming season,” said Bryan Brunk, Messiah head coach. “The incoming class is typified by strong wrestling accomplishments, but also young men who show promise in the classroom and in their character. I’m very excited about the possibilities for these young men in all aspects of their lives.”

With six of the fourteen newcomers projected to be in the first three weight classes, the team’s depth in the lower weights continues to improve. Among the lightweights, Brunk said that several have the potential to push for mat time very early. Probable 141-pound wrestler Skylar Snead (Stephan Decatur, MD) headlines this group, as he completed his senior year as the undefeated State Champion in Maryland. In addition Snead achieved NHSCA All-American status twice in his prep career. 

Three other lightweights boast over 100 varsity wins in their careers: Danny Lethbridge (Paint Branch, MD) should be a long-term 125-pound wrestler. He finished his prep career as a two-time state place winner and 112-pound state runner-up as a senior. Rich Pennisi projects as a 133-pound wrestler for his first year in college. Pennisi wrestled for the state runner-up team of Collingswood, NJ, finished his career with 120 wins and qualified to the New Jersey State Championships two times. Josh Harris is another 100-match winner that could wrestle 125 or 133 for the Falcons next season. Harris qualified to states as a junior but was unable to finish his senior season due to injury. 

Another highly anticipated newcomer is Ty Kanouff from Jersey Shore, PA. Kanouff comes to Messiah after a very strong high school career that saw him win 85 matches, earn three district titles, and place fourth two times in the very strong Northeast Regional in PA. Kanouff also starts his college career with loads of college level experience after competing in several open level tournaments during last season. Rounding out the lightweights is local grappler Andrew Rentzel. Rentzel, who wrestled for Northern High School in Dillsburg, comes to Messiah after becoming a District 3 qualifier in his prep career. In addition, Rentzel has a lot of experience in freestyle and Greco-Roman style competition; he won the PAWF state championships in both styles last year.

As the team returns plenty of depth in the middle weights there was not a great need to bring many newcomers on board from 149 to 165. Still the three incoming Falcons should add a great deal to the program. Matt Cross (Bel Aire, MD) could wrestle 157 or 165 next season and should be able to contribute right away. During his high school career, Cross amassed 142 wins, qualified to the state tournament four times (placing twice) and came away as the 2008 State Champion in Maryland. Another impressive newcomer is Verona, NJ’s Chris Hardenberg. On the mats Hardenberg won 109 matches and became his schools first two-time New Jersey State Qualifier. Moreover, Hardenberg demonstrated incredible work ethic and character that made him a two-time captain and a very accomplished student. Continuing the family tradition, Luke Speers from West Chester Henderson, PA will become the third Speers’ brother on the roster next season.  Luke enjoyed a fine prep career where he earned 85 wins, was a two-year captain, Section Champ, and three time District Qualifier.

If there was a great need going into this coming year, the Falcons had to increase depth in the upper three weights. With five newcomers in these weights the team should have no problems with depth next season. All five big guys enjoyed strong high school careers and could push for significant mat time next season. Tim Stewart (Paint Branch, MD) placed third and fourth in the Maryland State Championships on his way to winning 103 varsity matches. Brunk projects him at 174 or 184 over the next couple of years. Ethan Covalt (Penns Valley, PA) is the other upper weight with state level experience. In a career that included 66 varsity wins, Covalt came on strongest in his senior season. As a senior, Covalt went 24-11 and qualified to the Pennsylvania State Championships. Rounding out the incoming class are Zane Bachert, Davin Okerblom, and KJ Young.  Okerblom projects as a 174-pound wrestler; during his prep career he earned 76 wins, was twice All-League and placed sixth in the tough Section 11 tournament in New York. Bachert and Young both have the potential to wrestle 197 or heavyweight over the next few years. Bachert (Tamaqua, PA) comes to Messiah after a year wrestling for Waynesburg College. In high school Bachert placed fifth in District 11 (PA) his junior and senior years. Coming from Long Island, New York, Young has had plenty of tough competition in his high school career. During his last two seasons Young earned a record of 42-19 and qualified twice to the Section tournament. 

“Messiah Wrestling is excited to welcome these newcomers to a team that finished last season ranked 26th in NCAA Division III,” Brunk said. “After only graduating one starter, the future looks very bright for the Falcons.”