Brunk Looks To Build On Existing Depth With Incoming Class
Josh Bressler will join older brother Mike Bressler (pictured) on the Falcons' roster this winter, one of nine newcomers.
Grantham, PA — With a total of 25 wrestlers — including nine of last year’s starters — returning to the Messiah roster in 2009-2010, seventh-year head coach Bryan Brunk announced his 2010 recruiting class Tuesday, bringing nine new athletes into the fold for the upcoming season.
“We approached this class looking to add depth to an already strong nucleus,” Brunk said. “I think these young men should make an impact in the team’s drive to climb up the (NCAA) D-III ranks.”
The Falcons met the need to bolster their lightest weight classes and brought in three wrestlers to address a lack of depth at the 184- and 197-pound weight classes.
A brief look at each of Messiah’s newcomers:
125 — Spencer Alexander (Hanover, VA)
Career record: 167-49 Senior Year: 51-3; 3rd place AAA State Championships
Alexander should provide long-term depth at 125 and will push for time in the lineup right from the start. His work ethic and aggressive style helped him to become a three-time state qualifier and earned him numerous honors and recognitions including All-Metro, two time Capital District Champion, and Hanover High’s MVP.
Coach Brunk says: “I really like how Spencer moves on his feet, and I think he can become a takedown specialist at this level. His commitment to excel is evident. He’s a quiet, humble kid who works really hard … that will fit any team’s system.”
125 — Jacob Boyde (Delone Catholic, PA)
Career record: 111-45 Senior Year: 24-13; 8th place AA State Championships
As a 119-pound state place winner, Boyde has the credentials to be very competitive at the next level. He possesses exceptional strength and leverage as a tall, lanky wrestler. Throughout his career Boyde was a four-time district qualifier, placing three times. He should contend for a spot in the lineup early and may move up in weight later in his career.
Coach Brunk says: “Jake was a late addition to this class, and we’re really excited to pick up somebody with his credentials. His high school coach has a lot of good things to say about him. I believe he’s going to really enjoy the environment at Messiah and he’ll certainly help us throughout his career.”
133 — Ryan Snead (Potomac Falls, VA)
Career record: 102-45 Senior Year: 37-12; Region II Qualifier
Snead comes to the Falcons highly recommended by his high school coach as a hard working, determined young wrestler. Although his senior year was cut short by injury, he ended his high school career as a two-time regional qualifier. His career also includes experience in freestyle and Greco as a state place winner and Fargo National Qualifier.
Coach Brunk says: “After watching video of Ryan, I’m really excited about his style. He’s already a strong neutral wrestler and has a lot of potential from the top position. I’m equally excited about Ryan’s desire to be a Messiah wrestler. He’s expressed commitment to the ideals that we are striving to define our program within.”
133 — Stephen Antonek (Mendham, NJ)
Senior year: 4-6; 4th place in Districts
Antonek should provide needed depth at a 133-pound weight class that only includes one returning wrestler. After breaking the starting lineup for his senior year, Antonek made the most of his opportunity placing in the District tournament.
Coach Brunk says: “Stephen’s video shows that he’s a tough, hard nosed kid. He stays in good position and is going to battle for every point. I think his attitude and work ethic are going to be an asset to our team.”
141 — Josh Bressler (PCA, MD)
Career record: 166-42 Senior Year: 39-8; 3rd place Private State Championships
Josh Bressler is the younger brother of Messiah junior Mike Bressler and like his brother he comes to Messiah as a very accomplished prep wrestler. In his career, Bressler earned All-American Honors twice by placing at the National Prep Championships. The younger Bressler has a very unorthodox style that will make him equally dangerous and entertaining. He should challenge for significant mat time right away.
Coach Brunk says: “We’ve gotten to know Josh pretty well over the past few years, and we’re really happy he chose to join us at Messiah. He’s a super funky wrestler, if we can harness that he’s going to be very, very successful.”
165 — Steven Bandstra (Midland Park, NJ)
Career record: 77-37 Senior Year 16-4:; 2nd place Districts, Regional Q
Bandstra should give the Falcons solid middle weight depth. As a high school wrestler, he earned three trips to the Regional Championships and numerous coach’s awards and area honors. He is a well rounded wrestler, proficient from all positions.
Coach Brunk says: “Steve committed to Messiah early on, and there’s always something to be said for someone that really wants to be here. He has the work ethic that we look for, and I also am impressed with his character.”
184/197 — Travis Ebersole (Manheim Central, PA)
Career record: 38-27
Unfortunately, Ebersole’s senior year ended before it started with a football injury. However, he was able to make significant accomplishments during his sophomore and junior years to catch the attention of the Messiah coaching staff. During that time he placed twice in the Lancaster-Lebanon League tournament and placed in prestigious tournaments such as the multi state War on the Shore, the King of the Mountain, and the Manheim Holiday Classic. His aggressive style and competitive nature along with exceptional height and reach should serve him well at the college level.
Coach Brunk says: “Travis is such a great fit for our program. I’m impressed with him as a young man, and I know he’s very excited to be part of a team that focuses on a life in Christ. Long term , I think that Travis could develop into a dominant top wrestler.”
184/197 — Pat Hogan (Cranford, NJ)
Career record: 104-18 Senior Year: 32-0; New Jersey State Champion
Pat Hogan comes to Messiah as an NCAA Division I transfer from Liberty University. As a high school wrestler, Hogan produced a stellar career capped by completing an undefeated senior year as State Champion. Furthermore, Hogan was a three-time regional champ and state qualifier. Hogan’s style is relentless from both the neutral and top positions and he should make an immediate impact at the national level.
Coach Brunk says: “We recruited Pat coming out of high school so to be able to pick him up after he’s had some college experience is awesome! I really like this kid, he’s got a great heart. He’s shown a real fire to reach the top in wrestling, but also to excel in his spiritual life.”
184/197 — Russell Jones (Pope John XXIII, NJ)
Career record: 61-21 Senior Year: 34-5; State Qualifier
After a sensational senior year, Jones looks to have continued upside in college wrestling. A three-time District place winner, Jones broke through during senior year to qualify for the state championships. He also showed that he can compete with anyone winning two matches at the tournament including one over the eventual third place finisher. Jones has great size and athleticism. He should contend for a starting spot early in his career.
Coach Brunk says: “With Russ we’re getting a kid who is still growing and still developing … that’s really exciting when you consider what he’s already accomplished. I’m impressed with his energy and his involvement in a lot of organizations and ministries as well.”
