The RAC and New Jersey Wrestling fans did not disappoint yesterday, as Rutgers did a fantastic job hosting Final X, one half of the world team trials finals. Even without David Taylor and Kyle Dake on the card, it was a great day of tailgating and wrestling fun for those in attendance.
After the morning session, which featured both entertaining Greco and women’s matches, I made my way to the Rutgers wrestling tailgate. The coaching staff, alumni, current wrestlers, family and friends of Rutgers wrestling were having a blast, enjoying each other’s company, and getting more and more excited for the wrestling that was about to come later that evening.
While at the tailgate, I had the pleasure of meeting the four recruits on campus that Rutgers wrestling was hosting this weekend. If you did not see the previous post about who they were, Rutgers had AJ Ferrari (Allan, TX), Antonio Andrade (Gilroy, CA), Colton Hawks (Holt, MO), and Bryce Hepner (St. Ed’s, Oh) on campus for this weekend.
The recruit I spent the most time talking to was AJ Ferrari, who was really enjoying himself. He is incredibly passionate about the sport, and was very excited to be back in New Jersey. I still think Okie State is the favorite for Ferrari, however, if that is the case, Rutgers is a VERY close second.
Antonio Andrade, after Ferrari, is the next priority on the recruiting trail for the coaching staff, as heavyweight has been a down spot in the lineup since the departure of Billy Smith in 2016. A source told me that quality heavyweights across the country are few and far between, and that makes the current JUCO grappler, Andrade, a highly sought after prospect.
Someone who was in attendance, but was not on a recruiting visit, was McDonough, MD 220 - lber, Garret Kappes. Kappes is a multiple time prep national placer and Fargo All-American. He is on the Rutgers radar, and was seen talking to Coach Leonardis during the event.
The wrestling in the evening session did not disappoint. It was constant back-and-forth action, providing the opportunity for the knowledgeable New Jersey fan base to get off their seats on a number of occasions. The atmosphere, as always in the RAC, was electric. There is no question that all four recruits were in awe with the environment the RAC provides for the sport of wrestling.
All-in-all, despite a controversial call in the Yianni - Zain match, this was a win for USA wrestling and New Jersey wrestling. But more importantly, Final X - Rutgers was a win for Rutgers wrestling.
After the morning session, which featured both entertaining Greco and women’s matches, I made my way to the Rutgers wrestling tailgate. The coaching staff, alumni, current wrestlers, family and friends of Rutgers wrestling were having a blast, enjoying each other’s company, and getting more and more excited for the wrestling that was about to come later that evening.
While at the tailgate, I had the pleasure of meeting the four recruits on campus that Rutgers wrestling was hosting this weekend. If you did not see the previous post about who they were, Rutgers had AJ Ferrari (Allan, TX), Antonio Andrade (Gilroy, CA), Colton Hawks (Holt, MO), and Bryce Hepner (St. Ed’s, Oh) on campus for this weekend.
The recruit I spent the most time talking to was AJ Ferrari, who was really enjoying himself. He is incredibly passionate about the sport, and was very excited to be back in New Jersey. I still think Okie State is the favorite for Ferrari, however, if that is the case, Rutgers is a VERY close second.
Antonio Andrade, after Ferrari, is the next priority on the recruiting trail for the coaching staff, as heavyweight has been a down spot in the lineup since the departure of Billy Smith in 2016. A source told me that quality heavyweights across the country are few and far between, and that makes the current JUCO grappler, Andrade, a highly sought after prospect.
Someone who was in attendance, but was not on a recruiting visit, was McDonough, MD 220 - lber, Garret Kappes. Kappes is a multiple time prep national placer and Fargo All-American. He is on the Rutgers radar, and was seen talking to Coach Leonardis during the event.
The wrestling in the evening session did not disappoint. It was constant back-and-forth action, providing the opportunity for the knowledgeable New Jersey fan base to get off their seats on a number of occasions. The atmosphere, as always in the RAC, was electric. There is no question that all four recruits were in awe with the environment the RAC provides for the sport of wrestling.
All-in-all, despite a controversial call in the Yianni - Zain match, this was a win for USA wrestling and New Jersey wrestling. But more importantly, Final X - Rutgers was a win for Rutgers wrestling.
