St. Cloud State University has been an elite force in the NCAA DII wrestling scene the past four years. The Huskies boasts a strong tradition of excellence both on and off the mat. In the September 2011 issue of Wrestling USA Magazine, St. Cloud State was selected as the eighth ranked recruiting class for Non-Division I recruiting classes in college wrestling.
“I am very excited about our recruiting class,” said Head Coach Steve Costanzo. “Although, we have a lot of experience returning to the team this year, it is time to start looking toward the future. I am confident that this group of incoming recruits will continue the tradition of Husky wrestling both in the classroom and on the mat.”
Highlighting the recruiting class are state champions: Eric Forde (125) 4x ND champ, Andy Pokorny (133) 3x NE champ and transfer, Matt Nelson (141) 1x MN champ, Clint Poster (149) 2x MN champ, Chip Erickson (157) 2x WI champ, Trey Griffin (184) 2x IL champ and Caleb White (285) 1x IA champ.
Additional standouts include: Derek Scott (125) MN, Jay Hildreth (141) 2nd IA, Brady Johnshoy (141) 2nd MN, Ryan Schroepfer (141) MN, Eric Hood (149) MN, Jared Kust (149) 3rd WI, Cody Tibbetts (165) 2nd MN, Dan Dick (174) 3rd MN, Derek Swanson (174) 5th MN, Elliot Zander (174) ND and Shaun Little (197) 2nd MN.
TOP 15 NON-DIVISION I RECRUITING CLASSES
1. Iowa Central CC
2. Pittsburgh-Johnstown
3. Notre Dame College
4. Maryville
5. Grand Canyon
6. Clackamas CC
7. Great Falls College
8. ST. CLOUD STATE
9. Chadron State
10. Upper Iowa
11. Nebraska-Kearney
12. Indianapolis
13. Wartburg
14. Wisconsin-Parkside
15. Oklahoma City
The St. Cloud State Wrestling Team returns 5 NCAA All-Americans and 6 NCAA National Qualifiers to the mats this year. The Huskies will open up their season on Friday, November 4th as they host their annual Black/Red Intrasquad Classic in Halenbeck Hall at 7 p.m.