Note: This article has been updated to include two more recruits
Rochester Community and Technical College Coach Andy Hackenmueller has announced spring signees for the Yellowjacket wrestling team. The group includes a few guys from out of state, a couple from central Minnesota, and some local standouts. The ten student-athletes that have committed so far include:
Gavin Gust – (Dover-Eyota, MN)
(2x State Champ, 4x State Place Winner; 200+ HS wins)
Projected Weight: 157 lbs
Coach Hackenmueller says: “We are excited to have Gust on board as he is a local stud. An all-around athlete and an all-around good person. He will be a leader out of the gates, he expects to put the work in and win. He is familiar with our program and many of the guys on the team. Should be an easier transition for him. He has been a durable and reliable athlete for the powerhouse Dover-Eyota program, and we feel he can come in and do the same at the next level. He will look to pursue a degree in the trades or enter lineman school in the future.”
Patrick Jones – (Wellington, FL)
(Fargo Greco AA- 3rd, Florida State Placer- 3rd)
Coach Hackenmueller says: “Patrick is the 2nd Wellington wrestler we have committed. He is an absolute diamond in the rough find. A very explosive and dynamic wrestler that has done very well at some big tournaments. A lot of upside and potential for Jones as a career 125 lber. Patrick likes the international styles as well, so he has turned into a mat rat and getting better in all positions. Could very well be the starter and all-american for us his first year.”
Tucker Ginther – (Caledonia, MN)
(State Champion, 3x State Qualifier)
Projected Weight: 149 lbs.
Coach Hackenmueller says: “A product of Caledonia Tucker Ginther looks to come in and be the 2nd National Champion (Kasey Meiners) from that small town. Tucker has continued to grow and get better each of the last few years as a solid and coachable athlete. We look forward to helping him continue on his path of development and expect him to maintain a high level of success. His goals fit right into our program’s goals and expectations. He could be a part of a dynamic 1-2 punch with Gavin Gust in our lineup.”
Gavin Albers – (Long Prairie, MN)
3x State Qualifier (3rd, 5th, DNP)
Coach Hackenmueller says: “Albers is our 4th recruit from Long Prairie (perennial small school powerhouse). He took 3rd at 126 lbs this year after losing a heartbreaker in the semis. A blue-collar athlete who lives a disciplined lifestyle we have no doubt he will be successful on and off the mat. Gavin could have an immediate impact at 133 lbs for us and will benefit those around him.”
Juan Quintero – (Wellington, FL)
Florida State Qualifier at 182 lbs (2-2)
Coach Hackenmueller says: “Another solid recruit out of Florida and coached by a couple of former Minnesota State Wrestlers. Juan is hard-working, respectful, smart, and personable. He has some really solid offense and is still physically growing into his body. We expect Juan to be most utilized at 174/184 lbs. He is pursuing his business associates degree while looking to get on the podium next March in Council Bluffs.”
Christian Lopez – (Burnsville, MN)
MSHSL State Qualifier (2021)
Went to UW-Eau Claire after High School.
Coach Hackenmueller says: “Christian has trained at our local club (Guerrilla Wrestling Club) throughout this past year while he took a year off of school. This past year he competed in our RCTC Yellowjacket Open and won several matches at 125lbs. He is a tough, gritty, and scrappy wrestler that soaks up every bit of advice. Christian is eager to put his name on the map and will contend for not only a starting spot but, we believe, a dark horse to get on the podium.”
Makota Misgen – (New Richland, MN)
2x State Placer- HWT (3rd and 2nd)
2022 Northern Plains Double Place Winner (Freestyle and Greco)
Projected: Hwt
Coach Hackenmueller says: “Makota lost a really tight match this year in the semis to his rival however showed great character and grit to bounce back and finish 3rd. Placing in the top 3 in the state the past two years and having success at regional and national tournaments, we are really excited to have Makota on board. He will compete for a starting spot right away and is very familiar with the program as he trained at our club this past year. Makota is a good person and a fun guy to be around that is willing to do the extra work to be successful.”
Lucas Kritzeck – (Park Rapids, MN)
State Qualifier – (160AA)
Coach Hackenmueller says: “Lucas is coming from the Northwest to the Southeast. He will major in our Criminal Justice Program. A long, scrappy wrestler that is bringing some good top wrestling. We will look to further develop his offense on the feet and add some size to him. Lucas has the potential to be successful for us at 157/165 lbs.”
Isaiah Rodriguez – (Jackson County HS)
2x State Placer
Projected: 157/165lbs
Coach Hackenmueller says: “I first seen Isaiah train down at David Thorn’s Camp, and he was pretty impressive in they way he competed. Didn’t matter who, or when, or where, Isaiah was trying to score points. Jackson County High School has a great system in place, and all of their guys are fundamentally sound, like to work hard, and score points. Isaiah is a great addition, and we can’t wait to get started.”
Andrew Larson – (Wayzata HS)
State Qualifier
Projected Weight: 141lbs
Coach Hackenmueller says: “Andrew is our second recruit out of a very well run Wayzata Program. He is competitive in all the tournaments he enters and is never an easy out. Wayzata wrestles a tough schedule, and Larson was durable and up for battle all the time. He is a very well conditioned, hard-nosed and coachable wrestler. We are hoping to help him refine some techniques and get him to the right weight class, and he could be a dark horse. I could definitely see him being like the next Parker Dobrocky (3x AA for RCTC from Anoka) for us. Come in after not placing at state and becoming a multiple time All-American.”
A Look At Next Season
“We had seven freshmen get into the National Tournament and win a match this season,” said Coach Hackenmueller. “With all of those freshmen coming back, plus the addition of these eight and a few more we are expecting an exciting season. Several of the guys returning and the guys coming in had solid years last year but fell just a little short of their goals but are using that as fuel to the fire and are coming in with a chip on their shoulder. The culture is developing at RCTC into a group of blue-collar, hard-working, fun, tough wrestlers who expect to win. We have won three out of the last four national titles and finished as runner-up this season with three All-Americans. Our schedule allows all of our athletes to get a ton of matches competing against all divisions helping them get their name out there a little more but also prepares us for the end of the year.”
The Yellowjacket coaching staff consists of Andy Hackenmueller (Coach of the Year), Matthew Peterson (2x Fargo AA, MN State Champ), Randy Rager (NJCAA Man of the Year), Mike Schmitz (NCAA National Champion), Cody Buchanan (Owner of Guerrilla Wrestling Club), Anthony Wesley (Qualified for the ‘22 World Championships, wrestled at Iowa State), and Alex LaPere (2x NJCAA National Qualifier).
Keep an eye out for the RCTC Yellowjackets. If you are a potential recruit or have questions, reach out to andrew.hackenmueller@rctc.edu
Follow the Yellowjackets on Facebook at facebook.com/RCTCWrestling, Instagram at rctcwrestling, and Twitter at rctcwrestling.