"I am pleased and proud to announce the 2008-2009 St. Olaf College Wrestling
recruiting class," stated Head Coach Sean Ahrar. "These outstanding
young men have made a commitment and enrollment deposit to attend St.
Olaf College and wrestle for the Oles. They are among the best high
school wrestlers in Minnesota. Also, included are four out of state
wrestlers from North Carolina and Iowa."
Minnesota Recruits
Ian Peppel, Barnesville, MN. Projected weight: 125/133.
Ian was two-time state qualifier including a sixth place finish at the
2006 Minnesota State High School Wrestling Championships at 103. He
finished his senior season with a 37-4 record. "Ian is an amazing
wrestler who is both mentally and physically tough," said Coach Ahrar.
"He will bring much strength to the lower weights." While at
Barnesville High School, Ian received awards for most take downs, most
team points, most pins, which tied a school record with Kirk Anderson
who wrestles for North Dakota State University.
Andrew Lockrem, Frazee, MN. Projected weight: 165. Andrew
placed second at the Minnesota State High School Wrestling
Championships in 2007 at 145 and 3rd in 2008, his senior year at 152.
Andrew finished his senior season with an impressive 45-6 record. "I am
extremely excited about Andrew Lockrem wrestling for the Oles and look
forward to coaching him in his successful years in college wrestling at
St. Olaf," said Ahrar.
Nathan Waslaski, Pequot Lakes/Pine River-Backus. Projected
weight:141. Nathan was a 2007 Minnesota State High School Wrestling
Championships qualifier at 125 and finished that season with a 33-9
record. While in high school, Nathan received The Most Takedown Award
as a Junior.
Ryan Timmerman, St. Peter, MN. Projected weight: 125. Ryan
was a two-time second place finisher at Minnesota State High School
Wrestling Championships placing second in 2007 at 119 and second in
2008 at 125. He finished his senior season with an amazing 42-3 record.
"I am very proud that Ryan will be wrestling at St. Olaf College," said
Ahrar. "He is one of the best in the state and will undoubtedly be a
catalyst of success for our program."
Joe Schlueter, Hutchinson, MN. Projected Weight: 184/197.
Joe was a 2008 Minnesota State High School Wrestling Championships
qualifier at 215. Joe finished his senior season with a 21-14 record.
Justin Skillings, Detroit Lakes, MN. Frazee High School.
Justin was a three-time Minnesota State High School Wrestling
Championships qualifier including a third place finish in 2007. Justin
finished his senior season with an impressive 39-6 record. In his high
school career, he compiled 165 high school career wins. While at Frazee
High School, Justin was the recipient of the most valuable wrestler and
most pins award. His other accomplishments include a first place finish
in the Greco State Championships in 2004 and finishing in the top 10 at
the Las Vegas Junior National Championships in both freestyle and Greco
in 2006. He was also on the 2005 Minnesota National Greco Team. "Words
cannot express how excited I am about Justin Skillings coming to St.
Olaf," said Ahrar. "He is a scholar athlete who excels both in the
classroom and on the mat. He will bring much success and leadership to
our team and I am very proud to have the pleasure of coaching him in
his successful years at St. Olaf."
Out of State Wrestlers
James Noneman, Raleigh, North Carolina, Needham B. Broughton High School. Projected Weight: 197.
Oscar Morales, McAllen, Texas, Nikki Rowe High School. Projected Weight: 149/157.
William Reily, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Cardinal Gibbons High School. Projected Weight: 184/197.
Brian Cross, Mason City, Iowa. Projected Weight: 125.