Head coach Jackson inks eight preps
AMES (ISU) — Iowa State wrestling head coach Kevin Jackson has announced the signing of eight prep wrestlers for the 2010-11 season.
An influx of talent is set to join the Cyclones for their next campaign. Several of the future Cyclones are in-state talents and a few of the signees sport familiar names to Iowa State wrestling faithful.
Joining the ISU squad next year will be Joey Cozart (Brandon, Fla.), Mikey England (Centerville), Ryak Finch (Safford, Ariz.), Kyven Gadson (Waterloo), Luke Goettl (Clarksdale, Ariz.), Brandon Jones (West Des Moines), Michael Moreno (Urbandale) and Trevor Voelker (Adel).
“We are very happy with the class we have coming in next year, Jackson said. “They are going to make an immediate impact on our team and help our program accomplish its goals. They are highly-ranked guys that are full of potential and talent, and they are excited to come to Iowa State. They know our tradition.”
The Cyclone recruiting class is highlighted by star power and Cyclone legacy.
Four signees (Cozart, 152 pounds; Finch, 119 pounds; Gadson, 189 pounds; and Moreno, 171 pounds) reside within Intermats Class of 2010 Top 100 ranking. Cozart, Finch and Moreno are all ranked within the top 30 wrestlers in the nation by the Web site. The foursome holds six state titles and 10 prep finals appearances between them.
Morenos father, Mike, was an All-American at 134 pounds for ISU in 1992. The father of Kyven Gadson, Willie, was a two-time All-American (1975-76) at 177 pounds.
“We are excited about the legacy wrestlers,” Jackson said. “Gadson, Moreno and Voelker are now Cyclones themselves. Their families love and passion for ISU has never waivered. They thought Iowa State University was a class school with the type of academic and athletic standards they were looking for their college educations.”
Top local Iowa talent is prepared to hit the Cyclone wrestling room. Jones won the 2009 3A 112-pound title at Valley High School in West Des Moines. England, a three-time Iowa state place winner (140 pounds, 145 pounds and 171 pounds), hails from Centerville. Voelker, the nephew of former Cyclone two-time 190-pound NCAA champion Eric Voelker, has placed at state twice, most recently at 189 pounds.
Arizona standout Luke Goettl rounds out the eight-man class. Goettl is a three-time state champion hailing from Clarksdale, Ariz. He has taken titles at 112 pounds, 125 pounds and 130 pounds.
“There are high expectations for everyone,” Jackson said. “We’d like all of them to make an impact.”
Jackson notes the fact that he and his coaching staff are looking for student-athletes, with an emphasis on the student.
“First and foremost, we push academics,” Jackson said. “ISU student-athletes graduate at a rate of 79 percent. We want student-athletes to come here first for academics, then for athletics. We have a great coaching staff which is going to challenge these student-athletes.
