Kearney, Neb. – Nebraska-Kearney head wrestling coach Marc Bauer announced today the names of five Nebraska high school seniors who will take to the mats for the Lopers this upcoming season.

These are the first recruits for the 2010-11 season. More recruits will be announced next week.

This first group of newcomers includes Matt Lenagh (Millard North H.S.), Matt Oliver (Auburn H.S.), Tanner Sturgeon (Cozad H.S.), Nick Ridgeway (Columbus H.S.) and Nate Westerby (Grand Island H.S.).

At Millard North, Lenagh went 95-32 in his career and set a season school-record with 175 takedowns. The 2010 Class A state champion at 189 lbs., he will participate in the NSWCA Senior Classic All-State Dual on June 12th.

“Matt reminds us of former Loper great Tervel Dlagnev. He didn't start wrestling until he was a freshman and his movement on his feet is fluid and quick. The only major difference, at this point and time in their careers, is that Matt won a state title as a senior,” said Bauer. “For a big guy, he is very mobile, agile and elusive. Matt will redshirt his first year to further his physical development and experience.”

Oliver comes from a family with strong ties to Loper wrestling. Both his father, Mark, and uncle, Denny, were UNK wrestlers while his sister, Taryn, is currently the Lopers team manager.

A four-time district champion and a three-time state medalist, Oliver was the 2010 Class B state champ at 145 lbs. Going 133-14 in his career, he was chosen as Auburn's Male Student-Athlete of the Year.

“Matt has been a standout on both the matt in the classroom throughout his prep career. He is coming to UNK on Regents, Omaha World Herald, UNK Honors Program and athletic scholarships. Matt's plan is to major in Pre-Medicine with an emphasis in Chemistry or Biology,” said Bauer. “He is a top-notch young man who will redshirt his first year and likely develop into a 157 pounder.”

For the Discoverers, Ridgeway was a three-time state medalist, placing third this year in Class A at 140 lbs. He finished his career with a 100-36 mark and was a three-time state qualifier.

“Nick is very strong and tough on the mat. He has shown significant improvement and a strong commitment to wrestling through out his high school career,” said Bauer. “Nick is a great competitor who will redshirt his first year at UNK.”

The Kearney Hub and North Platte Telegraph's Wrestler of the Year, Sturgeon leaves Cozad with six school records and a 139-21 career mark. Winning the Class B 189 lbs. state title this year with a 39-0 record, he will also be at the Senior Classic on June 12th

“Tanner has made enormous strides over his career. It's evident to us that he is committed and ready to be a collegiate student-athlete and we are very happy he has chosen to be part of the Loper wrestling program,” said Bauer. “Tanner has great balance and moves really well for a big guy. Plus, he has an in-your face mentality on the mat. He will redshirt this winter and that experience should help prepare him to battle at the 174 lbs. class.”

A two-time Class A state champion at 215 lbs., and a four-time district champion, Westerby is Grand Island's all-time leader in career wins (134). He also is a USA Wrestling Magazine honorable mention All-American and helped the Islanders win two-state titles.

Westerby, who will be at the Senior Classic, is the second GIHS to join the Lopers in recent years, following Riley Allen.

“We have watched Nate grow for many years. He is a very talented athlete with an abundance of national experience. Despite being hampered by a knee injury and missing school for three weeks due to illness, he still finished the strong and won his second straight state title,” said Bauer. “He will redshirt this season to gain the experience needed to step in and make an impact for us the following year.”

UNK tied for third at last year's NCAA meet and has had four straight top five finishes.