May 27, 2004

Six Join Wrestling

Three Nebraska Natives 

            Kearney, NE – Nebraska-Kearney head wrestling coach Marc Bauer announced today the names of six newcomers joining his program.

            They are A. J. Blahut (New Lenox, Ill.), Zach Tramel (Arlington, Texas), Lewis Hyatt (Canon City, Colo.), Drew Prusha (Bellevue), Caleb Skiles (Lincoln) and Eric Dolezal (Papillion).

            Last fall, UNK signed Keenan McCurdy (Lincoln East H.S.) and Paul Sutton (Wahoo H.S.).

            “We’re very pleased with this recruiting class. It’s a very talented class of young men who are going to give us a solid lineup from top to bottom for the 2004-05 season,” Bauer said. “This class, combined with three returning All-Americans and six national qualifiers from last year, will put us in the position to be very competitive both regionally and nationally.”

            Blahut (174 lbs.) spent the past two years at Lincoln Community College in Lincoln, Ill. A two-time JUCO national qualifier, Blahut went 24-8 this past season and earned All-American honors by placing fifth at the national meet. 

            “We look for A.J. to step into the lineup right away and make an immediate impact. He is extremely tough on the mat and bring a wealth of experience to our upper weights,” Bauer said.

            Tramel, at 6-2, 280 lbs., will be the fourth Texan on the UNK roster next year. He had an outstanding career at Arlington Martin High School where he went 158-11, including an unbeaten senior season.  

            He also helped his team win the Texas High School State Dual Championships this past year while winning a state title himself.

            Nationally ranked all season, he is considered to be the top heavyweight coming out of Texas this year.

            “Zach is ready to step in our lineup and make his presence known both regionally and nationally. He is all of 6-2, 280 lbs., and is very aggressive on his feet,” Bauer said.

            Hyatt (149 lbs.) spent one year at Colorado State-Pueblo and was set to join UNK last year but, instead, was in Iraq as a member of the Colorado National Guard. He returned to the states last month.

            A four-time Colorado State placer, Hyatt finished his prep career with 128 wins, including 74 by fall.

            “Lewis is a tremendous young man, both on the mat and in the class room. He had a judo background and is not afraid to mix it up with anyone. He will make an immediate impact on our team,” Bauer said.

            Prusha (149/157 lbs.) prepped at Omaha Gross Catholic where he was state runner up the past two years. A four-time time state placer, Prusha’s father, Jerry, was a two-time All-American for UNK in the 1970’s.

            “Drew is always on the attack and is very tall for a 149 pounder. His length is an enormous asset,” Bauer said.

            Skiles (149/157 lbs.) attends Lincoln East High where he placed third at the state tournament this past year. One of his losses in the tourney was to four-time state champ Chris Oliver.

            He will be the fourth ex-Rocket on the Lopers, joining McCurdy, Jacob Froscheiser and Jeff Rutledge.

            “Caleb is a very impressive young man. He’s tough on the mat and aggressive on his feet,” Bauer said.

            Dolezal (184 lbs.) completed at 189 lbs. for Platteview High School. A three-time state placer, he was third at the state meet this past winter.

            “Not only is Eric tough on the mat but he is also an outstanding student as well,” Bauer said. “He is a competitor who had a disappointing end to his junior season due to injury. He came back to just miss reaching the state finals this year.”

            Bauer added that Prusha, Skiles and Dolezal would each redshirt this season.

            UNK has won four of the last five RMAC/West Region titles and had five Top 10 finishes at the NCAA Division II Championships since 1998.