July 10, 2008

Wrestling Adds Seven More to Roster

Nebraska Newcomers to Date

     Kearney, Neb. – Nebraska-Kearney head wrestling coach Marc Bauer today announced the names of seven Nebraskans who’ll take to the mats for the Lopers in 2009.

     The list includes Jarek Patterson (133/141 lbs.) and Brandon Rimpley (125/133 lbs.) of Kearney High, A.J. Belgum (149/157 lbs.; Kimball), Drew Etherton (141/149 lbs.; Lincoln East), Chase Klingelhoefer (165/174 lbs.; Amherst), Ronald Reynoso (141 lbs./Lexington) and Bruce Zurek (141 lbs./Sargent).

     A few weeks ago, UNK announced 10 out-of-state wrestlers who joined the Lopers.

    Placing third in Class A this year at 130 lbs., Rimpley spent two years at Overton High before transferring to KHS. Ranked as high as No. 1 this year, Patterson placed fourth at the state tournament (119 lbs.).

    “Brandon keeps in great position and finishes quickly. He has all the tools to make an immediate impact for us,” said Bauer. “Jarek is a very coachable, hard working athlete. He’ll make a great addition to our program.”

     Belgum placed third in Class C as a sophomore but missed his junior campaign to injury. In the summer of 2007, he won the Rocky Mountain Championships and then placed sixth in the state tournament this past March.

     “AJ is powerful and explosive and will make a fine addition to our program,” said Bauer.

      Etherton continues the pipeline from Lincoln East, following his older brother, Ryan, Keenan McCurdy, Joey Morrison, Jeff Rutledge and Jacob Froscheiser to UNK.

       A four-time placer at the state tournament – never finishing below third – Etherton leaves East with the most wins (156) in Nebraska high school history. He’ll take a redshirt season in 2008-09.

      “Drew, like Ryan, is an extremely talented student-athlete. He has the talent to help lead this program in the neat future,” said Bauer.

        Klingelhoefer was Class D state champion at 160 lbs. this year after placing second as a sophomore and third as junior. Going undefeated as a senior, he was selected to the Kearney Hub’s All-Territory first-team.

       Reynoso, getting a late start in wrestling, has quickly made strides in the sport as he placed fourth at 140 lbs. in Class B this year.

      “Ronald is a very controlled wrestler and is extremely tough on top,” said Bauer. “Give him a couple of years under his belt and he could easily excel at this level.”

       Finally, Zurek wrestled for Sargent/Burwell. A four-time state placer, he capped his prep career with a state runner up finish at 135 lbs. this year.

     “Bruce is a strong and powerful wrestler. With some more experience and mat time, he has the ability to be a difference maker in our program,” said Bauer.

    UNK won the 2008 Division II national championship and will return seven All-Americans to its roster this upcoming year.