HWT Missouri State Record Holder Joins Trojans

Hannibal, MO - The Hannibal-LaGrange University Wrestling program is pleased to have signed Mike Wright from St. Clair, MO. Wright will graduate from St. Clair R-13 High School in St. Clair, MO in May of 2012. 

This season Mike Wright compiled an outstanding record of 54-3 and an overall career record of 145-55. Wright is a two time state finalist at 220 lbs. Wright also garnered first team all-conference in 2010, 2011, and 2012. Wright capped off his last three years of wrestling as conference champion as well for the Bulldogs. This year Wright set a school record of most falls in a season at 40 pins and tied for the state record of 40 pins in one season. “Mike Wright is a pinning machine. I’m really excited to have a strong heavyweight joining us for next season. We have some returning heavyweights who are looking forward to the challenges Wright will be bringing into the wrestling room. I’m very impressed with how ever year of high school Mike Wright has gotten better. He went from his freshmen year record of 17-30 to his senior season record of 54-3, and on the way to an outstanding record tied for a state individual pin record. Not only is Mike Wright a good wrestler, but he is a wrestler with excellent character. We are proud to have him on our team next year!”, said HLGU Head Wrestling Coach Scott Hawes. Wright plans to wrestle at HWT for the Trojans.  Along with Wrights wrestling accomplishments he was a 1^st team all-conference soccer player for the Bulldogs. Wright has not declared a major at HLGU at this time.
Wright is the son of Cathy Wright.

HLGU is a Division I NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) school and a member of the American Midwest Conference.

Shuck Joins Trojans

Hannibal, MO - The Hannibal-LaGrange University Wrestling program is pleased to have signed Caleb Shuck from Willard, MO. Shuck will graduate from Willard High School in Willard, MO in May of 2012. 

This season Caleb Shuck compiled an impressive record of 35-15 and an overall career record of 118-48. Shuck is a three time state qualifier and was part of a team that finished 6^th in the Class 3 team standings. Shuck is a two time all conference wrestler and also led the Tigers in most technical falls and most near fall points. Along with his wrestling success Shuck stood out in Cross Country and Track for the Tigers. “Shuck is a tough wrestler. I’ve seen him wrestle and was impressed with his fearlessness wrestling stronger and heavier opponents. Being part of a strong wrestling program at Willard will allow Shuck to help make a difference in our lighter weights right away. He will be part HLGU wrestling's largest growth in numbers and talent ever”, said HLGU Head Wrestling Coach Scott Hawes. Shuck plans to wrestle at 133 pounds for the Trojans.  Shuck plans on majoring in Nursing at HLGU.

Shuck is the son of Clark and Kimberly Shuck.

HLGU is a Division I NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) school and a member of the American Midwest Conference.

Marksmen Sets His Mark on Hannibal

Hannibal, MO - The Hannibal-LaGrange University Wrestling program is pleased to have signed Matt Mattingley from Garden City, MO. Mattingley will graduate from Sherwood High School in Garden City, MO in May of 2012. 

This season Matt Mattingley compiled an impressive record of 27-3 and an overall career record of 126-16. Mattingley is a four time state qualifier and a two time medalist. Mattingley held the team record of most takedowns and pins, and also holds the career records for most takedowns and wins for the Marksmen. “I’ve seen Matt wrestle and he is a talented and tough wrestler. Wrestling comes natural for him. Many people have to work hard to develop the talent Matt has naturally. I can’t wait to help him continue to develop as a college wrestler. Matt comes from a small high school program that has been growing, but hasn’t had many practice partners close to his own weight who could really push him. He will fit in here at HLGU. We will provide many practice partners close to his own weight who will push him to be the best that he can be. Matt will be part HLGU wrestling's largest growth in numbers and talent ever.”, said HLGU Head Wrestling Coach Scott Hawes. Mattingley plans to wrestle at 141 pounds for the Trojans.  Mattingley plans on majoring in Recreational Management at HLGU.

Mattingley is the son of Jerry and Tina Mattingley.

HLGU is a Division I NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) school and a member of the American Midwest Conference.

Sonnabend Joins Trojans

Hannibal, MO – The Hannibal-LaGrange University wrestling program is pleased to have signed Tyler Sonnabend from Manchester, MO. Sonnabend will graduate from Parkway South High School in May of 2012. Sonnabend is a 2 time state qualifier who compiled a high school record of 89-39. In 2010 Sonnabend led the Patriots with the most escapes and reversals. In 2011 Sonnabend once again led the Patriots with the most escapes and reversals and added to the list most technical falls and most near falls. Topping off his career as a Patriot, Sonnabend finished 2012 with the most pins, most takedowns, most escapes, most reversals, most wins, and fastest pin. “Sonnabend clearly improved each year in high school topping off his career with 35 wins. I’ve seen Sonnabend wrestle and I’m certain he will come in and work hard and help us make our Trojan wrestling middle weights much stronger.”, said Head Wrestling Coach Scott Hawes.

Sonnabend will be majoring in Criminal Justice at HLGU.

Sonnabend is the son of Gary and Kathy Sonnabend.

HLGU is a Division I NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) school and a member of the American Midwest Conference.

Trojan Wrestling Banquet

Click Here to see photos of our wrestling banquet!

Peterson to Celebrate 40 years since Olympic Gold

Many of you know that I had the privilege of wrestling for Olympic Champion Ben Peterson at Maranatha Baptist Bible College. This morning as I was talking to Coach he told me that he was on his way to the Olympic trials this weekend and asked if I was going to be able to attend. Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend as I will be busy showing recruits around campus and I have a work day at my church. However, this weekend will be a special time for everyone at the Olympic trials as their will be a special reunion for the 1972 Olympic Team. Click here to read Ben Peterson's perspective of the reunion and first hand experiences since he won his Olympic Gold in 1972.

Enjoy!

-Coach Scott Hawes

Ruby Makes History

Hannibal, MO - The Hannibal-LaGrange University Wrestling program is pleased to have signed Brady Ruby from Hannibal, MO. Ruby will graduate from Hannibal High School in May of 2012.
This season Brady Ruby compiled an impressive record of 38-18. This season Ruby led the Hannibal Pirates in most escapes, decisions, and reversals “Brady was hampered this season by a knee injury that resulted in surgery after his season was over. I was impressed to see him wrestle through the injury even through the state tournament. I’ve seen Brady compete and I know he has heart and has the potential to be a competitive college wrestler.” said HLGU Head Wrestling Coach Scott Hawes. “We have had two other former Hannibal High School wrestlers compete for us, but they didn’t come to HLGU directly from high school. Ruby is making history by being the first Hannibal High School wrestler to sign with us directly from high school.” Ruby will become the third Hannibal High School wrestler to join the Trojans, but the first Hannibal Pirate to sign during his senior year. Ruby plans to wrestle at 157/165 pounds for the Trojans.
Ruby plans on majoring in Biology at HLGU. Ruby is the son of Rachel Buster and David Ruby.

HLGU is a Division I NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics)
school and a member of the American Midwest Conference.