Burke Signs With The Trojans

Hannibal, MO - The Hannibal-LaGrange University Wrestling program is pleased to have signed Thomas Burke from New Port Richey, FL. Burke graduated from River Ridge High School in May of 2013. 

In his senior season Thomas Burke compiled a record of 44-12 and an overall career record of 105-46. Burke was a 2013 Disney Duals All-American, 2012 Sunshine State Games Freestyle Champion. Burke was All-Conference from 2009-2013 and was a 2013 District Champion. Burke was a four year varsity wrestlers for the River Ridge Royal Knights and also a team captain.  Burke also helped lead his team to a 2013 team runner up finish in conference and a team District Championship.  “Thomas loves wrestling and misses wrestling after attending his local community college last year. He is hungry to get back into competition and we are excited to have him be part of our program this year. ”, said HLGU Head Wrestling Coach Scott Hawes. Burke plans to wrestle at 141 pounds for the Trojans.  Burke plans on majoring in Criminal Justice at HLGU.

Thomas Burke is the son of Kevin and Geralyn Burke.

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

Texan Joins the Trojans

Hannibal, MO - The Hannibal-LaGrange University Wrestling program is pleased to have signed Joshua Nidever from Houston, TX. Nidever is a 2014 graduate from Mirabeau B. Lamar High School in Houston, TX. 

In his senior season Joshua Nidever compiled an excellent record of 48-8 and an overall career record of 120-48. Nidever was also a team captain for the Lamar High School Redskins.  “Nidever is a hard working wrestler. I’ve seen him wrestle and was impressed with his tenacity wrestling stronger and older college opponents.  Coach Alberto Rodriguez, a Cuban Olympian and World Champion, is Nidever’s personal coach. Coach Rodriguez  and I agree that Nidever is a diamond in the rough.  Coach Rodriguez has been working with him over the last couple of years and Nidever has been consistently improving. Nidever has been broadening his experience in wrestling and finished 4^th in the Texas Freestyle State Tournament. Nidever is hungry to continue his wrestling in college. I’m looking forward to this hunger to grow Nidever into being a very competitive college wrestler”, said HLGU Head Wrestling Coach Scott Hawes. Nidever plans on wrestling at 149 or 157 pounds for the Trojans. When Nidever was asked why he chose HLGU he responded, “I chose HLGU because I believe it to be a place where I can wrestle and serve the Lord at the same time.” Nidever plans on majoring in Business at HLGU.

Joshua Nidever is the son of Cecil and Nadia Nidever.

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

Rowdy Miller Inks with Trojans

Hannibal, MO – The Hannibal-LaGrange University wrestling program is pleased to have signed Rowdy Miller from John’s Creek, Georgia. Miller wrestled for the Chattahoochee High School Cougars in John’s Creek, GA. Miller wrestled 152 lb weight class last season and is planning on wrestling in the 157 lb weight class for the Trojans next year. Miller led the Chattahoochee Cougars in team points scored on route to 4^th place in the GHSA Class 6A State Championships. Miller’s other wrestling accomplishments include freshmen state champion, 8^th place at Brute Nationals 2012, 4x Georgia National Team Member, 3 times State Freestyle and Greco Runner up, and 2010 Dixie All-American. Miller finished his High School career record with 106 wins which put him in the 100 win club.  

“Because of the distance the first time I watched Rowdy wrestle was on the web, and when he came for his campus visit I had a chance to see him wrestle with some of our current wrestlers. Miller faced some injuries in his sophomore and junior season and he stayed dedicated and overcame obstacles to finish 4^th in Georgia. His losses in the state tournament were to the state champion and state consolation champion. He has a mental toughness and dedication that got him there. I am impressed with his character and hard work. I can tell Rowdy has had a family that supported him and coaches who have trained him well. Rowdy loves wrestling and he believes in our program. He is enthusiastic about wrestling for HLGU next year. I’m looking forward to his enthusiasm and hard work in the room”, said HLGU Head Wrestling Coach Scott Hawes. When Rowdy was asked, “Why did you choose to wrestle for HLGU?”  Rowdy replied, “ I felt like this school could bring me to my full potential as a wrestler and a student.”

Miller will be majoring in Mathematics at HLGU.

Miller is the son of Jeff and Karen Miller.

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

Hauser Joins Trojans

Hannibal, MO - The Hannibal-LaGrange University Wrestling program is pleased to have signed Anthony Hauser from Orange Park, FL. Hauser will graduate from Oakleaf High School of Orange Park, FL in May of 2014. 

This season Anthony Hauser compiled an impressive record of 35-12. This season Hauser also joined the Oakleaf Knights 100 win club. Hauser was a team captain, 2 time district champion, regional runner up and a state place winner. He also placed 3^rd in Freestyle state. Hauser was asked the reason why he chose HLGU.  Hauser replied, “I felt that HLGU is the best fit for me academically and athletically. I wanted to surround myself with people with good intentions who are going to help me succeed on and off the mat.”  HLGU Head Wrestling Coach Scott Hawes stated “I’m looking forward to having Anthony on the team this season. He had a solid high school career with 119 wins and finishing 4^th in the 2A Florida state tournament. I’ve seen his video and he is a hard worker. He will continue to get better in college and the sky is the limit for Anthony.”  Hauser plans to wrestle at 133 pounds for the Trojans.

Hauser is currently undecided on his major at HLGU.

Hauser is the son of Michael and Samantha Hauser.

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

 

Beaver Dam High School (WI) Wrestler Signs with the Trojans

Willie Roth pictured with his parents Joe and Judy Roth

and Beaver Dam High School Head Coach Jeff Slayton. 

 

 

Hannibal, MO - The Hannibal-LaGrange University Wrestling program is pleased to have signed William (Willie) Roth from Beaver Dam, WI. Roth will graduate from Beaver Dam High School in May of 2014. 

In his senior season Willie Roth compiled a record of 28-14 and an overall career record of 98-44. Roth’s season this year was hampered by injury. However he provided leadership for his team as a team captain. Roth also led his team as holding the 6^th place for most career wins for the Beavers. Roth also earned over 120 team points for Beaver Dam High for three seasons.  “Roth is a hard working tough wrestler. He wrestled his senior season having to face the pain of a nagging injury every day. Some people would just hang up the shoes, but Roth is hungry to keep wrestling. I’ve seen him wrestle and was impressed with his fearlessness wrestling stronger and older opponents. I’m excited to have Roth be part of our continued growth as a program”, said HLGU Head Wrestling Coach Scott Hawes. Roth plans to wrestle at 174 pounds for the Trojans. Roth also played Football, Baseball, and competed in Track for the Beavers. Roth plans on majoring in Biology at HLGU.

Willie Roth is the son of Joe and Judy Roth.

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

Hazelwood Central Hawk State Champion Commits to the Trojans

Hannibal, MO - The Hannibal-LaGrange University Wrestling program is pleased to have signed Khial Jamison from Florissant, MO. Jamison will graduate from Hazelwood Central High School in May of 2014. 

Khial Jamison compiled an impressive record of 42-2 during his senior season for the Hazelwood Central Hawks. At the Class 4 MO state wrestling tournament Jamison overcame Dustin Gray of Timberland with a 4-2 decision. The state finals matchup between Jamison and Gray at 170 lbs was a rematch between the two who had faced each other in the district finals. Gray was a returning state finalist facing Jamison who finished 6^th in the previous state tournament. In the district matchup Gray was the winner. However, Jamison changed up his strategy in the finals match and stepped to the top of the winner’s platform as the 2014 Class 4 170 lb  MO state wrestling champion. Jamison makes history with the Trojans as the first MO Class 4 State Champion to wrestle for the Trojans.

To accompany Jamison’s monumental achievement in the Missouri state tournament he has also been recognized by the Hazelwood Central Hawks as the 2013&14 Outstanding Wrestler, 2014 SLOWA Supreme Wrestler Achiever, and 2014 SLOWA Senior of the Year. Jamison also led the Hawks this year with most falls, most takedowns, most wins, most match points. Jamison’s overall career record is 120-25. “I’m really excited that Khial has decided to be part of making history here at HLGU. Khial is an overcomer. He proved that this year facing a disappointing loss in districts to come back and win in the finals over Gray. He has the heart of the competitor that we are looking for in our program.  His achievements on the mat speak for itself. Khial knows college wrestling is a big step up, but we both believe he can come into our program and help make a difference.” said HLGU Head Wrestling Coach Scott Hawes. Jamison plans on wrestling at 174 pounds next season for the Trojans.

Jamison plans on majoring in Business at HLGU.

Jamison is the son of Greg and Karen Stevens and Howard Jamison III.

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

Excelsior Springs Tiger Joins The Trojans

Hannibal, MO - The Hannibal-LaGrange University Wrestling program is pleased to have signed Braxxtin Todd from Excelsior Springs, MO. Todd will graduate from Excelsior Springs High School in May of 2014. 

This season Todd compiled an impressive record of 36-8 and an overall career record of 115-52.  Todd is a 3 time state tournament qualifier qualifying in his sophomore, junior, and senior seasons. Todd had a strong showing at the 2014 Missouri State Championships making it to the consolation finals and finishing 3^rd at 160 lbs.  Todd was also a two-time 1^st team All-Conference wrestler for the Excelsior Springs Tigers. “Braxxtin Todd has done a lot of off season wrestling and that shows he is dedicated wrestler. Todd has a history of working hard as he improved every season of his high school career. I’m looking forward to him making this next step of wrestling for me at the college level.  Todd has what it takes to be a competitive collegiate wrestler,” said HLGU Head Wrestling Coach Scott Hawes. Hawes continued, “Braxxtin is a great addition to our program. I’m excited to see what Braxxtin will accomplish next year." Todd plans on wrestling in the 157 lb weight class next year for HLGU.

Todd plans on majoring in Biology/Dental at HLGU.

Todd is the son of Fred and Stacey Todd.

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

Alexandar and Capp HLGU's First Wrestling All-Americans

TOPEKA, Kan. – Seniors Bryce Alexander and Dan Capp finished in sixth and eighth place, respectfully, in the NAIA National Championships, becoming the first NAIA All-Americans in HLGU wrestling history.
Alexander (165) started the tournament off with a bye before defeating Malcolm Johnson (Morningside) by fall in 6:54, advancing him into a quarterfinal match against Kafuba Donzon (Indiana Tech).
Alexander was awarded the third round win and advanced into the semifinals after Donzon was disqualified for an illegal move. However, the Maryville, Mo. native was given a concussion in his quarterfinal match, forcing him to medically forfeit his remaining matches and end the national championships in sixth place.
Capp (184) lost his first match of the championships by way of a 10-5 decision to Rulin Pederson (Morningside), sending the senior down into the consolation bracket where he finished 3-2 for an eighth place finish.
Capp bounced back from his early defeat with three straight wins by decision. His first win came against Marcus Zachary (Simpson) in a 4-2 decision while the Kansas City, Mo. native picked up another 4-2 win against Cody Sivertsen (Oklahoma City).
Capp guaranteed himself a top-eight finish and All-American status after defeating Kamron Jackson (Great Falls) by an 8-4 decision.
His winning streak finally came to an end in the next consolation match as Capp lost to Pederson again, this time by a 4-1 decision, to fall into a match against Jacob Abrams (Southern Oregon) for seventh place.
Capp lost his second straight as Abrams won by a 7-4 decision, giving Capp an eighth place finish.
Freshman Grant Godfrey joined Alexander in the 165-pound bracket, but was unable to make his way past the first day of the tournament.
The Ozark, Mo. native lost his first match by fall in 1:49 to Jacob Shirley (Cumberlands), sending him into the consolation bracket.
Godfrey pinned his next opponent, Jordon Ward (Bethany), in 1:08 before being knocked out of the championships by a 9-0 major decision to Trey Rhodes (Campbellsville).
Along with claiming their first two All-Americans, the Trojans finished the tournament in 21st place as a team, it's highest ever while competing in the NAIA National Championships.
-Jordan Argo/ HLGU SID

Alexandar, Godfrey, Capp Trojans 2014 NAIA National Tournament Qualifiers

MARSHALL, Mo. – Hannibal-LaGrange qualified three wrestlers for the NAIA National Championships and finished eighth as a team Saturday while competing in the NAIA Central Qualifying Tournament.
Senior Bryce Alexander (165 lb.), freshman Grant Godfrey (165 lb.) and senior Dan Capp (184 lb.) all qualified for the NAIA Championships with top-five finishes at the qualifying tournament.
Alexander qualified for his fourth showing at the NAIA Championships with a third place finish in the 165 pound bracket. The Maryville, Mo. native closed out the tournament with a 4-1 record, including a victory over teammate Godfrey.
Alexander started the day off with back-to-back wins over Courtney Shavers (Benedictine) and Joshua Eidson (Lindenwood-Belleville) by way of a 6-0 decision and 13-3 major decision, respectfully. The senior suffered his lone loss of the tournament in an 8-3 decision against Jordon Ward (Bethany), placing him into the consolation bracket against Godfrey.
Alexander made quick work of his teammate, winning by fall in 33 seconds before taking third place with a 6-1 decision over Dylan King (Missouri Valley).
Godfrey also won his first match of the day, defeating Jamie Shawver (Oklahoma City) by a 12-6 decision. However, the freshman lost his next match by fall to eventual champion Chad Lowman (Grand View), placing him into the consolation bracket.
The Ozark, Mo. native followed the loss with a win by fall over Josue Terrones (Benedictine). Godfrey pinned Terrones in 1:37 before losing by fall to Alexander. The loss to his teammate placed Godfrey into the fifth place match against Eidson where he won by fall in 1:24 to claim a top-five finish in the 165 pound weight class.
Capp claimed an at-large bid into the NAIA Championships, giving the senior his third trip to the national championships after placing fifth in the Central Qualifying Tournament.
The Kansas City, native won his opening match with a 10-0 major decision over Vincent Opuiyo (Benedictine) before losing a 4-2 decision to Parker Owen (Baker). The loss sent Capp into the consolation bracket where he defeated Jose Hernandez (Benedictine) and Spencer Wilson (Bethany) by 7-2 and 5-4 decisions, respectfully.
Capp then fell by a 6-2 decision to eventual third place finisher Cody Sivertsen (Oklahoma City) and defeated John Hambleton (Baker) 5-3 to claim fifth place in the 184 pound weight class.
The three Trojan wrestlers will now prepare for the NAIA National Championships held in Topeka, Kan. on March 7-8.

--Jordan Argo, HLGU SID

Preliminary Brackets and NAIA Press Release