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