Six ECC wrestlers continue at the next level

Six ECC wrestlers continue at the next level

The Ellsworth Community College wrestling program success continues as several student-athletes have committed to transfer and continue wrestling at the next level. This week, six more ECC wrestlers signed letters of intent to continue their academic and wrestling careers.

ECC Wrestling Head Coach Cole Spree expressed his confidence in all of them during the signing ceremony:

  • Tim Young – Old Dominion University – 2017 National Champion – "Not many people can say they won a collegiate national championship, especially as a freshmen. Tim was able to cap a memorable season last year and it went recognized by some very large programs. I truly believe he is about to make a big splash next year in the D1 scene for Old Dominion.
  • Justin Folley – Upper Iowa University – Two-time All American. "Justin was the pure example of what it means to lead by your actions. He is someone who did all of the right things at all of the right times, and he was rewarded because of it. Showtime was a fan favorite at ECC and will be missed greatly. We are excited to see him compete for Upper Iowa."
  • Anthony Collins ­– Limestone University – 2018 National Runner-Up – "Growing pains was the name of the game for Anthony, but he believed in the process and the process paid him back this year. He was an overtime win away from claiming a national championship. Anthony is just starting to hit his stride, and getting back home to Limestone is going to be great for him."
  • Steven Lawrence – Grand View University – Two-time All American – "Steven is one of the best wrestlers to ever put a singlet on in Ellsworth history. He may not have a national title to back it up, but I believe Grand View understands just how special of a talent he is."
  • Jaycie Rudd – Graceland University – "Jaycie started his entire freshmen year for us at 165. Unfortunately, entering his sophomore year he suffered a season-ending injury and was not able to compete. He was the energy of our team. I'm not sure if there was ever a time that he did not have a smile on his face when I was around him. Jaycie is someone every team needs, and I cannot wait to see what he does at Graceland."
  • Kahlyn Chatman – Graceland University – "Kahlyn is one of the most well-rounded individuals on our team. He is consistent in his efforts on the mat, in the classroom, and at life. Graceland is getting a diamond in the rough with Kahlyn."

The ECC wrestling team has had several other wrestlers already commit to continue their careers next fall. "With a couple guys already committing to four-year universities and now these six moving on, this class is proving just how special they are. Not only were they special on the mat, but in all aspects of life on and around our campus. I believe that their success speaks to the culture that we have created in our program. I truly believe that no other program in junior college is retaining athletes from year to year like we are," commented Spree.

Photo Caption: From left to right: Kahlyn Chatman, Jaycie Rudd, Steven Lawrence, Justin Folley, Tim Young and Anthony Collins.