Welcome to St. Andrews Presbyterian College

June 14, 2007

LAURINBURG, N.C.—Second year head coach Joe Baranik has announced the signing of 17 recruits to national letters of intent to wrestle at St. Andrews Presbyterian College for the upcoming 2007/2008 season.

“I am excited for this my second recruiting class at St. Andrews,” said Baranik. “We needed numbers and we accomplished that. Not only did we add depth, but we got talented student-athletes. I believe this group will mesh well with our returning wrestlers and get our program off the ground.”

Baranik, who still plans on adding a couple more student-athletes during the summer months, has currently signed 17 wrestlers that will add depth to all 10 weight classes in the programs young stages. St. Andrews added wrestling to its list of NCAA Division II sports last year and the Knights grapplers just finished their inaugural season in February.

The new St. Andrews wrestlers include (alphabetical):

Troy Baranik (Laurinburg, N.C.) graduated from Scotland High School and wrestled under Coach Joel McCanna. Baranik, who is projected to wrestle at 141-pounds, tied for ninth in the state. Baranik, who is one of four commitments from Scotland High, has 100 career wins including 41 victories his senior year.

“I am excited to coach Troy again,” said his father. “I coached him for three years at Maury High School in Norfolk, Virginia. Troy is a late bloomer and his hard work is about to pay off.”

Trevin Beyer (Ebensburg, Pa.) graduated from Central Cambria High School and wrestled under Coach John Strittmatter. Beyer, who is projected to wrestle at 165-lbs, won 30 matches his senior year with only one dual-meet loss while being voted top senior wrestler.

“Beyer wrestled up a weight class or two most of his senior year,” said Baranik. “Once he settles into his normal weight, he will be a force to contend with in college.”

Andre Debrow (Sanford, N.C.) graduated from Southern Lee High School and wrestled under Coach Mike Short. Debrow, who is projected to wrestle at 184-pounds, was ranked second in the district as a three year starter for Southern Lee.

“Debrow was plagued with injuries his senior year,” commented Baranik. “He will red-shirt his first year.”

Andre Ellerbe (Laurinburg, N.C.) graduated from Scotland High School and wrestled under Coach Joel McCanna. Ellerbe was a state qualifier that finished second in his conference twice. Ellerbe has 120 career wins and was the overall winner in the Cape Fear Tournament. Ellerbe, who is projected to wrestle at 197-lbs, is one of four commitments from Scotland High.

“Ellerbe’s potential is unlimited,” stated Baranik. “He has the size, speed, and strength to be an All-American. He also exudes great character.”

Ricky Flood (Martinsville, Va.) graduated from Martinsville High School and wrestled under Coach Chad Ratliff. Flood, who is projected to wrestle at 157-pounds, has 129 career wins. Flood is a three-time district champ, two-time region champ, while also finishing fifth and eighth in the state.

“Flood is a super athlete and he will only get better in the next four years,” predicted Baranik. “He has a great attitude and should be very coach-able.”

Eric Fulmer (Glenshaw, Pa.) graduated from Shaler High School and wrestled under Coach Drew DeAugustino. Fulmer has multiple high finishes on his record including being a section champ, second in the region, sixth in super 32 tourney, and seventh in states. Fulmer, who is projected to wrestle at 174-pounds, has over 100 career wins.

“Fulmer is a franchise wrestler,” expressed Baranik. “He has the attitude, academics, and the athletic ability to be an All-American in the classroom and on the mats. He is an individual you can build a team around.”

Casey Gashaw (Laurinburg, N.C.) graduated from Scotland High School and wrestled under Coach Joel McCanna. Gashaw, who is projected as a lightweight, has 144 career victories including 60 wins in his senior year. Gashaw tied for seventh in the state while finishing second in both the conference and the regionals. Gashaw is one of four commitments from Scotland High.

“Gashaw was ranked number one for most of the year,” boasted Baranik. “He is an honor student who wants to be a doctor. His signing had a great impact on getting four other local kids.”

Kevin Gray (Glenshaw, Pa.) joins Fulmer from Shaler High School while also wrestling under Coach Drew DeAugustino. Gray, a projected heavyweight, finished eighth in the Ironman Tournament and was two-time sectional place winner.

“Look for Gray to make an immediate impact,” informed Baranik. “He wrestled a rugged schedule in high school, which will help prepare him for collegiate wrestling.”

Alan Jacobsen (Norfolk, Va.) graduated from Maury High School and wrestled under Coach Felton Woodson. Jacobsen has 100 career wins and was second at the Ram Rumble. Jacobsen, who is projected at 197-pounds, was a three-time district champion while finishing fifth in the state.

“I had the pleasure of coaching Alan for three years in high school,” mentioned Baranik. “No one is more of a competitor. He turns into a warrior when the whistle blows.”

Russell Lindsay (Stoughton, Mass.) graduated from Whitman-Hunson Regional High School and wrestled under Coach Shawn Kane. Lindsay, who is projected to wrestle at 149-lbs, was a state qualifier and an Atlantic League All Star. Lindsay finished second in the King Phillip Tournament and third at the Whitman Hanson Tourney.

“Lindsay is a late bloomer who has his best years in front of him,” uttered Baranik. “Look for him to be a mainstay in the middle of our line-up soon.”

Alejandro Soto-Perez (Laurinburg, N.C.) graduated from Scotland High School and wrestled under Coach Joel McCanna. Soto-Perez, who is projected at 133-pounds, won 58 bouts in his senior season. Soto-Perez was a conference champion, second at regional, and tied for seventh in the state. Soto-Perez is one of four commitments from Scotland High.

“Soto-Perez has a great work ethic and gets better by the day,” commented Baranik. “When he reaches his full potential, he will be an All-American.”

Brandon Pfahler (Fishertown, Pa.) graduated from Chestnut Ridge High School and wrestled under Coach Jim Clark. Pfahler has 100 career wins as a team captain. Pfahler, who is projected at 133-lbs, was a district runner-up and a state qualifier.

“ Brandon looks to take-off in college wrestling,” stated Baranik. “He has waited his turn and is getting impatient. He has all the tools to be an All-American.”

Brandon Riggan (Henderson, N.C.) graduated from Southern Vance High School and wrestled under Coach Charlie Carrol. Riggan, who is projected at 174-pounds, was a three-time All-Conference grappler.

“Riggan is another late bloomer,” added Baranik. “I look for him to come into his own as he adapts to college style wrestling.”

Jamie Roberts (Wilmington, N.C.) graduated from E.A. Laney High School and wrestled under Coach Dan Willis. Roberts has 155 career wins including 40 pin falls his senior year. Roberts, who is projected to wrestle at 184-lbs, was the Star-News Wrestler of the Year as the state runner-up.

“Roberts is a late bloomer who only started wrestling in ninth grade,” informed Baranik. “His nickname is the Pin Machine. I look for Roberts to have great success as a collegiate wrestler.”

Evan Rudisill (Raleigh, N.C.) graduated from Millbrook High School and wrestled under Coach Scott Saby. Rudisill, who is projected as a lightweight, has 111 career wins as a four-year varsity competitor.

“Rodisill needs some time to grow into the weight class,” explained Baranik. “He has loads of potential and will contribute to the program in the near future.”

Greg Todd (Gloucester, Va.) graduated from Gloucester High School and wrestled under Coach Ricky Pierce. Todd, who is projected at 149-pounds, has 161 career victories. Todd was a state champion while also finishing second and third in the state and a three-time district champion.

“We are thrilled to get Todd,” expressed Baranik. “He, like Fulmer, are franchise wrestlers. He will make a major impact on our program.”

Cornelius Williams (Raleigh, N.C.) joins Rudisill from Millbrook High School while wrestling under Coach Scott Saby. Williams, who is projected at 149-lbs, has 125 career wins. Williams, who won the WRAL Tournament, was a conference champion, second in the region, and two-time state qualifier.

“Look for Williams to adjust and improve quickly on this level,” predicted Baranik. “He is a great athlete and honor student who has a good attitude. I look forward to coaching him.”