Welcome to St. Andrews Presbyterian College

August 06, 2007

LAURINBURG, N.C.—Joe Baranik, head coach of the second year St. Andrews Presbyterian College wrestling program, completed his first full year of recruiting by signing three more student-athletes to National Letters of Intent to bring the 2007 Knights wrestling class to 20 grapplers.

Coach Baranik adds two freshmen and a transfer to a deep group that already includes 17 newcomers that were announced in June. The 20 incoming wrestlers will bring much need depth at all 10 weight classes on a young St. Andrews program that just competed in its inaugural NCAA Division II season in 2006-07.

Baranik believes the greenhorns will bring depth that will help at practices and in competition while also providing talent that will help get the Knights wrestling program off the ground.

The additional St. Andrews wrestling recruits include:

Ryan Hamilton (Virginia Beach, Va.) graduated from Tallwood High School and wrestled under Coach Jim Lambert. Hamilton, who is projected to wrestle at 133-pounds, has over 100 career wins. Hamilton placed seventh in the Virginia State Tournament and won the Maryland and Delaware national opens.

“Ryan is a welcomed addition to our team,” said Baranik. “He has great quickness and good technique. Also, he comes from the best wrestling region in the state of Virginia. I like the fact that he is battle tested.”

Will Hess (Lexington, N.C.) graduated from Trinity High School and wrestled under Coach Kyle Spencer. Hess, who is expected to wrestle at 157-pounds, holds the school record with 154 victories. Hess was a two-time state qualifier and placed fourth in the state tournament at 160-lbs. Hess also was a team football team MVP at linebacker.

“Will has an opportunity to step into the lineup immediately for us,” commented Baranik. “He has the strength to handle college wrestling and I look forward to seeing him reach his full potential on the mat.”

Kyle Weible (Wilmington, N.C.) graduated from E.A. Laney High School and wrestled under Coach Jake Pence and Coach Dan Willis. Weible transfers to SAPC from East Carolina University because he misses the sport of wrestling. Weible was a three-time state qualifier and two-time Regional Tournament Champion. Weible, who will be heavyweight grappler for the Knights, also won the 2007 NHSCA Open and played high school football and lacrosse.

“Kyle is coming in at six-foot, two-inches and weighting 280 pounds,” described Baranik. “He will shore up our depth at the 285-pound weight class. Kyle is a very strong young man and has unlimited collegiate potential.”