News keeps getting better and better for the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga wrestling team. Fresh off its first 3-0 start since 2007, the Mocs marched into the top 25 earlier this week. Today, head coach Heath Eslinger announced an outstanding six-member signing class.
“We are very excited about this group,” stated Eslinger. “There are some talented wrestlers and excellent students who fit exactly what we are looking for in our program.”
Among the signees are four All-Americans and five high school state champions. The class includes Roman Boylen (Douglas, Ga.), Chris Dbien (Cleveland, Tenn.), Dominic Lampe (Lebanon Junction, Ky.), Zach Shareef (Woodstock, Ga.), Chad Solomon (Maryville, Tenn.) and Andrew Webb (Lilburn, Ga.).
Boylen joins the Mocs from Alexander High School in Douglas, Ga., where he is coached by former UTC wrestlers Sean Moistner and Daryk Cochran. He is a two-time state champion and Ascis Cadet All-American. He is expected to compete at 141 pounds at the collegiate level.
Dbien is from nearby Cleveland (Tenn.) High School and is the son of former Moc Eric Phillips. He is a three-time Tennessee State Champion and the 2014 Tennessee State Tournament Most Outstanding Wrestler. He has twice placed at the USA Folkstyle Nationals and placed third at the Fila Cadet Greco championships in 2013.
Current UTC junior John Lampe welcomes his younger brother Dominic in this class. The younger Lampe is a Kentucky state champion from St. Xavier High School in Louisville. He is a two-time placer at the state tournament and projected at 184 next season.
Shareef is a 141-pounder from Woodstock (Ga.) High School. He finished third in the Georgia state tournament last season.
Solomon will compete at either 174 or 184. He hails from Maryville (Tenn.) High School where he is a two-time Tennessee State Champion. He is also a two-time NHSCA All-American.
Webb joins former Parkview High School teammate and current Moc Kamaal Shakur next fall. A Lilburn, Ga., native, Webb is a 2014 Georgia state champ and two-time state placer. He is also a Fargo and Fila Cadet All-American. Look for him to compete at 157 or 165.
The Mocs are on the road this weekend at the Navy Classic in Annapolis, Md. UTC's first home dual of the season Friday, Dec. 12 against Purdue. Tickets are on sale now on GoMocs.com or by calling the UTC Ticket Office at (423) 266-MOCS (6627).
