MTSU Blue Raider Wrestling Season Preview

[coachknepper]

The Middle Tennessee State University wrestling squad (www.blueraiderwrestling.com) will look for a top-10 finish this season in the ultra-competitive National Collegiate Wrestling Association (NCWA, www.ncwa.net) with multiple additions to the team from within the state of Tennessee.

 

The NCWA is adding several transitioning NAIA teams this season including #1 Notre Dame College, #2 Lindenwood, #3 McKendree, #24 Simon Fraser, and #39 West Virginia Tech. Last year's NCWA National Champion California Baptist (NAIA to NCAA-DII) and NCWA #4 Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville (NCAA-DII to NCAA-DI) return for one more season and an unfortunate drop of NCAA-DI program Liberty University puts their squad into the same conference (Mid-Atlantic) as the Blue Raiders. Coach Jesse Castro will have a large portion of the Liberty team remaining to finish out their scholarships.

 

But perhaps the biggest addition to the NCWA comes from right here in Middle Tennessee. The Blue Raiders will have over 20 incoming freshman joining the squad along with a few transfers from other divisions to bolster a lineup that is losing 2 starters.

 

Eric Feuerbacher (2011, 125, Blackman) and Michael Kennedy (2010, 189, Blackman) will join Cody Quick (2008, 215, Tullahoma) as a state champion on the team.

 

Key Returners: 125 Anthony Patnode (White House, Nat'l Qualifier, Academic AA, 21-19 in 2010-2011), 133/141 Cagg Cabell (Overton, NQ, 7-15), 141 Trey Thigpen (Overton, Preseason AA, 18-10, injured prior to conference), 149 Kyle Chandler (MLK, 1-1, injury redshirt), 157/165 Nick Appleby (Dallas, PA, NQ, top-16, 23-18), 165 Randall Jennings (Coffee Co, 2-4), 174 Lorenzo Colbert (McGavock, 8-10), 184 Miles Taylor (Oakland, NQ, 19-17 at 235), 197 Isaiah Bradley (Milton, GA, 2009 All-American at 235), 235 Cody Quick (Tullahoma, NQ, All-American at 285, Academic All-American, 18-7)

 

Key Losses: 133 Charlie Warfield (Franklin, 7-8 ~ joining coaching staff), 197 Jackie Miller (Greenback, NQ, top-16, 27-14 ~ freshman record)

 

Key Signees/Walk-ons: 125 Kendall Kermick (Germantown, 3rd at 112 in 2011, 3x TN placer), Brandon Greer (Antioch, 3x state qualifier), Shane Shaffner (Kingsbury, 4x state qualifier), 133 Eric Feuerbacher (Blackman, 1st at 125 in 2011, 2x TN placer), Patrick Chadwick (Overton, 5th at 125 in 2011), Joey Tamburello (Dade Co, GA, 3rd at 119 in 2011, 2nd in 2010) ~ IR for 2011-2012 season, 157 Joseph Melson (Antioch), 165 Hunter Badon (Arlington, 4x state qualifier), 174 Jonathan Roberts (Beech, 5th at 171 in 2011), 184 Adam Wells (Blackman, 3x state qualifier), Rakim Talley (Dickson Co, 4th at 189 in 2011), Denzel Caldwell (Antioch, 5th at 189 in 2011), 197 Michael Kennedy (Blackman, 1st at 189 in 2010 (undefeated), 3x state placer, was ranked #100 InterMat at beginning of 2011 season prior to injury), Jonathan Taylor (Millington Central), 235 Tyler Bond (Rossview), 285 Kristauf Tate (Overton).

 

Key Transfers: 133/141 Eddie Long (Greenback via King), 157 Everett Colbert (McGavock via Tusculum football), 165 Garrett Reagan (Lookout Valley via Tennessee Temple), 174/184 Michael LaBadie (East Stroudsburg, PA via King), 285 Taylor Bain (Warren Co via Maryville football)

 

Womens' Roster addition: 130 Jasmine Cothran (Antioch)

 

Preliminary Schedule (subject to change):

 

10.18-20.11 T, W, R 7:00 pm MTSU Blue Raider Challenge (intrasquad) MTSU Rec Center

10.29.11 Saturday 10:00 am Bear Invitational (Mercer) Macon, GA

 

11.5.11 Saturday 10:00 am MTSU Alumni Duals MTSU Alumni Memorial Gymnasium

vs. Spartanburg Methodist (NJCAA) / Arkansas Baptist (NJCAA) / Liberty (tbd) / Lindenwood-Bellville (tbd)

11.13.11 Saturday 9:00 am Roman Open (Shorter-NAIA) Rome, GA

11.19.11 Saturday 10:00 am Campbellsville Duals (NAIA) Campbellsville, KY

vs. Univ of the Cumberlands (NAIA) / Calumet (NAIA) / Indianapolis (NCAA-DII)

11.22.11 Tuesday 7:00 pm vs. Southern Indiana @ Beech H.S. Hendersonville, TN

 

12.10.11 Saturday 4:00 pm vs. ETSU / Spartanburg Methodist Johnson City, TN

12.16-17.11 F, S TBA Middle Tennessee Grand Championship Franklin, TN

 

1.7.12 Saturday vs. Lindenwood-Belleville / SIU-Edwardsville-B / tbd Belleville, IL

1.15.12 Sunday 9:00 am Cumberland Open (NAIA) Lebanon, TN

1.17.12 Tuesday 7:00 pm vs. Austin Peay / Vanderbilt Murfreesboro, TN

1.21.12 Saturday 9:00 am Builder Invitational (Apprentice) Newport News, VA

1.27-28.12 F, S ALL DAY NCWA National Duals Dalton, GA

 

2.4.12 Saturday 9:00 am Classic City Championship (Georgia) Athens, GA

2.9.12 Thursday 7:00 pm vs. Kennesaw State / UT-Knoxville Chattanooga, TN

2.11.12 Saturday 11:00 am Glass City Duals (Toledo) Toledo, OH

2.15.12 Wednesday 6:00 pm NCWA TN Duals (UT-Knoxville) Knoxville, TN

2.25.12 Saturday 9:00 am NCWA Mid-Atlantic Conference TBA

 

3.8-10.12 R, F, S ALL DAY NCWA Nationals (tba)

 

Coaching Staff:

Bryan Knepper (5th year, Toledo) 931-222-7213 coach.knepper@gmail.com

Kenneth Hammonds (5th year, UT-Chattanooga/MTSU)

Mike Westcott (3rd year, Gloucester)

Cory Watson (2nd year, MTSU)

Troy Steffy (2nd year, MTSU)

BJ Malone (1st year, UT-Chattanooga/Campbellsville)

Charlie Warfield (1st year, MTSU)

Edited August 8, 2011 by coachknepper

[coachknepper]

Incoming Freshman Senior Year Records:

<approx records>

 

125 Kendall Kermick 33-5

125 Brandon Greer <40-5>

125 Shane Shaffner 30-4

133 Eric Feuerbacher 62-4

133 Patrick Chadwick 35-7

133 Joey Tamburello 38-9 (GA)

141 Drew Heath <25-10>

157 Joseph Melson 32-10

165 Hunter Badon 37-6

174 Jonathan Roberts 54-4

184 Adam Wells 42-11

184 Denzel Caldwell 40-6

184 Rakim Talley 56-6

197 Michael Kennedy (52-0 as Jr, injured Sr year)

197 Jonathan Taylor 28-5

235 Tyler Bond (31-13 as Jr, injured Sr year)

285 Kristauf Tate 33-8

 

Total Class Record: 668-113 (avg = 39-6)

Edited August 10, 2011 by coachknepper

[Dragon Fly]

Incoming Freshman Senior Year Records:

 

125 Kendall Kermick 33-5

125 Brandon Greer <40-5>

125 Shane Shaffner 30-4

133 Eric Feuerbacher 62-4

133 Patrick Chadwick <32-6>

133 Joey Tamburello 38-9 (GA)

157 Joseph Melson 32-10

165 Hunter Badon 37-6

174 Jonathan Roberts 54-4

184 Adam Wells 42-11

184 Denzel Caldwell 40-6

184 Rakim Talley <40-7>

197 Michael Kennedy (52-0 as Jr, injured Sr year)

197 Jonathan Taylor 28-5

235 Tyler Bond (injured Sr year)

285 Kristauf Tate 33-8

 

Total Class Record: 593-90 <approximated>

Looks like a good group of wrestlers. Glad to see Kendall Kermick going to MTSU to continue his wrestling career. I did notice were you had Michael Kennedy listed as one of the incoming freshmen. I thought he was going to UTC on scholarship. How did you lure him away from UTC? Nice job getting Michael. Good luck, Kendall and all the MTSU wrestlers and coaches.

[coachknepper]

There was no luring and the reasons for him going to MTSU are personal...we will leave it at that.

[StarRaider]

Looking forward to seeing these guys go at it. How will the intersquad challenge work over 3 days? Also did Jackie Miller transfer to another school?

[coachknepper]

The Blue Raider Intrasquad Challenge will be a series of wrestle-offs to determine the top-4 positions at each weight class. This SHOULD be open to the public and will be held at the MTSU Recreation Center.

 

Last year's starters will be seeded #1.

 

All other seeds will be made by the coaching staff.

 

Top-4 wrestlers at each weight class are considered the COMPETITION TEAM and will be able to travel to Individual tournaments and Opens as budget allows. Top-2 are on the DUAL SQUAD. Anyone outside of the top-4 will be considered to be on the practice squad with the ability to challenge for the #4 spot every 2 weeks during the season.

 

Current #1 seeds:

 

125 Anthony Patnode

133 Cagg Cabell

141 Trey Thigpen

149 Kyle Chandler

157 Nick Appleby

165 Lorenzo Colbert

174 Randall Jennings

184 Miles Taylor

197 Isaiah Bradley

235 Cody Quick

285 open

 

(starters may move to a different weight class at beginning of season only/prior to challenge)

All wrestlers have to be within 5 lbs of wrestle-off weight class. Walk-ons will be allowed, but must take part in Mandatory Conditioning beginning on September 1st.

 

As far as Miller, he will not be enrolled this year at MTSU, again a personal issue and I would prefer it be left at that.

[coachknepper]

bump

[StarRaider]

Wrestle offs start this Thursday, correct? Open to the public at the Rec Center?

Edited October 16, 2011 by StarRaider

[UncleDoug]

Wrestle offs start this Thursday, correct? Open to the public at the Rec Center?

 

Taken from the MTSU wrestling web site. blueraiderwrestling.com

 

Wednesday October 19th, 2011 at 7:00pm

 

174 Jonathan Roberts vs. Rakim Talley

197 Michael LaBadie vs. Adam Wells

125 Shane Shaffner vs. Kendall Kermick

133 Patrick Chadwick vs. Eric Feuerbacher

141 Brandon Greer vs. Trey Thigpen **

157 Everett Colbert vs. Austin Heithcock

165 Nick Appleby vs. Hunter Badon

235 Miles Taylor vs. Joshaua Smith

285 Tyler BondJonathan Taylor

184 Michael LaBadie vs. Rakim Talley

 

Thursday October 20th, 2011 at 7:00pm

 

157 Joseph Melson vs. Everett Colbert

184 Michael LaBadie vs. Denzel Caldwell

125 Kendall Kermick vs. Anthony Patnode

133 Brandon Greer vs. Eric Feuerbacher

157 Hunter Badon vs. Austin Heithcock OR

157/165 Hunter Badon vs. Lorenzo Colbert **

197 Adam Wells vs. Joshaua Smith

235 Miles Taylor vs. Jonathan Taylor

165 Nick Appleby vs. Everett Colbert

184 Denzel Caldwell vs. Joshaua Smith

 

Friday October 21st, 2011 at 7:00pm (If Necessary)

 

125 Anthony Patnode vs. Shane Shaffner

133 Patrick Chadwick vs. Brandon Greer

157 Everett Colbert vs. Hunter Badon

165 Nick Appleby vs. Lorenzo Colbert **

184 Denzel Caldwell vs. Rakim Talley

197 Joshaua Smith vs. Michael LaBadie

235 Adam Wells vs. Miles Taylor

[rcpatriot]

Can someone post the results from the matches last night? Had trouble with the webcast and couldn't watch.

[WrestlingGod]

Can someone post the results from the matches last night? Had trouble with the webcast and couldn't watch.

Match 1 – 125lbs: Shane Shaffner (fr) d Kendall Kermick (fr), 8-4

Match 2 – 133lbs: Eric Feuerbacher (fr) d Patrick Chadwick (fr), 9-0

Match 3 – 141lbs: Trey Thigpen (so) p Brandon Greer (fr), 1:25

Match 4 – 197lbs: Denzel Caldwell (fr) p Josh Smith (fr), 1:28

Match 5 – 165lbs: Nick Appleby (sr) d Hunter Badon (fr), 12-5

Match 6 – 184lbs: Rakim Talley (fr) d Michael Labadie (fr), 7-5

Match 7 – 197lbs: Denzel Caldwell (fr) d Adam Wells (fr), 8-4

Match 8 – 235lbs: Jonathan Taylor (fr) d Miles Taylor (sr), Injury Forfeit

Match 9 – 157lbs: Everett Colbert (so) d Austin Heathcock, 14-6

Match 10 – 174lbs: Jonathan Roberts (fr) d Joseph Melson (fr), 12-2

Match 11 – 285lbs: Tyler Bond (fr) d Jonathan Taylor (fr), 3-2

Match 12 – 197lbs: Adam Wells (fr) p Josh Smith (fr), 1:03

Match 13 – Exhibition: Jonathan Roberts (fr) d Rakim Talley (fr), 16-7

[rcpatriot]

Match 1 – 125lbs: Shane Shaffner (fr) d Kendall Kermick (fr), 8-4

Match 2 – 133lbs: Eric Feuerbacher (fr) d Patrick Chadwick (fr), 9-0

Match 3 – 141lbs: Trey Thigpen (so) p Brandon Greer (fr), 1:25

Match 4 – 197lbs: Denzel Caldwell (fr) p Josh Smith (fr), 1:28

Match 5 – 165lbs: Nick Appleby (sr) d Hunter Badon (fr), 12-5

Match 6 – 184lbs: Rakim Talley (fr) d Michael Labadie (fr), 7-5

Match 7 – 197lbs: Denzel Caldwell (fr) d Adam Wells (fr), 8-4

Match 8 – 235lbs: Jonathan Taylor (fr) d Miles Taylor (sr), Injury Forfeit

Match 9 – 157lbs: Everett Colbert (so) d Austin Heathcock, 14-6

Match 10 – 174lbs: Jonathan Roberts (fr) d Joseph Melson (fr), 12-2

Match 11 – 285lbs: Tyler Bond (fr) d Jonathan Taylor (fr), 3-2

Match 12 – 197lbs: Adam Wells (fr) p Josh Smith (fr), 1:03

Match 13 – Exhibition: Jonathan Roberts (fr) d Rakim Talley (fr), 16-7

 

Thanks for the information. Why was the match between Roberts and Talley considered an "exhibition"?