Wrestling

SIUE Wrestling Adds Six for 2007-2008 Season
         EDWARDSVILLE, ILL. -- Southern Illinois University Edwardsville head wrestling coach Patrick McNamara welcomed a strong group of newcomers for the upcoming 2007-2008 season.
         McNamara announced the addition of Brian Brooks (Homewood), Nick Grahek (O'Fallon), Neil Lopez (Naperville), Eric Pretto (Orland Park), Blake Reed (Granite City), and T.J. Warner (Hoopeston).
         Brooks, a state qualifier and three-time regional champion, figures to make a immediate impact on the Cougar wrestling program.
         "Brian is a very athletic heavyweight who has a lot of skill. He is someone I see having a successful collegiate career," said McNamara.
         Grahek, a champion at both the Granite City Invitational and Mascoutah Invitational, is also a state qualifier and three-time sectional qualifier at O'Fallon High School.
         "If he works hard in the weight room, he will be ready for the end of season," said McNamara.
         In addition to being a first team all-conference wrestler at Naperville North High School, Lopez also qualified for both state and the Fargo Greco Nationals. In 2007, Lopez finished Runner-Up in the Class AA 130 lbs Championships.
         "Neil is a really hard worker," said McNamara. "He is someone who will bring a lot of intensity into our practices."
         Pretto, a four-time state qualifier at Carl Sandburg High School, placed fourth at the 2006 state meet. He also won a USAW National Folkstyle championship while wrestling for the Overtime school of wrestling.
         "Eric comes from a great high school program so he has a lot of skills already in place," said McNamara. "I am confident he can get to the next level."
         An All-Southwestern Conference wrestler, Reed was a two-time state qualifier and Fargo Nationals qualifier.
         "Blake is a local student-athlete who is going to bring a lot of excitement to out program," said McNamara. "I'm excited to see his progress."
         Warner, a two-time state qualifier, placed fourth at the Illinois State Tournament. His record while wrestling for Hoopeston Area High School was 111-21.
         "TJ had a solid senior season, and I am excited to see him make the transition to college," said McNamara.
         This is McNamara's first season as SIUE's head coach. Last season, the Cougars posted a 3-10 record.
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