Hawkeyes received some great late night news when Kaleb Young announced his verbal commitment to the Hawkeyes on twitter. The Pennsylvania native is ranked nationally as the #35 Junior prospect by Flo and #25 by Intermat. Young’s commitment is the earliest commitment in the Brands and Company era. Is this a start to a very good 2016 recruiting class? This is hopefully a start to something much larger than one recruit.
Kaleb Young comes from the Young Guns Wrestling Club out in Pennsylvania. The Young Guns are arguably the top wrestling club in the nation with clubs in Pennsylvania, Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin. Why are we talking about his wrestling club and not his high school? If you haven’t heard about the Young Guns you have been living under a rock for the last five years. The Young Guns Wrestling Club is very significant because it is ran by Iowa alumni, Jody Strittmatter and Eric Juergens. Having ties to this club hasn’t paid off recently and have left many Hawkeye fans wondering when they were going to reap those benefits. Assistant Coach Ryan Morningstar initially got the ball rolling again and we hope he can continue to use those Hawkeyes ties with the Young Guns Wrestling Club.
Let’s meet Kaleb Young.
Who got you to this point in your career?
There have been quite a few. My family, Bill Burke, Eric Eddy, John and Jody Strittmatter, my community and friends have all been great in helping me work to achieve my goals.
How important was it to make this commitment before the season started?
This now will allow me to just relax and concentrate on wrestling. Doing the things I have to do to get better in all positions. Not having to worry about what college I will be furthering my academics or wrestling at will just make these next two season all about wrestling.
Who were your top three schools?
That’s a hard question. Iowa and Penn State have always been my two favorite. There were other schools in the running, but I had ties to those two.
What ultimately steered you to Iowa?
I love the mentality and the environment.
You mentioned academics was important to you in your decision, do you have a major in mind?
Biology or Pre-med.
Which coach played a big role in your recruitment?
All the coaches at Iowa are great role models. Coach Morningstar touched base with me first though.
Is the plan 157/165 in college or will you try to keep the weight down?
157/165 is the plan.
Who are you most excited to wrestle with at Iowa, either coach or wrestler?
Metcalf, though I guess he is considered an alumni. I feel like I’ll be able to relate a lot with Coach Morningstar’s teaching. I love what Matt McDonough show’s too.
How long have you been wrestling and what are your goals for the upcoming season?
I have been wrestling for 11 years or so. This season my goal is to improve in all three positions and win a state title.
Do you have anymore Pennsylvannia kids following you to Iowa?
I hope so, we’ll see in a couple of weeks.
Anything else you want Hawkeye fans to know?
I am going to do what it takes to be the best.
Take a look at Kaleb Young’s matches below and be sure to hit up the comment section below to tell us what you think of the Hawkeyes new recruit.
Kaleb Young vs. Iowan AJ Geers
Young vs Jake Lanning (Illinois)
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About the Author
It has been a pleasure watching Kaleb grow, not only as a wrestler, but as a very promising young man. We wish him all the best and congratulate him on his decision to become a Hawkeye