Iowa Finishes with AWP’s #13 Recruiting Class for 2015

With AWP releasing their Top 100 Grade Rankings, they were also able to get around to announcing recruiting team rankings for teams #11-20. The Hawkeyes were able to make the top 20, coming in at #13, which is one spot lower than InterMat had the Hawkeyes at earlier this Spring.

The Hawkeyes are of course led by #9 (AWP ranks) Mike Kemerer, who won everything under the sun in folkstyle and only a Fargo national title remains the last major tournament for him to win. Starting last fall Kemerer captured his second Super 32 title, his first Ironman title, a PowerAde national title, his first PIAA state title, and competed in three different all-star events. Kemerer went 2-1 in those events, with one being a Dapper Dan win over Iowan Max Thomsen – which was later avenged at the Dream Team Classic. Kemerer also scored a win for team Iowa at AGON V, where he defeated future Minnesota Gopher Fredy Stroker.

Kemerer is given a projection of 157 or 165, but he has told IA Wrestle he plans on coming in to wrestle 149 pounds, but may grow into 157 pounds. If anything I expect Kemerer to be on the smaller side of AWP’s projection for now.

Vince Turk is the second leading man in the class at #63. The Illinois state champion is given a 141/149 pound projection which fits, but in an interview with IA Wrestle, Turk said he plans to compete at 141 pounds upon entering college.

Late addition and Iowa native Steven Holloway of Mediapolis was probably a big boost to Iowa’s recruiting class giving them their third top 100 recruit. A state champion at 195 pounds in 2A, Holloway will most likley be a 197 pound wrestler for the Hawkeyes.

Cash Wilcke is the final top recruit listed for the Hawkeyes and despite wrestling at 195 pounds this past season, the 1A state champion is expected to compete for the 184 pound spot next year.

Others
Paul Glynn (IA), 133lbs
Keegan Shaw (IA), 141lbs
Jeren Glosser (IA), 141/149lbs
Aaron Meyer (IA), 149lbs
Danny Murphy (CO), 149/157lbs
Matt Wempen (IA), 149/157lbs
Joey Gunther (IL), 157/165lbs
Jacob Woodard (IA), 157/165lbs
Cole Erickson (IA), 165lbs
Jeremiah Moody (WI), 165lbs

AWP goes on to discuss that Iowa adds tremendous depth, especially in the middle of the lineup. They also give a lot of praise to Kemerer, who is labeled as a “absolute blue chipper”.