State champions Young, Hocum set to grapple for SIUE
Allan Lewis
Issue date: 7/1/09 Section: Sports
Head wrestling coach David Ray looks at next season as a building block for a young team, and for his new class of recruits, nothing goes without sacrifice.
The Cougars have seven state champions joining the squad, in a rather large recruiting class, which will continue to grow with 25 walk-ons scheduled to try out.
Ray said the program is at the point of a total makeover, with just 12 athletes returning on a team expected to number in the 40s.
"We are underdogs, and in my mind the program is starting all over again," Ray said. "I am excited to see what we have, but won't have confirmation until we are in practice. We need a time to build this transformation, and I am excited about duels and this season. It is going to be competitive."
SIUE went 4-6 in team events last season, and will see four Big Ten conference opponents in 2009-2010.
Ray said he is not willing to predict how well his team will fare against a tough schedule next season, but he said he hopes his athletes are committed to the long road ahead.
"All we can do is work hard, put in our time and stay committed," Ray said. "Dividends will pay out, maybe not this year or next, but the team will get to see its potential at the D-I level and we have to make that commitment."
Helping out will be the Cougars newest additions, Jon Young of Kankakee and Gabe Hocum of Clarkston, Wash., both state champions in high school.
Ray sees Young wrestling in the 149-pound weight class, and as a threat to make the varsity squad. Hocum checks in at 174 pounds.
"With Jon, the possibilities are endless," Ray said. "He is a hard worker, ambitious and I am anxious to see how well he can perform. His energy and excitement is going to rub off on other young men, and he is very physical with a lot of talent."
Hocum is seen by Ray as a versatile wrestler, and is a finesse competitor for his size.
"He moves well and uses his legs well," Ray said. "He is a hard worker and D-I is where he wanted to compete."
Ray, who is adamant about wrestling and teaching the sport, said he hopes he can influence the lives of his young team to conform to a high level of dedication.
"I look at the individuals we recruited and don't see any reason why they shouldn't be able to compete as long as they are willing to make that sacrifice," Ray said. "You have to eliminate all outside distractions and focus on your goals. I don't expect it, but I hope that type of work ethic is what they conform to."
The Cougars open up their regular season schedule Nov. 14 at the University of Central Missouri open.
The Cougars have seven state champions joining the squad, in a rather large recruiting class, which will continue to grow with 25 walk-ons scheduled to try out.
Ray said the program is at the point of a total makeover, with just 12 athletes returning on a team expected to number in the 40s.
"We are underdogs, and in my mind the program is starting all over again," Ray said. "I am excited to see what we have, but won't have confirmation until we are in practice. We need a time to build this transformation, and I am excited about duels and this season. It is going to be competitive."
SIUE went 4-6 in team events last season, and will see four Big Ten conference opponents in 2009-2010.
Ray said he is not willing to predict how well his team will fare against a tough schedule next season, but he said he hopes his athletes are committed to the long road ahead.
"All we can do is work hard, put in our time and stay committed," Ray said. "Dividends will pay out, maybe not this year or next, but the team will get to see its potential at the D-I level and we have to make that commitment."
Helping out will be the Cougars newest additions, Jon Young of Kankakee and Gabe Hocum of Clarkston, Wash., both state champions in high school.
Ray sees Young wrestling in the 149-pound weight class, and as a threat to make the varsity squad. Hocum checks in at 174 pounds.
"With Jon, the possibilities are endless," Ray said. "He is a hard worker, ambitious and I am anxious to see how well he can perform. His energy and excitement is going to rub off on other young men, and he is very physical with a lot of talent."
Hocum is seen by Ray as a versatile wrestler, and is a finesse competitor for his size.
"He moves well and uses his legs well," Ray said. "He is a hard worker and D-I is where he wanted to compete."
Ray, who is adamant about wrestling and teaching the sport, said he hopes he can influence the lives of his young team to conform to a high level of dedication.
"I look at the individuals we recruited and don't see any reason why they shouldn't be able to compete as long as they are willing to make that sacrifice," Ray said. "You have to eliminate all outside distractions and focus on your goals. I don't expect it, but I hope that type of work ethic is what they conform to."
The Cougars open up their regular season schedule Nov. 14 at the University of Central Missouri open.
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