Nov. 22, 2010
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - University of Maryland head coach Kerry McCoy announced today the signing of five recruits for the 2011-12 season.
"I am very excited about this class," said McCoy. "It really came together pretty late as most of the guys finalized the decision on the last day. It is a credit to our staff for putting the time in making it happen."
Geoffrey Alexander (Pittsburgh, Pa./Shady Side Academy), Kyle Dehaut (Bethlehem, Pa./Bethlehem Catholic), T.J. Duncan (Rossville, Ga./McCallie), Josh Polacek (Johnstown, Pa./Westmont Hilltop) and Josh Snook (Bear, De./St. Marks) all signed on to attend Maryland and wrestle for the Terps.
Expected to wrestle at 133 pounds for the Terps, Geoffrey Alexander won the Super 32 Challenge earlier this year. As a freshman at Shady Side Academy, Alexander placed fifth in states. As a sophomore, Alexander placed sixth and last year, he finished in third.
"Geoff is a great person and comes from a great family. We are very fortunate get him," said McCoy. "He is not only a great person, but a great wrestler. He has placed in the states three times and has a great shot at winning it this year."
T.J. Duncan attends McCallie High in Chatanooga, Tenn., and comes to Maryland as one of only seven individuals in state tournament history to claim four titles and the first with the opportunity to win a fifth.
"Coming from Tennessee, T.J. kind of flew under the radar," said McCoy. "He has won four state titles and almost every four-timer out of Tennessee has become an All-American and two have been in the NCAA finals. We know he has great potential."
Finishing his junior season with a 36-8 record, Kyle Dehaut placed second at the PIAA 2A Championships and won district and regional titles for Bethlehem Catholic. Dehaut will wrestle at 157 pounds for the Terps.
"Kyle has a great work ethic and a lot of talent," said McCoy. "I don't think he has even scratched the surface of his potential and look at what he has already accomplished. He is going to have a great collegiate career."
A fourth-place finisher at the NHSCA Junior National Championships, Josh Polacek of Westmont Hilltop High School placed fourth at the PIAA 2A Championships as a junior and third as a sophomore. Polacek will compete at 125 pounds next season.
"Josh has been to our camps and really fits well with our team," said McCoy. "He is a very hard worker and has a great attitude. He will be a great addition to our light-weight group and I expect great things from him."
The final member of Maryland's 2011-12 fall recruiting class, Josh Snook most recently placed fifth at the Super 32 Challenge. As an eight-grader, Snook placed sixth in the state and has steadily improved since, having finished in the top-three in his freshman, sophomore and junior years. Snook is also the younger brother of Maryland redshirt-freshman Ty Snook.
"Josh has had a great career. He has placed in a lot of very tough tournaments and has wins over some of the nation's top wrestlers," said McCoy. "It is great to have him join his brother Ty on the squad because they are so close. They will also push each other because neither wants to bfe outdone by the other."
With only six current wrestlers in their last season of eligibility, Maryland will return an already strong and relatively young team next season, which should make for a tough squad to beat, thanks to the addition of this prized recruiting class.
"These guys represent everything we are looking for in Maryland wrestlers," said McCoy. "They believe in us and we believe in them. I am looking forward to following them closer now that they are committed to us and I can't wait to get them in our room."
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