Middle Tennessee Wrestling Announces the 2011 – 2012 Signing Class!
Murfreesboro, TN. April 16, 2011 by Bryan Knepper
This MTSU Signing Class Had a Senior Record of 466-85 and a combined 3.35 GPA!
Pictured: (front, l to r): Kendall Kermick, Shane Shaffner, Joey Tamburello, Eric Feuerbacher, Zach Pickney, Joseph Melson; (back, l to r): Jonathan Roberts, Hunter Badon, Adam Wells, Denzel Caldwell, Jonathan Taylor, Tyler Bond, Kristauf Tate; Not pictured: Tyler Adams
The MTSU Blue Raiders will be loaded next season with talent from all over the state of Tennessee. Having signed 4 wrestlers during the 2010 Fall Semester, the team signed 10 more on April 16th, 2011 at the MTSU Recreation Center in front of an audience of friends, family, future teammates, and coaches . Headlining the incoming Freshman class is Eric Feuerbacher (Blackman) who finished off a 62-4 Senior campaign with a state championship in the 125-lb weight class in Tennessee as well as “Best Match” shared with fellow finalist Eric Oliver (Germantown). Eric finished his career as a Blaze with a 183-38 overall record and 243 takedowns in his Senior year…both are records for Blackman High School. The previous record for takedowns and wins was held by another state champion, Kenny Meredith, at 118 and 169, respectively. Eric was a 3 x region champ and also finished 5th in state his Junior year. He brings a 3.5 grade point average to MTSU where he plans to major in History Education and will wrestle in the 133-lb weight class for the Blue Raiders.
The first member of the 2011-2012 class to sign was Jonathan Roberts (Beech) who finished his Senior year at 54-4, which was also a school record. He placed 5th in the TSSAA state tournament at the 171-lb weight class. His career high school record ended at 160-38 and he currently has a 3.98 gpa. A pivotal role in the 5th place finish for Team Nemesis at the 2011 Dixie Duals, Jonathan has signed to wrestle at the 174-lb weigh class in college. Adam Wells (Blackman) finished his season with an injury default in the 189-lb state tournament, falling just short of state placement. His record for the year was 42-11 and for his career was 139-55 wrestling at 285 (Fr), 171 (So), 215 (Jr), and 189 (Sr). He was a 2 x region champion and brings a 3.68 gpa to MTSU and will wrestle at 184 next season. Tyler Adams (Kingston) was the last of the early signees and will come into his Freshman year at MTSU with something to prove as he missed his Senior season due to an injury. After finishing 5th in the state of Tennessee his Sophomore season, he looked to vie for a title at 152 this past season. Tyler has signed to wrestle at 157 for the Blue Raiders next year.
125 Kendall Kermick (Germantown) finished 3rd in Tennessee this season at the 112-lb weight class and finished with a 33-5 record. This was the third state medal he received after finishing 5th in his Sophomore and Junior years. Son of Donald & Debbie Kermick, Kendall had a career record of 119-25, a 3.4 gpa, and plans to major in Mechanical Engineering Technology at MTSU. He was a 4 x region champion, a 3 x Hendersonville champ, a 2 x Blackhorse champ, and is a 2 x All-American placing 2nd and 3rd the last 2 years at the Brute Adidas Nationals as a very accomplished freestyle wrestler. Kendall will battle it out with returning National Qualifier Anthony Patnode (So-White House) for the starting spot on the roster.
125 Shane Shaffner (Kingsbury) had a 30-4 record as a Senior in the 112-lb weight class to finish at 124-22 in his career. Son of Darrell Shaffner and Laura Flynn, Shane became the first and only wrestler from Kingsbury to qualify for state four times. He was named the outstanding wrestler for the Memphis Interscholastic Athletic Association in ’08 and ’11. Shane will join Kermick majoring in Mechanical Engineering Technology and currently has a 3.9 gpa. Also joining the 2011-2012 class (verbal commitment) will be Brandon Greer (Antioch-119).
133 Joey Tamburello (Dade County, GA) signed as part of the 2011-2012 class but will be joining the team after a year off due to back surgery to be performed on May 4th. Joey was 38-9 finishing 3rd at 119 in the state of Georgia in class AA after finishing 2nd the year prior. His career record was 161-60 and was a 2 x area champion (outstanding wrestler in ’11). His parents, Tom and Pam Tamburello can be proud in that he is a graduate of the J. Robinson Intensive Wrestling Camp to go along with his 3.25 gpa. This season, Joey will enroll in Chattanooga State in order to transfer in-state for the next season while healing.
133 Zach Pickney (Beech) was 37-12 his Senior season for the Buccaneers at 135. The son of Vince and Renee Pickney, he plans on majoring in Paramedics while at Middle Tennessee State. His accomplishments include placing 3rd (twice) and 4th in region the last three seasons, finishing 4th at Beech, 3rd at both Harpeth and Ravenwood, 2nd at the tough Father Ryan tournament, and 1st at McGavock. Zach joins an already competitive 133-lb weight class that will include Feuerbacher and returners Warfield and Gamadamis and potentially Patrick Chadwick (Overton-125, 5th in TSSAA).
157 Joseph Melson (Antioch) will join Adams and returnee Senior Captain Nick Appleby at a traditionally tough weight class within the NCWA. As a 2nd year wrestler, Joseph compiled a 32-10 record at 160 lbs. Son of Dorian Clark and Kola Ellis, he sports a 3.6 grade point average and plans to major in Pre-Med Biology at MTSU. Joseph placed 4th at Franklin this year, 1st at McGavock, and 1st at Overton and will be competing for a spot on Team Tennessee in Freestyle and Greco-Roman on May 7th.
165 Hunter Badon (Arlington) will be joining the team just in time for the competition season as he underwent shoulder surgery after his 37-6 Senior season. He finished his career at 133-37 and will bring his 3.36 gpa to MTSU and will major in Nursing. Hunter also wrestled at 160 this season and placed 1st at Creekwood, was a 4 x region finalist and a 2 x region champion. He finished just short of medaling at the state tournament after being ranked as high as 2nd in the state during the year. Hunter’s grandfather is known as the “father of wrestling” in Memphis as he reportedly drove around from school to school with wrestling mats in the mid-1900’s trying to gather interest in the sport and start wrestling programs. A great addition to the Blue Raider wrestling family.
184 Denzel Caldwell (Antioch) joins fellow teammate Melson and shortly Brandon Greer (119) as a Blue Raider. Denzel finished 5th in the state of Tennessee at 189 after winning the Region 6 tournament. Son of Marilyn Caldwell, Denzel will major in Sports Management at MTSU. He has “managed” to squat a maximum of 565 lbs and was a leader on his Antioch squad. He finished 3rd at Brentwood, 2nd at McGavock, 2nd at Franklin receiving “Best Match” honors, and 1st at Overton. His Senior record was 40-6 and his career ended at 135-27. Denzel joined Roberts and Tate in representing Team Nemesis at the Dixie Duals.
197 Jonathan Taylor (Millington Central) is familiar with one of his teammates, Adam Wells, as they faced off in the 1st round of the state championship at 189 lbs. Son of Yahchanan Mark Taylor El and Valerie Lynn, he brings a 3.2 gpa to MTSU and will major in Mass Communications (Radio and Television Broadcasting) which Middle Tennessee is well known for producing great talent. He was region champion this season and also won the Trojan Invitational. At 28-5 as a Senior and 56-15 for his career, Jonathan is very new to the sport and will look to improve on his skills as a Blue Raider joining returning 197-lb Jackie Miller (Greenback) and All-American Isaiah Bradley (’09-235 NCWA).
235 Tyler Bond (Rossview) missed his Senior season due to a football injury but has been preparing for next season since his knee surgery commenced. He had a 66-44 career record and was ranked near the top of the polls at 285 prior to the season. Son of Amanda and Brett Wade, Tyler will major in Physical Therapy and currently has a 3.55 gpa. He will join the 235-lb weight class with returning All-American Cody Quick (Tullahoma, 4th at 285 ’11) as his main mentor. You can’t ask for a better wrestling partner.
285 Kristauf Tate (Overton) finished 33-8 as a Senior Bobcat and 93-26 for his career. He was represented by his Aunt Janelle Tate and Grandmother Dorothy Tate during the signing in which he played a large role. He plans to major in Criminal Justice at MTSU next year and is also trying to make the state team in Freestyle on May 7th. Kristauf won his region as a Senior, placed 2nd as a Junior and also placed 4th this season in the state in bowling. He shared heavyweight responsibilities during the Dixie Duals for Team Nemesis this Spring.
Notable transfers: 125 Eddie Long (Greenback / King College), 141 Jonathan Pearce (Science Hill / King College), 157/165 Garrett Reagan (Lookout Valley / Tennessee Temple), 165 Everett Colbert (McGavock / Tusculum – football), 174 Michael LaBadie (King College), 184 Joey Leach (Fairview / Cumberland), 285 Tyler Dailey (Greenback / Maryville – football), 285 Taylor Bain (Warren County / Maryville – football)
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This MTSU Signing Class Had a Senior Record of 466-85 and a combined 3.35 GPA!
Pictured: (front, l to r): Kendall Kermick, Shane Shaffner, Joey Tamburello, Eric Feuerbacher, Zach Pickney, Joseph Melson; (back, l to r): Jonathan Roberts, Hunter Badon, Adam Wells, Denzel Caldwell, Jonathan Taylor, Tyler Bond, Kristauf Tate; Not pictured: Tyler Adams
The MTSU Blue Raiders will be loaded next season with talent from all over the state of Tennessee. Having signed 4 wrestlers during the 2010 Fall Semester, the team signed 10 more on April 16th, 2011 at the MTSU Recreation Center in front of an audience of friends, family, future teammates, and coaches . Headlining the incoming Freshman class is Eric Feuerbacher (Blackman) who finished off a 62-4 Senior campaign with a state championship in the 125-lb weight class in Tennessee as well as “Best Match” shared with fellow finalist Eric Oliver (Germantown). Eric finished his career as a Blaze with a 183-38 overall record and 243 takedowns in his Senior year…both are records for Blackman High School. The previous record for takedowns and wins was held by another state champion, Kenny Meredith, at 118 and 169, respectively. Eric was a 3 x region champ and also finished 5th in state his Junior year. He brings a 3.5 grade point average to MTSU where he plans to major in History Education and will wrestle in the 133-lb weight class for the Blue Raiders.
The first member of the 2011-2012 class to sign was Jonathan Roberts (Beech) who finished his Senior year at 54-4, which was also a school record. He placed 5th in the TSSAA state tournament at the 171-lb weight class. His career high school record ended at 160-38 and he currently has a 3.98 gpa. A pivotal role in the 5th place finish for Team Nemesis at the 2011 Dixie Duals, Jonathan has signed to wrestle at the 174-lb weigh class in college. Adam Wells (Blackman) finished his season with an injury default in the 189-lb state tournament, falling just short of state placement. His record for the year was 42-11 and for his career was 139-55 wrestling at 285 (Fr), 171 (So), 215 (Jr), and 189 (Sr). He was a 2 x region champion and brings a 3.68 gpa to MTSU and will wrestle at 184 next season. Tyler Adams (Kingston) was the last of the early signees and will come into his Freshman year at MTSU with something to prove as he missed his Senior season due to an injury. After finishing 5th in the state of Tennessee his Sophomore season, he looked to vie for a title at 152 this past season. Tyler has signed to wrestle at 157 for the Blue Raiders next year.
125 Kendall Kermick (Germantown) finished 3rd in Tennessee this season at the 112-lb weight class and finished with a 33-5 record. This was the third state medal he received after finishing 5th in his Sophomore and Junior years. Son of Donald & Debbie Kermick, Kendall had a career record of 119-25, a 3.4 gpa, and plans to major in Mechanical Engineering Technology at MTSU. He was a 4 x region champion, a 3 x Hendersonville champ, a 2 x Blackhorse champ, and is a 2 x All-American placing 2nd and 3rd the last 2 years at the Brute Adidas Nationals as a very accomplished freestyle wrestler. Kendall will battle it out with returning National Qualifier Anthony Patnode (So-White House) for the starting spot on the roster.
125 Shane Shaffner (Kingsbury) had a 30-4 record as a Senior in the 112-lb weight class to finish at 124-22 in his career. Son of Darrell Shaffner and Laura Flynn, Shane became the first and only wrestler from Kingsbury to qualify for state four times. He was named the outstanding wrestler for the Memphis Interscholastic Athletic Association in ’08 and ’11. Shane will join Kermick majoring in Mechanical Engineering Technology and currently has a 3.9 gpa. Also joining the 2011-2012 class (verbal commitment) will be Brandon Greer (Antioch-119).
133 Joey Tamburello (Dade County, GA) signed as part of the 2011-2012 class but will be joining the team after a year off due to back surgery to be performed on May 4th. Joey was 38-9 finishing 3rd at 119 in the state of Georgia in class AA after finishing 2nd the year prior. His career record was 161-60 and was a 2 x area champion (outstanding wrestler in ’11). His parents, Tom and Pam Tamburello can be proud in that he is a graduate of the J. Robinson Intensive Wrestling Camp to go along with his 3.25 gpa. This season, Joey will enroll in Chattanooga State in order to transfer in-state for the next season while healing.
133 Zach Pickney (Beech) was 37-12 his Senior season for the Buccaneers at 135. The son of Vince and Renee Pickney, he plans on majoring in Paramedics while at Middle Tennessee State. His accomplishments include placing 3rd (twice) and 4th in region the last three seasons, finishing 4th at Beech, 3rd at both Harpeth and Ravenwood, 2nd at the tough Father Ryan tournament, and 1st at McGavock. Zach joins an already competitive 133-lb weight class that will include Feuerbacher and returners Warfield and Gamadamis and potentially Patrick Chadwick (Overton-125, 5th in TSSAA).
157 Joseph Melson (Antioch) will join Adams and returnee Senior Captain Nick Appleby at a traditionally tough weight class within the NCWA. As a 2nd year wrestler, Joseph compiled a 32-10 record at 160 lbs. Son of Dorian Clark and Kola Ellis, he sports a 3.6 grade point average and plans to major in Pre-Med Biology at MTSU. Joseph placed 4th at Franklin this year, 1st at McGavock, and 1st at Overton and will be competing for a spot on Team Tennessee in Freestyle and Greco-Roman on May 7th.
165 Hunter Badon (Arlington) will be joining the team just in time for the competition season as he underwent shoulder surgery after his 37-6 Senior season. He finished his career at 133-37 and will bring his 3.36 gpa to MTSU and will major in Nursing. Hunter also wrestled at 160 this season and placed 1st at Creekwood, was a 4 x region finalist and a 2 x region champion. He finished just short of medaling at the state tournament after being ranked as high as 2nd in the state during the year. Hunter’s grandfather is known as the “father of wrestling” in Memphis as he reportedly drove around from school to school with wrestling mats in the mid-1900’s trying to gather interest in the sport and start wrestling programs. A great addition to the Blue Raider wrestling family.
184 Denzel Caldwell (Antioch) joins fellow teammate Melson and shortly Brandon Greer (119) as a Blue Raider. Denzel finished 5th in the state of Tennessee at 189 after winning the Region 6 tournament. Son of Marilyn Caldwell, Denzel will major in Sports Management at MTSU. He has “managed” to squat a maximum of 565 lbs and was a leader on his Antioch squad. He finished 3rd at Brentwood, 2nd at McGavock, 2nd at Franklin receiving “Best Match” honors, and 1st at Overton. His Senior record was 40-6 and his career ended at 135-27. Denzel joined Roberts and Tate in representing Team Nemesis at the Dixie Duals.
197 Jonathan Taylor (Millington Central) is familiar with one of his teammates, Adam Wells, as they faced off in the 1st round of the state championship at 189 lbs. Son of Yahchanan Mark Taylor El and Valerie Lynn, he brings a 3.2 gpa to MTSU and will major in Mass Communications (Radio and Television Broadcasting) which Middle Tennessee is well known for producing great talent. He was region champion this season and also won the Trojan Invitational. At 28-5 as a Senior and 56-15 for his career, Jonathan is very new to the sport and will look to improve on his skills as a Blue Raider joining returning 197-lb Jackie Miller (Greenback) and All-American Isaiah Bradley (’09-235 NCWA).
235 Tyler Bond (Rossview) missed his Senior season due to a football injury but has been preparing for next season since his knee surgery commenced. He had a 66-44 career record and was ranked near the top of the polls at 285 prior to the season. Son of Amanda and Brett Wade, Tyler will major in Physical Therapy and currently has a 3.55 gpa. He will join the 235-lb weight class with returning All-American Cody Quick (Tullahoma, 4th at 285 ’11) as his main mentor. You can’t ask for a better wrestling partner.
285 Kristauf Tate (Overton) finished 33-8 as a Senior Bobcat and 93-26 for his career. He was represented by his Aunt Janelle Tate and Grandmother Dorothy Tate during the signing in which he played a large role. He plans to major in Criminal Justice at MTSU next year and is also trying to make the state team in Freestyle on May 7th. Kristauf won his region as a Senior, placed 2nd as a Junior and also placed 4th this season in the state in bowling. He shared heavyweight responsibilities during the Dixie Duals for Team Nemesis this Spring.
Notable transfers: 125 Eddie Long (Greenback / King College), 141 Jonathan Pearce (Science Hill / King College), 157/165 Garrett Reagan (Lookout Valley / Tennessee Temple), 165 Everett Colbert (McGavock / Tusculum – football), 174 Michael LaBadie (King College), 184 Joey Leach (Fairview / Cumberland), 285 Tyler Dailey (Greenback / Maryville – football), 285 Taylor Bain (Warren County / Maryville – football)
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