CLARION, Pa. – Head coach Keith Ferraro announced this week that the Clarion wrestling team has signed five athletes to National Letters of Intent (NLI) for the 2019-20 season.
(Photo courtesy of Clarion University Athletics)
Here’s a look at each of the newest members of the Golden Eagles:
Alex Blake
High School: La Plata
Hometown: La Plata, Md.
Wt: Wrestled at 138
Notes: 2018 Maryland State Champ at 138 pounds… finished his junior season with a perfect 39-0 record … 138-pound champion at the 1A/2A South Regional championships… took fourth in the North Carolina state tournament in 2017 before moving to Maryland.
Ferraro’s Take: “We are thrilled to add Alex to our team. He comes from a very familiar and well-coached program, so we know that we are going to get an outstanding student-athlete. Alex is also an awesome student. He is very hungry and wants to be the best he can be.”
Alec Cook
High School: Madonna
Hometown: Weirton, W.Va.
Wt: Wrestled in 138 weight class
Notes: Three-time State Qualifier … won the 2018 West Virginia State Championship at 138 pounds… helped Madonna to a 2018 state title… 2018 Class A Wrestler of the Year … state runner-up as a sophomore in 2017… Has an overall record of 138-20.
Ferraro’s Take: “Alec is a really good kid. We are very excited to add such a fierce competitor and hard worker to our team. He is a natural leader who strives to make everyone around him better. We believe that he has an untapped potential that we are very eager to realize.”
Blake Jackson
High School: Millard South
Hometown: Omaha, Neb.
Wt: Wrestled in the 113 weight class
Notes: First Place finish at 2018 Quad States … Fourth Place finish at 2017 NSAA Championships… runner-up in the 2018 NSAA Class A District 3 championships, the Plattsmouth Varsity Invitational, Jim McGrath Invitational and the Sergeant Bluff-Luton Invitational.
Ferraro’s Take: “We had the opportunity to spend some time with Blake last year at our prospect camp, and we were extremely impressed with his work ethic and dedication to the sport. He is also an excellent student who understands the importance of being a well-rounded individual.”
Luke Mazzeo
High School: Emerson/Park Ridge
Hometown: Emerson, N.J.
Wt: Wrestled in the 132 weight class
Notes: New Jersey State Champion … Helped his team win a District 3 Championship, going 28-1 as a team… currently at 114 career wins… both his father and uncle won 100+ matches for Emerson/Park Ridge in the 1980’s… recovered from an ACL injury his sophomore year of high school to return to action in 2017-18… finished the match where he injured his ACL, winning by decision 10-3…
Ferraro’s Take: “Luke comes from a great family with strong values. He understands what it means to live the 365 Lifestyle and holds himself to a higher standard which should translate to a very successful career here at Clarion. Luke will be a great representative for our program for years to come.”
Brayden Palmer
High School: Beech
Hometown: Hendersonville, Tenn.
Wt: Wrestled at 126
Notes: 2018 Tennessee state champion… Tennessee state runner-up in 2016 and 2017… FloNationals All-American in 2018… two-time NHSCA All-American (2016, 2018)… 2018 Grand Fall Classic champion… has gone 79-4 with 44 pins since Nov. 27, 2017…
Ferraro’s Take: “Brayden has already experienced quite a bit of success on the mat and has a very high ceiling for improvement. His scrambling and superb riding skills will make for a smooth transition to the collegiate level. We’re excited to add Brayden to our lighter weights.”
