Wrestling Adds Three New Recruits
11/12/2020 8:42:00 AM | Wrestling
RIVERSIDE – California Baptist University Coach LennieZalesky announced the signing of three new wrestlers: Elijah Griffin, Brady Hoshino, and Jake Prudek on Wednesday.
"These guys are a cut above; it's a very good class," Zalesky said. "This is definitely the best early signing group we have ever had."
🗣️
— CBU Wrestling (@CBUwrestling) November 12, 2020
Coach Lennie Zalesky had high praise for this year's recruiting class. Read all about it below.
👉 https://t.co/ddvWgNx1Y6#LanceUp⚔️ pic.twitter.com/WbHpci58Ry
Griffin comes in as the highest-ranked recruit in the Zalesky era. He is a top-20 ranked wrestler nationally at two different weight classes and by two different outlets. The Open Mat lists him as the fourth-ranked 113 pounder, and FloWrestling has him ranked No. 18 at 120 pounds.
"He's going to have an immediate impact right away; he's a very hard worker," Zalesky said. "I look forward to him being one of the best we've ever had at CBU."
It is for good reason, as Griffin is a three-time Oklahoma State champion out of Tulsa, Oklahoma and Cascia Hall Prep. He has earned two All-American awards at both the Cadet World Team Trials and Fargo Junior Freestyle competitions.
Griffin, who projects to wrestle at 125 or 133 collegiately, also won a Junior Fargo National Championship in Greco while still a cadet, and two Folkstyle Nationals Championships.
"He's tough on top, he dominates there but is really an all-around wrestler. To place in freestyle and Greco, you have to be good on your feet," Zalesky said. "He is very mentally strong, too, he has a lot of grit and he hates to lose and hates to give up a point."
🖊 SIGNED 🖊
— CBU Wrestling (@CBUwrestling) November 11, 2020
Welcome to CBU, Elijah!
▪️@theopenmat #️⃣4️⃣ 113 pounder in the nation
▪️@FloWrestling #️⃣1️⃣8️⃣ 120 pounder
▪️3x Oklahoma State champ
▪️2x Cadet World Team Trials All-American
▪️2x Junior Freestyle Fargo All-American
▪️Junior Greco Fargo champ#LanceUp⚔️ pic.twitter.com/jNPSYfMe52
Hoshino is a three-time Hawaii State placer and won the 138-pound state title in 2020. The Kanoeohe, Hawaii native and Iolani High School product projects to wrestle at 149 pounds at the next level, Zalesky said.
"He's a very talented wrestler, incredibly talented. He's very explosive, quick and athletic," Zalesky said.
"Watching him wrestle, there isn't anything he lacks; he has it all. He is one of the most athletic wrestlers we will have had here."
🖊 SIGNED 🖊
— CBU Wrestling (@CBUwrestling) November 12, 2020
Welcome to CBU, Brady!
▪️141 pounder
▪️3x Hawaii State placer
▪️2020 Hawaii State champion#LanceUp⚔️ pic.twitter.com/WqRbWIPYjB
Prudek is a two-time California Triple Crown winner out of Caruthers High School. He is ranked top-12 in the state and won Freestyle and Greco championships at the high school U.S. Open.
"He has a lot of strength and is going to develop a lot in college," Zalesky said. "He is very close to being very good. The best is yet to come for him."
🖊 SIGNED 🖊
— CBU Wrestling (@CBUwrestling) November 11, 2020
Welcome to CBU, Jake!
▪️2x California Triple Crown Winner
▪️Ranked top 12 in the state of California
▪️Freestyle and Greco Champion at the high school US Open#LanceUp⚔️ pic.twitter.com/gepgXJYEA1
