Oklahoma State University Athletics
Cowboy Wrestling Inks Four Recruits
November 20, 2001 | Cowboy Wrestling
Nov. 20, 2001
Oklahoma State's wrestling program capped off the fall recruiting season on Monday by signing four of the nation's top recruits.
"I am real excited about these four athletes we have signed," head coach John Smith said. "I am very proud the chose Oklahoma State as their choice to seek their education and to wrestle for this program."
The Cowboys signed Johny Hendricks, Zach Esposito, Ethan Kyle and Derrick Fleenor.
Hendricks, a senior from Edmond, Okla., is a two-time State Champion and is considered by many one of the top three recruits in the nation at any weight.
The two-time Yukon Champion is a Cadet All-American and a Jr. All-American. He is a two-time Geary Champion and has won the Perry Championships.
"There is no question this class coupled with last years class will make Oklahoma State's future look very promising," Smith said.
Esposito hails from Three Bridges, N.J., where he has won three State Championships. He is also considered one of the top three recruits in the nation at any weight. Esposito is the two-time Beast of the East Champion and a two-time Prep Nationals Champion.
Esposito placed fifth at Cadet Nationals, eighth at Jr. Nationals, and seventh at the FILA World Trials.
Kyle, a St. Charles, Mo. native, is a three-time State Champion and has accumulated a perfect 121-0 record. Kyle was awarded the 2001 Wrestler of the Year and was back-to-back District Wrestler of the Year. Kyle is also a three-time Junior Cadet Grecco All-American and a freestyle All-American.
Fleenor is a three-time State Champion from El Reno, Okla., and is seeking for his fourth State Championship. Fleenor is a two-time Freestyle All-American and a Grecco All-American.
