Huntingdon to open season on Saturday

By Chuck Tidmore

Sports Information Assistant 

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Huntingdon wrestling team will open its season on Saturday and the Hawks are excited for the start of the new year.

Craig Duncan begins his second season as the Hawks' head coach, and is ready for the season to get underway. Huntingdon opens its season on Saturday at the Georgia Intercollegiate Tournament hosted by Emmanuel College.  

"We're excited to see the start of the season," Duncan said. "The guys have been working really hard and I think it will show once the season starts."

Huntingdon will begin its third year of competition in the NCAA era.  Last season, the Hawks won four matches including their first home win, coming against the University of the Ozarks. The Hawks will compete in nine head-to-head and dual matches and three open matches. Duncan believes his team can improve from last season.

"We want to win more than half of our matches," Duncan said. "That's our goal and we would like to send some of the guys to the national championship tournament."

The Hawks return 12 wrestlers from last season, including four juniors and one season. Junior Jesse Rowlen finished last season with an 11-7 record in the 285 weight class while Brandon Abejon posted an 8-4 record in the 141 weight class.

DeAndre Beck came on late in the year and recorded a 5-1 record while wrestling at 149 pounds. Deon Maxwell wrestled at 165 and posted a 10-14 record.

"Our upperclassmen have really stepped up and taken a leadership role," Duncan said. "They have done a good job off the mat and in the class room. It's something we have stressed and put more focus on."

Huntingdon welcomes 18 newcomers to this season's roster.

"I'm really excited about what they are bringing," Duncan said. "They are bringing in a new excitement. They are learning what we're teaching them, but also bringing in their new own style. It's really fun to watch."

Duncan announced earlier this year the hiring of assistant coach Jesse Masters. Masters joins Huntingdon's staff after graduating from King University last season.

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