By JEREMY SELLEW
[email protected]
Maybe it’s fitting that Elizabeth Forward standout Ryan Michaels signed his national letter of intent on a Wednesday.
The defending WPIAL champion at 113 pounds and third-place state finisher officially became a Camel recruit, signing to continue his wrestling and academic careers at Campbell University in Buies Creek, N.C.
While a grappler with the Camels, he’ll get to learn under one of the best to ever hit the mat in head coach Cary Kolat.
“The coaching staff is the top reason I chose Campbell,” Michaels said. “I’m very lucky to work with Coach Kolat. He’s a great coach and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Michaels, who chose the Camels over Pitt and George Mason, said he plans on majoring in exercise science while in school.
He thinks he’s more than ready to hit the mat in college.
“I’ve been wrestling year round and wrestling in national tournaments,” he said. “It keeps me wrestling tough kids all the time. It’s very similar to college.
Michaels, the son of Frank and Tina Michaels of Elizabeth, said Kolat likes his pace and his shots.
“My strong point is being on top,” Michaels added. “I do need to work on my neutral position.”
Last season, Campbell won the Southern Conference (SoCon) championship and had four wrestlers advance to the NCAA championships. Four Camels claimed conference titles.
Michaels said he hopes to be able to contribute to Campbell’s success next season, but is still focused on this season with sectionals coming up as he pushes toward defending his WPIAL title.
“My goal this year is to win states, but my long-term goal is to be a national champion in college.”
