Seven Transfers to Bring Experience to Little Rock Wrestling

LITTLE ROCK - With one day of wrestling introductions completed, it's now time to reveal the members of the roster that bring talent as well as college experience to the table: seven wrestlers hailing from previous collegiate teams across the nation. These seven include Noah Aziere, Paul Bianchi, Gunner Cash, Jose Champagne, Hasan Krigger, Tommy Lisher, and Braeden Redlin.

Noah Aziere (Cloud County)

A two-time NJCAA National qualifier for Cloud County Community College, Aziere was one out of two of the program's first All-Americans last spring after finishing 8th overall at the championship. A Missouri state qualifier while attending Smith-Cotton High School, he did not specialize in wrestling until college, also excelling in prep football and baseball.

Erisman on Aziere - "Noah brings a lot of athleticism and a fiery passion to win. We're all very excited to see him take the mat for the Trojans."


Paul Bianchi (North Dakota State)

Bianchi joins the Trojans as a former Division I National qualifier, making the cut in 2018 as a redshirt freshman after placing 7th at the Big 12 Conference Championship. A three-time Wisconsin high school state champion, he recorded a perfect 104-0 as an upperclassman for Two Rivers High School, while also competing in track and field and cross country.

Erisman on Bianchi - "Paul comes to us as the most experienced and decorated wrestler at the collegiate level. He has already shown an incredible work ethic and has been a great impact on our team."
 

Gunner Cash (Iowa Central)

Cash is another NJCAA National qualifier, earning All-American honors at Iowa Central Community College after finishing within the championship bracket of the heavyweight class in 2019. He also played football and ran track in high school, earning Male Athlete of the Year honors as well as MVP recognition in each of his three sports.

Erisman on Cash - "Gunner has tremendous size and great athleticism for a 285 man. As long as he continues to progress, he will have the opportunity to do great things this year."
 

Jose Champagne (Minnesota)

One of the earliest signees for Little Rock, Champagne had spent two seasons at Minnesota. As a redshirt freshman, he posted a 7-7 overall record for the Gophers with three pins and a pair of major decisions. An Indiana state champion in 2016 for Marian Catholic High School, Champagne boasted a high school record of 103-3 as a four-time all-conference and all-state honoree.

Erisman on Champagne - "Jose is an incredible talent and has a long history of being a winner. We will look to Jose to earn a role of being a leader on the team. Keep an eye out as the year goes on, this kid can do some special things."
 

Hasan Krigger (Iowa Lakes)

Krigger spent two seasons at Iowa Lakes Community College, utilizing his redshirt season before becoming one of the earliest commits to Little Rock. At Central Gwinnett High School, he came away as the 2016 Georgia state champion, posting a 23-1 record as a senior. Krigger also collected All-American status twice after finishing first in cadet nationals in Fargo.

Erisman on Krigger - "Hasan is one to watch for this year. His ability is second to none. He has already overcome a good amount of adversity due to injuries. So as long as he stays on course, he will have a great opportunity this year." 
 

Tommy Lisher (Iowa Western)

Another NJCAA Championship qualifier, Lisher spent two seasons competing for Iowa Western Community College. During his high school career, he was a three-time Kansas state qualifier as well as Kansas state champion before finishing his senior year at Park Hill High School as a state finalist at the Missouri state championships. Lisher is also a two-time Fargo All-American.

Erisman on Lisher - "Thomas has great skill and feel for wrestling. With the right attitude and continued growth, the sky's the limit for him"

Braeden Redlin (Ohio State)

Redlin used his redshirt year as a Buckeye before becoming a Trojan, posting an 11-4 record with seven pins during his time up north. In high school, he was a four-time Texas state champion, four-time Fargo All-American, and an Ironman All-American, finishing his high school career with a record of 165-10.

Erisman on Redlin - "Braeden has had a long history of winning and has won at every level. Having transferred from a national powerhouse program, he can step up in a big way for Little Rock." 

Keep up with us as we introduce the rest of the roster over the next two days, and make sure to mark your calendars for the grand opening of the Greg L. Hatcher Wrestling Center next Wednesday, September 25 at 5:30 p.m. 

For the latest information on Little Rock Wrestling, make sure to check out LRTrojans.com. You can also find the team on social media at @LittleRockWRES on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

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