LITTLE ROCK - Head coach Neil Erisman has announced the signing of six talented new Trojans, including two that are nationally ranked, that will all continue to elevate the Little Rock wrestling program. Joining the team in the fall of 2021 are Jacob Adams (Bentonville, Arkansas), Cougar Andersen (Skiatook, Oklahoma), Cayden Auch (Neosho, Missouri), Matthew Bianchi (Two Rivers, Wisconsin), Cade Manion (Edmond, Oklahoma), and Reid Nelson (Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota).
Read more about the incoming class below:
Jacob Adams (Bentonville, Arkansas)
A big in-state pickup for the Trojans is Adams, a three-time Arkansas high school State champion. Currently owning an impressive high school record of 129-2, Adams will be a welcomed addition to the lower weights and will likely appear at 133 pounds for Little Rock.
Coach Erisman on Adams - "Jacob comes from a powerhouse of a program here in Arkansas. We look for him to make a big noise here and for our state in the future. He has a big frame, big potential, and Jacob will look great with a Trojan on his chest."
Cougar Andersen (Skiatook, Oklahoma)
A three-time Oklahoma 5A high school State champion with a current record of 117-4, Andersen is likely to wrestle at 157 for the Trojans. He has also garnered a UWW Schoolboy Pan-American Freestyle championship and a third place finish in Greco at UWW Cadet Nationals.
Coach Erisman on Andersen - "Cougar is as tough as his name sounds! He has won at a very high level and is going to bring some great wrestling to our program. This is one Little Rock fans will definitely be excited about."
Cayden Auch (Neosho, Missouri)
Auch is one of two incoming Trojans that is nationally ranked, with Open Mat placing him 19th in the 160-pound weight class. A three-time Missouri high school State champion with an impressive current record of 162-6, he will bolster the middle weights at either 157 or 165 pounds.
Coach Erisman on Auch - "Cayden comes from a great program, loves wrestling, and has great skill. We are very excited to see him grow when he gets here. He will provide some great depth in the middle weights and be fighting for a spot right away."
Matthew Bianchi (Two Rivers, Wisconsin)
The younger brother of current Trojans Paul and Joseph, Bianchi is the other high-ranking newcomer, sitting 7th at 145 pounds on Open Mat. He is a three-time Wisconsin high school State champion with a record of 138-10 and has placed twice at both Fargo and the Cheesehead Invitational.
Coach Erisman on Bianchi - "Matty might have two brothers here but he is an incredibly unique athlete. He is very dynamic, wrestles and wins at a high level, and is one of the highest ranked recruits we have ever brought in. Expect big things coming from him during his time here at Little Rock."
Cade Manion (Edmond, Oklahoma)
Manion was the 2020 Oklahoma 6A high school State champion at 138 and placed every other year, holding a current record of 122-15. He also is a two-time High School USA Wrestling All-American, two-time Texas Outlaw champ, two-time Gardner Edgington champ, and two-time Oklahoma State Freestyle/Greco Champion.
Coach Erisman on Manion - "Cade is a hard nosed, tough dude. We love watching him because he consistently gets better every time he competes. Cade encompasses who we are looking for in a Little Rock Trojan. We are very excited to have him here at The Rock!"
Reid Nelson (Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota)
Joining the Trojans from powerhouse Simley High School, Nelson is a two-time Minnesota high school State third place finisher with a current record of 98-15. A 2018 Fargo Cadet Freestyle All-American, Nelson is expected to quickly make an impact at 125 pounds for Little Rock.
Coach Erisman on Nelson - "Reid comes from great stock in a program like Simley High School. He competes against the best everyday and we truly believe the sky's the limit for him. He loves to compete and knows how to win so we're excited to get him in a maroon singlet."
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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