SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Augustana head wrestling coach
Jason Reitmeier announced Wednesday the signing of three student-athletes for the 2010-11 season. Jeffrey O'Brien from West Point, Neb., Bradyn Neises from Howard, S.D., and Parker Swanson from Canton, S.D., have all signed letters of intent to continue their academic and athletic careers at Augustana.
O'Brien is a 2010 graduate of Central Catholic High School in West Point, Neb., where he was a four-year letterwinner and captained his squad for two years. During his senior season, O'Brien compiled a 32-5 record at 135 pounds and notched his 107th career win. A three-time state qualifier, he captured a fourth-place state finish in 2008-09 and was twice named his team's Outstanding Wrestler of the Year. O'Brien is expected to wrestle at 141 pounds for Augustana.
“Jeffrey is going to be an invaluable addition to this team,” said Reitmeier. “He is coming off a very successful season, and we are very confident he can translate that success at the high school level to success here at Augustana.”
Neises graduated from Howard High School in 2010. A four-year letterwinner, Neisis wrestled his way to a state championship at 152 pounds in 2010 and posted a sparkling 40-1 record. He also posted state runner-up finishes during his junior and sophomore campaigns and was an eighth-place finisher during his freshman season. Neisis compiled a career record of 154-18. Neisis also picked up letters in football and golf. He is expected to wrestle at 157 pounds for Augustana.
“Bradyn's accolades speak for themselves; he is a competitor who will fit in well as a Viking,” Reitmeier said. “He has the potential to make an immediate impact, and we are looking forward to getting him on campus.”
Swanson wrapped up his prep career at Canton High School in 2010. A four-year letterwinner, Swanson most recently earned a state runner-up finish at 140 pounds, while his team grabbed identical honors at the state level. Swanson posted all-conference honors four times and was a conference and region champion four times. He recorded a career record of 128-21. Swanson also shined in the classroom, picking up Academic All-State honors as a senior. He also lettered in cross country and track and field. Swanson is expected to wrestle at 149 pounds for Augustana.
“Parker is a well-rounded student-athlete, and we expect big things from him on the mat and in the classroom,” Reitmeier. “He is going to be a welcome addition to our program, and we are excited to have him at Augustana.
This latest trio of signees brings Reitmeier's 2010-11 recruiting class to nine. In early December, Jayd Docken from Winner, S.D., T.J. North from Elk Point, S.D., Jeremiah Peterson from Canton, S.D., Jake Miller from Omaha, Neb., Ryan Hartnett from Gretna, Neb., and Jeff Nielsen from Zimmerman, Minn., all committed to wrestle at Augustana.
Located in Sioux Falls, S.D., Augustana is a member of NCAA Division II and the Norther Sun Intercollegiate Conference.
