One of the very first articles I ever wrote for wrestling was 18 years ago when I did a feature article on a Georgia wrestler who had been a standout at the University of Oklahoma. One of the things he and I talked about was how at the time there was no collegiate wrestling at the varsity level in Georgia. We both agreed that if there ever was, it'd be good. Nearly two decades later, we now have Truett-McConnell, Brewton Parker, Emmanuel, Reinhardt & the team we're taking a look at now Life. Not only are the Runnin' Eagles one of the best programs in the NAIA, they've been one of the only programs that has been able to upend Grand View in their dominance for the NAIA team championship. Being an historical expert on discontinued programs, I'm not sure if everyone else is aware of just how hard our sport was hit throughout the south in the 70's, 80's and early 90's. We have lost so many programs to where it dwindled down to practically nothing. To see a resurgence in the last 10-15 years & the growth of collegiate wrestling has been a restoration of hope for the future of the sport. To see Life succeed at such a high level is a reward unmatchable to a wrestling enthusiast such as myself. Southern wrestling is on the rise & we'll see more and more programs pop up as the years progress. How appropriate that the life of college wrestling in the south upon its second go round, in partial started at Life? Life gives life, I guess you could say.
Life's roster was a little difficult to configure in places and the whole COVID-19 eligibility rules have me thrown out of whack. However, I do believe I know who will and who won't be back this season. I think I know who was a senior and who has since ran out of eligibility. Could be wrong. I'm almost positive that since NAIA champ Denver Stonecheck was listed as a grad student that he's done. Then I think Jacob Ruiz, who was 7th in the nation last season has also since graduated, as has Sid Ohl who was 3rd. Pretty sure that after some time at SIUE as well as Clackamas that Mason McDaniel is now done as well. If in fact they have more eligibility and they are returning, my apologies for my own confusion.
Nevertheless even with these three tremendous talents gone due to graduation, Life still returns a tremendous lineup. 5 All Americans, two finalists, one champion, plus three more qualifiers, two of which were one match shy of All American status. A team that will contend for the 2023 NAIA team championship? I'd say so.
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| 125 lbs Brandon Orum |
Only a junior and already a two time NAIA finalist. Winning a title as a freshman in 2021, he was he runner-up last season. Now that his two biggest adversaries Esco Walker & Justin Portillo of Grand View are both done with their collegiate careers, the young Eagle looks to completely dominate the NAIA's lowest weight class. It'll be interesting to see if anyone can even remotely challenge him this season.
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| 141 lbs Julian Hernandez |
After two earlier trips to the NAIA championships, Julian Hernandez was able to make the award stand last season when he placed 5th. A Mid South Conference South (MSCS) runner-up, he'll look to win a title this season & add another NAIA medal to his collection.
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| 149 lbs Brevin Balmeceda |
One of Brevin Balmeceda's greatest competitions last season was his own teammate Denver Stonecheck who defeated him for both a MSCS title as well as defeating him at the NAIA's where Stonecheck won a national title and Balmeceda came back to finish 3rd. Now that Stonecheck has since graduated, the Oklahoma State transfer looks to be the favorite in both the conference and in the NAIA. Nevertheless he'll still have challenge from both Southeastern's Andreus Bond as well as Indiana Tech's Nick Gates. As a result look for 149 lbs to be perhaps the NAIA's toughest weight class.
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| 157 lbs Jack Bass |
Two time NAIA All American Jack Bass enters his final season as a Runnin' Eagle having placed 5th in 2021, making the NAIA finals last season. He'll contend for a third All American honor as well as the national title this season.
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| 157 lbs Steve Villalobos |
Steve Villalobos finished 2nd in the MSCS last season, qualifying for the NAIA championships. He'll look to contend for a conference title this season as well as another NAIA qualification.
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| 174 lbs Asher Eichert |
Making the NAIA finals in 2021, Asher Eichert was one match away from placing last season. No doubt he'll be hungry to redeem himself and get back to form this season.
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| 197 lbs Zane Lanham |
3rd in 2021 and the NAIA national champion this past season, I can't see anyone challenging Zane Lanham this season. Guarantees don't exist in this sport, but the closest we have to them puts $$ on Life having two really good shots at individual NAIA titles and one of them in Lanham. This kid is extremely tough & it'll take someone at their very best, plus a little luck in the back pocket to beat him.
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| HWT J.J. Perez |
I could be wrong on Perez's eligibility but I think after spending sometime at Southwestern Oregon Community College he has one more year left. If not, sorry. Perez was one match shy of NAIA All American honors last season as he also finished as the MSCS runner-up. He'll look to make the award stand this season and for another high placing within the conference. (If of course he has another season of eligibility left.)
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