Illini Ink Nation’s Top Recruit Clark
Aug 28th, 2009 | By viratas | Category: Illinios
Ohio Product Jamie Clark Pledges to Illinois
August 28, 2009 – By Willie Saylor, Editor
The University of Illinois received good news today when Lakewood, OH wrestler Jamie Clark verbally agreed to continue his wrestling career under Jim Heffernan and company.
Clark, of national powerhouse St. Edward’s High School, is the #1 ranked prospect for 133lbs in theopenmat.com’s Top Prospect Rankings, slated to be released next week. His resume includes 2 Ohio state titles, (in addition to another finals appearance his freshman year) a Walsh Ironman title and another Runner-Up finish, and multiple Fargo freestyle medals.
While he wrestled 119 last year, Clark anticipates settling in at 133lbs in college. “Yes, I’m still growing. You’ll see me at 133lber eventually, for sure. I think I’m going to wrestle this season at 130 pounds.”
A highly coveted recruit early on in his prep career, Clark initially gave a verbal pledge to wrestle for Cael Sanderson at Iowa State University. When Sanderson opted to take the Penn State coaching job, Clark re-opened his recruitment. That journey ultimately led him to Champaign.
“Illinois has a nice, small campus. I fit in really well there. I know some of the guys already on the team. And I love the coaching staff.”
On his academic interests, Clark noted that he intends in studying biology as his major.
A shoulder injury repaired after his junior season has kept Jamie’s training limited for a portion of this summer. But he seems to be back in full-swing now. “It’s healed up nice. I’ve been lifting hard for a while now and thankfully I’ve just gotten back on the mat recently. I’m feeling good.”
