[fan00]

I spotted Sam Rakes (Sr., Christiansburg High School) at the tri-match last night. According to his mom he also came to the Wednesday night match vs. NC State. He was ranked 11th nationally at 160 before he dropped to 152. He is ranked first in the state of VA (A, AA, and AAA). This year he won the Powerade tournament (at 152), placed sixth in the Beast (at 160), and 8th in the Ironman (at 160). He is a two time state champ at 152 and placed 4th his freshman year at 140. His mom said he hasn't made a final decision, but really likes Liberty, the coaches, the program, etc. Let's keep our fingers crossed as this would be a great pick up for us!

[Sly Fox]

Thanks for the heads up. Sounds like a great kid.

[Dan P]

Congrats to Sam on his verbal commitment to LU! Nice pickup for an already very solid team.

[Sly Fox]

Outstanding!

[Stevewalt]

Congrats Sam and great for LU

[fan00]

Castro Inks Three-Time State Champion


Head coach Jesse Castro has announced the signing of Sam Rakes to a national letter of intent.
April 22, 2008
Lynchburg, Va.

Liberty University Head Wrestling Coach Jesse Castro has announced the addition of three-time Virginia state champion Sam Rakes to the Flames roster, as the Christiansburg High School standout has signed a national letter of intent for the 2008-09 academic year.

"Sam is an extremely talented wrestler who brings a lot of national experience to Liberty,” commented the two-time NCAA East Regional Coach of the Year about his new signee.

http://www.libertyflames.com/index.cfm? ... 88&TeamID=

[matshark]

Freakin AWESOME!

i expect that kid can probably come in and challenge right away for some starting time... even if he doesn't get much time as a freshman, ust the development he will have over that first year will make him a force come his soph year for sure...