ARKADELPHIA, Ark.- Head Coach Kevin Ward continued the growth of his third year program with the signing of three spectacular athletes during this year's early signing period. Of the three signees, two are from the state of Missouri, with the other being an Arkansas native.
Nate Rodriguez, of Neosho High School in Neosho, Missouri signed with the Tigers as a projected competitor in the 133 or 141 lb weight class. Rodriguez has a career record of 154-11 during his time at Neosho and is currently the No. 13 ranked wrestler at the 132 lb weight class according to FloWrestling. He was the Missouri State Wrestler of the Year in 2011, a three time Academic All-State selection and is a three time state placer, including a pair of state championships during his sophomore and junior seasons.
John Oss signed on to the Tiger program from Ozark, Missouri, where he has been a staple on the Ozark High School wrestling squad. Oss is projected to compete at the 174 lb weight class in college. During his time at Ozark he has been a three-time state qualifier and was named an Academic All-State selection for the 2011-12 season.
Last but not least, Tyler Kurz, a product of Cabot High School in Cabot, Arkansas has declared his intent to compete for the Tigers beginning next year. Kurz holds an 83-2 record in the state of Arkansas and is a three-time state champion. He will come to Ouachita projected to compete in the 157 lb weight class.
Coach Ward was excited about his signing class, saying, “What I am most excited about is that we are adding guys who are leaders in every way to our team. All three of these guys have had a lot of success wrestling, and have performed equally well in the classroom. The average GPA of these guys is well over a 3.5 and average ACT of 27. I am so excited that they chose Ouachita, and I look forward to having them join our OBU Wrestling family.”
-Josh Fink, Sports Information Director
