LEXINGTON, Va. – The VMI wrestling team announced an incoming group of nine freshmen Tuesday set to join the team this fall.

"I couldn't be more excited to welcome this group to VMI," said head coach Jim Gibson. "They all bring a list of academic and athletic accolades to Lexington.  I'm expecting big things from each of them in the classroom and on the mat." 

Tony Burke, Washington Crossing, Pa., Council Rock North

Before VMI: A four-year letterwinner for head coach Mike Diglia … a two-time state place-winner and also a district and region champion.

Ray Cmil III, Canfield, Ohio, South Range High School

Before VMI: Wrestled at 113, 120 and 132 pounds … a 144-35 career record … 2022 state runner-up at 132 pounds … took fifth at states in 2021 … a two-time district finalist, a three-time sectional champion, two-time conference MVP … two-time academic All-Ohio …. highest win percentage in school history and the first league champion … team captain.

Dyson Dunham, Haymarket, Va., Benedictine College Prep

Before VMI: Had over 100 career wins … a two-time national prep All-American and state placer … three-time Virginia state champion … NHSCA Senior All-American … Virginia Greco Roman State Champion … VISSA State Champ … one-time Idaho state champion and two-time Idaho Greco champion … academic letter (3.5 or higher GPA) each year … graduated summa cum laude.

Braxton Lewis, Suffolk, Va., Nansemond River

Before VMI: Lettered for four years, also served as a team captain … a 2019 state champion, the first state champion at the school for 17 years … state runner-up in 2020 and third place in 2021 … War on the Shore Champion … reached 100 wins by sophomore year … competed with Slaughterhouse Wrestling Club … gained the rank of captain in JROTC in two years … competed at the United World Wrestling Team trials in Las Vegas … uncle Kevin Lewis wrestled at the College of William & Mary.

Matt Mckim, Purcellville, Va., Woodgrove

Before VMI: Started for three seasons at 285, compiling a record of 54-16 … won three individual tournaments … in 2021 he finished third in the district, second in the region and fifth in the state … team captain … lettered for four years in football, earning second-team all-district honors.

Hunter Robinson, Edinboro, Pa., Saegertown

Before VMI: Lettered for three seasons … placed fifth and seventh at the PIAA AA State Tournament … three-time sectional champion … two-time D10 champ … two-time NW Region Champion and one-time super region champion … had a career record of 101-18 … took third place at the Folkstyle Nationals … an F10 National All-American.

Nate Shippey, Interboro High School

Before VMI: A four-year letterwinner, wrestling at 113, 120, 126 and 132 … earned all-state honors ... career record of 91-33 … two-time all-Delco first and second team … a two-time state qualifier and one-time state medalist … also competed in track, cross country and soccer.  

Ryan Vigil, Westminster, Colo., Broomfield

Before VMI: A four-year letterwinner … team captain … a two-time state and three-time regional champion … 2022 Boulder County Wrestler of the Year … also was a libero on the volleyball team in 2022 … was unscored on at the state tournament in 2021 … competed with Bear Cave Wrestling Club … placed fourth at the 2021 Folkstyle Nationals … a junior national team member … USA Wrestling All-American 2020/2021.

Austin Zehring, Nokesville, Va., Patriot

Before VMI: Competed for four years for head coach Rich Edwards … a three-time state qualifier and two-time state placer … freestyle/Greco state runner up … super state champ … competed with Integrity Wrestling Club.