LEXINGTON, Va. – The VMI wrestling team announced on Thursday the signing of 18 freshmen to join the program this fall.

"This recruiting class consists of both depth and impact," said head coach Jim Gibson. "These incoming cadet-athletes have the ability to come to VMI and step in immediately for our program.  They have high expectations in the classroom and are proven in the athletic arena. Each of these guys have serious goals individually and for the VMI wrestling team."  

Bios

Phoenix Alyea, Front Royal, Va., Skyline
Projected to wrestle at: 133
Before VMI: A four-year varsity participant … a state champion and three-time place winner … placed multiple times in the Northeast Regionals … took first place at Freestyle and Greco States … placed sixth at the Beast of the East and first at the Trojan Wars  … competed with the Integrity, Skyline and Front Royal Wrestling Clubs .. also played a year of tennis in high school.

Tyler Berish, Richeyville, Pa., Bethlehem-Center
Projected to wrestle at: 157
Before VMI: Lettered for four years in wrestling and three in football at Bethlehem-Center … a state medalist and All-American at 152 pounds … compiled a 134-29 record … a three-time state qualifier … competed for Quest Wrestling … an all-conference tight end in football … graduated top five in his class … National Honor Society Secretary.

Caleb Chandler, Chesapeake, Va., Great Bridge
Projected to wrestle at: 157
Before VMI: Lettered for two seasons at 132 and 152 pounds … was the Region 4A Champion in 2020 and was fourth at VHSL … the 2022 Interstate 64 Champion … had a 85-26 record for his career.

Eric Doran, Chesapeake, Va., Great Bridge
Projected to wrestle at: 149
Before VMI: A four-year starter (120, 126, 132 and 150) … won the state title in 2021-22 and placed third in 2022-23 … NHSCA All-American in 2020-21

Sam Dickey, Brookeville, Md., Sherwood
Projected to wrestle at: 197
Before VMI: Lettered for three years at 220 and 195 … region champion and fifth in the state … team captain … an all-county selection as a center on the football team … a recipient of NROTC Marine Option four-year scholarship.

Riley Finck, Chesapeake, Va., St. Christopher's
Projected to wrestle at: 174
Before VMI: Lettered four times in high school … posted a 116-50 career record, and was 41-19 as a senior … a two-year captain … a two-time state champion … competed with the Richmond and Slaughter House Wrestling Clubs.

Jayson Flener, Wexford, Pa., North Allegheny
Projected to wrestle at: 149
Before VMI: Lettered for three seasons for head coach Sunny Abe … had a 63-29 overall record, including a 38-12 mark as a senior … Allegheny County and District 7 First Place finisher … took fourth place in the WPIAL/Southwest Regional … PWCA Outstanding Achievement in academics … competed with the Pitbull Wrestling Club.

Patrick Jordon, Providence Forge, Va., New Kent
Projected to wrestle at: 141
Before VMI: Lettered for four seasons at New Kent …wrestled at 138-145 pounds and was a captain as a senior … posted a 127-19 record with 88 pins … a three-time state champion … competed with Va. Team Predator Wrestling … a two-time Michigan Grappler All-American … an NHSCA All-American … Beast of the East Champion … graduated with honors.  

Christian Moffett, Purcellville, Va., Woodgrove
Projected to wrestle at: 174
Before VMI: A four-year letterwinner … three-time all-district and all-region … two-time all-state … earned the team's MVP award twice … had a career record of 108-22 … also lettered twice on the football team … competed with NOVA wrestling.

Landon Muth, Walnutport, Pa., Bethlehem Catholic
Projected to wrestle at: 165
Before VMI: A varsity wrestler for three years … a two-time state qualifier and placed eighth once … took eighth in the sophomore nationals in 10^th grade … competes with the Red Hawk Wrestling Club.

Caleb Richardson, Chattanooga, Tenn., Veritas Classical School (homeschool)
Projected to wrestle at: 184
Before VMI: A three-year letterwinner … placed sixth at states in 2023 … also competed in cross country, track and football.  

Wayne Rold, Augusta, W. Va., Camden Catholic (NJ)
Projected to wrestle at: 141
Before VMI: Lettered for four seasons for head coach Bill Heverly at 106, 126 and 138 pounds … a NJ state placer … a two-time district champion … won a district championship … first-team all-conference and first-team All-South Jersey … West Virginia Freestyle State Champion.

Hunter Salomon, Front Royal, Va., Skyline  
Projected to wrestle at: 157
Before VMI: A four-time district and region champion … a two-time all-state finalist and four-time all-state honoree … had a career record of 159-22 with 113 pins … a member of the Front Royal Wrestling Club … a USMC Character and Leadership All-American.

Toby Schoffstall, Evington, Va., Liberty Christian Academy
Projected to wrestle at: 184
Before VMI: A three-time state finalist at LCA … earned the state title once … a NHSCA National Champ … compiled a 144-11 record in high school … a Fargo Finalist. 

River Smith, Salem, Va., Salem
Projected to wrestle at: 125
Before VMI: Had a record of 95-11 in his career … a two-time regional champion … state runner up at 126 pounds as a senior … finished third in state competition as a sophomore and junior … competes with Noke Wrestling RTC.   

Jackson Stroud, Nokesville, Va., Brentsville District
Projected to wrestle at: 133
Before VMI: Had a career record of 114-29 while competing between the weights of 106-138 pounds … a three-time state qualifier and placer and a three-time region finalist … 2023 Region Champion … also a two-time first-team all-region honoree on the lacrosse team as a defensive middle.

Caleb Swanson, Roanoke, Va., Northside
Projected to wrestle at: 157
Before VMI: A two-year letterwinner and captain … overall record of 83-11 with 57 pins … earned first-team VHSL Region 3D honors as a junior with second-team accolades as a senior … was third in state competition as a junior at 138 and fourth as a senior at 150 pounds.

Mohammed Zanganeh, Glen Allen, Va., Glen Allen
Projected to wrestle at: 125
Before VMI: Posted records of 26-12 as a freshman, 32-2 as a junior and 36-2 as a senior … won the state championship at 120 pounds, just the second person at the school to do so … two-time regional champ … two-time all-district … competed with River City Wrestling … a member of numerous honor societies … earned the Student-Faculty Award.