Kent State University at Tuscarawas is announcing the signing of a Whetstone High School graduating senior to their wrestling team. On May 18, Justin Rodriguez signed a Letter of Intent to wrestle for the Kent State Tuscarawas Golden Eagles Wrestling Team. Whetstone High School is located in Clintonville, OH.
Rodriguez was a four-year letter winner for the Braves wrestling team. He was an Ohio High School Athletic Association State Wrestling Championship qualifier this year and compiled an 18-5 record during his final season on the mat for Whetstone High School. He was also a three-time sectional tournament placer, one-time district placer, three-time City League Champion, was named Most Valuable Wrestler during his sophomore and junior years, and also had the most takedowns and pins on his team during his junior year. Rodriguez finished as the bronze medalist for the Ohio Junior Olympic Freestyle Wrestling Team in 2015 and 2016, and placed fifth in Junior Olympic Greco Freestyle wrestling in 2016. He plans to major in criminology and justice studies at Kent State Tuscarawas.
“We are very pleased to have Justin as the newest member of our team,” said Dave Schlarb, Head Wrestling Coach for Kent State Tuscarawas. “He is a competitor who really never leaves the mat during the high school off-season and continues to compete throughout the summer. He has put together an impressive resume of experience and championships and knows a lot of his fellow competitors. As a matter of fact, he has two friends on our wrestling team which will help him acclimate to being away from home. That comfort level will hopefully payoff for him on the mat as he helps our team compete for championships.”
Kent State Tuscarawas is a member of the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA).
Photo Cutline: Signing a Letter of Intent is: Justin Rodriguez (center) seated beside his sister Isabelle (left) and mother, Crystal. Standing are Kent State Tuscarawas Wrestling Coach Dave Schlarb, Rick Rodriguez, Justin’s father, and Kent State Tuscarawas Athletic Director Rob Brindley.