Old Dominion continues landing some of the Nations Best

Monarch Class of ’11 Already Boasts Four

Willie Saylor, Editor

Steve Martin never stops working.

At the NHSCA class nationals in Virginia Beach last spring, Martin was running around the arena, trying to get results and catch matches of potential recruits he was interested in.

Announcing the event for the live webcast at the time, I noticed Coach Martin in need of help.
I took my headset off and asked what I could do.

“Did you see this kid,” he asked, pointing to a piece of scratch paper with names scribbled on it. And then additional questions: “What did you think?” and “What was this score?” and “Did you see any good ones at this weight?”

As a coach who first honed his craft at the high school level, Martin seems to relate well with recruits. The crops of talent he’s brought in over the last few years are a testament to that. In the last two years, ODU’s incoming recruiting classes were both tabbed in the Top 20 by TheOpenMat. His current roster lists kids from far and wide; 11 different states are represented.

A 12th will be next year.

Martin has parlayed his high school experience and the relationships he’s built through years of camps to scour the country in effort to secure the best student-athletes he can.

The Old Dominion staff has already gotten four standout commitments for next year. And they can point to reference recent success when pointing out the advantages of wrestlers looking to continue their careers in college.

Under Martin, the Monarch have set several new program high-water marks. Most qualifiers, highest All-American, highest national dual ranking, first Academic-All American.

“We definitely experienced some success,” Coach Martin said. “But we can’t rest on that. We have to keep it rolling with hard work. We want to build on that momentum and continue to bring in excellent student-athletes.”

They’re definitely off to a good start.

Nearly two months before the high school season begins, and four standouts are already making arrangement to move to Virginia to enter Old Dominion next fall, three of whom were nationally ranked by TheOpenMat as Top 12 Prospects in their respective collegiate weights.

Kansas product #8 Taylor Moeder (149), a state champion, and National Greco-Roman National Champion, was the first to commit.

A week later two-time Pennsylvania state placer Brandon Choate (133/141) also jumped on.

They were followed by #9 Rob Deutsch (NJ, 125/133), a three-time state placewinner, state champion, and Fargo All-American who verballed two weeks ago.

#9 Chris Mecate (CA, 141) is the latest Monarch pledge. Mecate holds titles from prestigious tournaments 5-Counties and Super32.

With the lightweights rounded out, it is anticipated that Martin and his staff will focus their attention on recruiting upperweights, particularly 165 and 197 where they could use some depth.

We had the opportunity to catch up with Choate, Mecate, and Rob to talk about their decision to continue their careers at Old Dominion. (We apologize we couldn’t get Taylor Moeder’s response by press time.)

WS: What made you ultimately decide on ODU?

CM: I ultimately decided to go to Old Dominion because the school was a right fit for me and I fit in with the team. And I think the coaching staff would allow me to reach my full potential.

RD: I like the school and the area. The coaches were exactly what I was looking for and I really liked the university and the wrestlers on the team. ODU looks to me like a great team that will get to the next level very soon and I am excited about being part of that.

BC: I picked ODU because it was a fit academically and athletically. Secondly. I liked where it was located. ODU is in Norfolk, Virginia which is 10 minutes outside of Virginia Beach. I believe i made the right decision and i believe it was a fantastic fit for me.

WS: What was the recruiting process like for you?

CM: The process was a little stressful with all the phone calls and paperwork, But it was definitely a good learning experience.

RD: The recruiting process is mostly about looking and not touching, waiting and feeling each other out, which is very frustrating. Coach Martin was very upfront with me which made it easier to make up my mind. I had very few questions or concerns by the time I visited ODU. I already knew what Coach Martin’s goals going forward are, and the visit just could not have gone better.

WS: Have you thought about what you might major in?

CM: I plan on majoring in business administration but I don’t know what i want to concentrate in just yet.

RD: I will major in Criminal Justice with the intent to join one of the federal agencies like the FBI, Secret Service, Homeland security, etc. ODU has a criminal justice program that offers a variety of courses that relate to the social and psychological causes of criminal behavior and to the administration of criminal justice criminal behavior, which will prepare me for my career goals.

BC: I plan on studying physical therapy or some sort of sports science not sure yet. ODU is ranked in the top ten for physical therapy. So the academic part impressed me. I liked the way everything was right there. If you needed a paper checked a tutor or help on something it was within reach.

WS: What is your relationship with the coaches like?

CM: I have known Coach Martin for more than 10 years as well as Assistant coach Sioredas so I have a pretty good relationship with the coaches and I’m very familiar with them.

RD: The coaching staff, lead by Coach Martin is a hard working, dedicated set of coaches. I feel they are ready to do great things at ODU, and I am motivated to be a part of that. I know Coach Martin and the entire coaching staff has the ability to help me set proper goals, and then help me prepare to reach those goals. I feel like he has been my coach already and I have developed fine relationship with him. I also feel a natural attraction to his staff: Coach Dixon, Coach Smith and Coach Sioredas, all are focused and able to help me progress. I can’t wait to get there and get going.

BC: Their wrestling program and coaching staff was outstanding. I think Steve Martin is one of the best head coaches in the country. I believe he has the tools and knowledge to make me into a NCAA champion. As a whole, the coaching staff was upfront and looked like they knew what they were doing.

WS: Are you familiar with any of the other current wrestlers at ODU?

CM: I know a couple upperclassmen from Granby camps but I met most of the team for the first time on my recruiting trip.

RD: I am familiar with how well many of the wrestlers have done at ODU. I have met the team and got to spend a weekend with them, and feel I am a good fit with them and for Coach Martin. Also, I wrestled with Eric Dunnet since we were kids in NJ and at Eastern Regional HS, and we have been good friends on and off the mat for years.

BC: I loved the guys on wrestling team. They were definitely a chill group of guys.Most of them i met for the first time when i was on my visit.

WS: How do you see yourself fitting into the line-up and on the team?

CM: I plan on redshirting as a freshman and i plan on wrestling 141/149. i know I’ll have to battle for whatever spot I go so it will be exciting. I’m looking forward to it.

RD: I will probably red shirt my freshman year. I have a lot to learn before taking the mat in an ODU singlet. After that, I hope to break into the lineup at 125 or 133, depending on my weight and what the team needs.

WS: What are your goals while in college?

CM: My goals are to be maintain a 3.5 as well as being a National Champion.

RD: I hope to be a major contributor to, and potential leader in, the ODU program both as a student and a wrestler. I plan to work very hard to become a multiple AA and national champion.