Monarchs Grab Another: Simley’s Barnes

Willie Saylor, Editor

It was pretty quiet on the Old Dominion recruiting front until last week. Quite odd for the Monarchs, whose Head Coach, Steve Martin, is known as a voracious recruiter.

But more true to form, and since last Thursday, the Monarchs’ hits just keep on coming. Thursday they received a verbal from #6-Jack Dechow (184, IL). On Friday they grabbed #8-Kevin Beazley (184, MI).
Then, on Tuesday, their third recruit for 2012 Class committed: #8-Micah Barnes (165).

Barnes comes from perennial powerhouse Simley, Minnesota. He is a two-time state runner-up and a Fargo All-American. He sits 10th nationally in the overall rankings at 165lbs.

The obvious targeting of weights in the back half of the line-up makes sense for ODU, whose #7-ranked Class of 2011 consisted entirely of light- and middle-weights.

For Micah, who started wrestling in 4th grade, Old Dominion was a perfect fit. “They have phenomenal facilities,” he said. “The school and the guys on the team are great. The coaching staff and I are on the same page. We understand each others goals and want to work to achieve them.”

Barnes, who goes to Simley High School in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota, is coached by the Short Family, legends in the state as well as nationally. Simley has been ranked in the Top 10 in the country for the past three years. Micah says that the coaching staff were in his corner throughout his recruitment and with his decision.

“They were all for it. They just wanted the best fit for me. The coaching staff at Simley just wanted me to go where I was comfortable and where I would be happy. And they have trust in Coach Martin’s program.”

Micah’s father, David, a teacher at Simley, also said he was excited about Old Dominion.

“He felt he was needed (at Old Dominion). He has high aspirations and he thinks he can reach them there. It should be exciting to watch his career in college.”

David went on to characterize Micah’s recruiting as a process that didn’t come without some drawbacks. “It’s kind of difficult to say ‘no’ to some of these coaches, who are all great people with many things to offer. And, it really is a ‘process’ for these kids. Micah put a lot of thought, time, and research into his decision. But now the pressure is off. He can go on and finish his senior year in high school off strong.”