'Iron Sharpens Iron'

Some of the most highly ranked high school wrestlers in the nation highlight the 2016 Lehigh recruiting class announced this spring by head coach Pat Santoro.

The acclaimed class was ranked fifth in the nation by InterMat. It includes four incoming freshmen who were ranked among the Top 100 prep wrestlers nationally.

"It's a class with good wrestlers, but we were fortunate enough to also get some really good character kids," Santoro said. "I'm a big believer in 'iron sharpens iron.' With the addition of this class, every weight class will be competitive."

The highest-rated member of the class is Jordan Wood, a heavyweight from Boyertown High School. The No. 10 overall recruit in the class of 2016 according to InterMat, Wood amassed a 149-5 career record, including a perfect 20-0 junior season that resulted in a state championship.

Joining Wood this coming fall on South Mountain will be Luke Karam, a Lehigh Valley native and three-time state champion for Bethlehem Catholic. One of three Bethlehem Catholic grads on the roster, Karam was ranked 15th in the Class of 2016 by InterMat. He is a four-time district and regional champion.

Chris Weiler, the nation's 19th ranked recruit, comes to Lehigh from prep school power Wyoming Seminary. He is a two-time National Prep All-American and won a National Prep title at Lehigh's Stabler Arena at 160 pounds in 2015.

The fourth Top 100 grappler in the class is John "Jake" Jakobsen from Stroudsburg High School. A three-time state qualifier, two-time finalist and the 2016 state champion at 195 pounds, Jakobsen was considered the No. 80 recruit in the nation. The remaining members of the class are: Dylan Ammerman (Dushore, Pa.); Aaron Burkett (New Paris, Pa.); Kyle Gentile (Sellersville, Pa.); Nick Farro (Morristown, N.J.) and Joe Lobeck (Lancaster, Pa.)

The Mountain Hawks finished 14th at the NCAA Championships last season, crowning three All-Americans for the third straight year. While the team loses eight seniors to graduation, including three All-Americans, it also returns eight previous NCAA qualifiers and three All-Americans.

"We're excited about the future—where we are and where we're going," Santoro said. "I'm looking forward to getting this class on campus and getting started."

Story by Steve Lomangino