#1 Ranked Brunson to Illinois

[Illiniwrestling2012]

Willie Saylor, Editor

Fargo Champ Brunson Joins Illini

Illinois Coaches Jim Heferrnan and Jeremy Hunter added Mark Perry and Cory Cooperman to bolster their staff, reinvigorate the program, and one more thing…

recruit!

Early indications are that the moves are paying off.

Already with a verbal confirmation from California State Champion Nikko Reyes (184), the Illini received more good news Thursday evening as two-time Fargo finalist Zac Brunson called in his commitment.

Brunson is a 3x State Champion wrestling for Churchill HS in Oregon. He’s fresh off a Junior Freestyle national title earned in Fargo this summer. He was also a finalist in Cadet Greco in 2009, and at the Reno Tournament of Champions last December, and at Fila’s this spring.

He sports a three-year high school record of 141-2, and will be featured as our #2-ranked recruit at 165lbs in our forthcoming Top Prospect Report.

We had a chance to talk with Brunson regarding his decision to head to Champaign. Here’s what he had to say…


WS: What made Illinois the best fit for you?

ZB: It was the best all the way around: the coaches, the campus, the environment. All the wrestlers there seemed focused and serious about attaining their goals.


WS: There seems to be a lot of excitement at Illinois right now with the new coaches. Is that something that attracted you to the program?

ZB: Absolutely. They brought in Perry and Coop and everyone is really enthusiastic and optimistic. There was definitely a good energy there.


WS: What other schools were you considering?

ZB: I took my five visits to Illinois, Minnesota, Oregon State, Cornell, and Missouri.


WS: What are your goals for college?

ZB: Four NCAA titles, no doubt about it. And team-wise, to contribute not only by winning, but by doing whatever I can to help the other people in the program succeed.


WS: Now that you’ve made your decision, is it a relief?

ZB: Yeah. Definitely a lot of stress off my shoulders. Maybe I’ll finally get a good night sleep tonight.