Liberty University Club Sports Athletics
State champion wrestler from Georgia answers call to Liberty
4/29/2021 12:00:00 AM | Men's Wrestling
Build one of the best NCWA programs in the nation, and a state-of-the-art facility to train in, and the high-level recruits will come.
Such was the case for Liberty University men's wrestling Head Coach Jesse Castro, who recently received a letter of commitment from Augusta (Ga.) Christian School 171-pound wrestler Eric Young, a state champion this past season after finishing runner-up the previous two years, going 57-6 with 39 pins.
"He reached out to us," Castro said. "We had no prior knowledge of him, but once I found out he was interested in Liberty, I was all over recruiting him. He came to Liberty (for College For A Weekend in March) and spent a lot of time with the guys on the team, and they had good chemistry, which works both ways, so that was really helpful."
"I met a lot of future teammates and coaches at Liberty and felt that family connection when I toured the campus and got to practice with the team," Young added. "I loved it and decided that what Liberty has in store for me is what God has set up for me."
He said besides the brand new Club Sports Complex, where the men's and women's wrestling teams train, the Christian community was the greatest influence in his decision to pursue his collegiate career at Liberty.
"I have God in my life and know I can achieve anything with Him because He strengthens me," Young said. "I like how Liberty provides a great environment where I will get to praise God freely. I chose Liberty because I want to further my education and athletics in an environment that is centered around Jesus Christ. To Liberty, I bring my determined mindset. I believe, with prayer and determination, anything can be accomplished."
He is more interested in team championship trophies than individual medals and crowns.
"I definitely consider my wrestling team and any team I'm on to be my family because we're all competing to reach a common goal and we all sharpen each other," he said.
A three-sport athlete at Augusta Christian, Young also played noseguard and defensive end for the Lions' football team in the fall and runs the 1,600- and 400-meters and throws the shot put and discus for the track and field team this spring. However, though he has only been wrestling competitively for five years, after growing up grappling in the house and being thrown around the yard by his older godbrothers, it is the sport he is most passionate about.
"I've just fallen in love with the sport," Young said. "It is the greatest sport anyone could compete in. I run track because it helps me build my endurance, and playing football helps me build strength up for wrestling. They go hand in hand, that tackling technique and taking a shot in wrestling."
Though it shortened his senior season, Young hasn't allowed COVID-19 to detract from his training, or long-range goals of becoming a collegiate national champion.
"It changed a lot of things about how we compete and how many matches we get, but it didn't change my determination about the sport and how much time I've spent training," Young said, "If anything, it made me become a better wrestler and push myself harder and be more disciplined."
He began his high school career wrestling at 182 pounds as a freshman before improving his conditioning and technique and becoming a leaner, stronger 171-pounder his last three seasons.
"One of my best attributes is my explosiveness," Young said, noting that he won all three of his state championship matches by first-period falls. "I was pretty dominant."
Young finished undefeated not only in the state tournament but throughout his senior season.
"This was my best year, success-wise," Young said. "I would come into the match with a dominant mindset. I don't plan on underestimating any opponent. I train and condition so that I am able to give everything that I have. I believe I have a lot more to achieve at Liberty doing collegiate wrestling."
Young said his coaches and teachers at Augusta Christian instilled in him a positive work ethic and encouraged him to pour out his heart on the field, track, or mat.
"(Former NCAA Division I champion and U.S. Olympic gold medalist) Dan Gable said, ‘The first period is won by the best technician, the second period is won by the kid in the best shape, the third period is won by the (wrestler) with the biggest heart,'" Young said.
The son of two U.S. Army veteran parents, Young plans to study commercial/corporate aviation through Liberty's School of Aeronautics in preparation for launching a career as a private pilot after graduation. Inspired to fly after watching the movie, "Top Gun," he may also follow his parents' military lead and join Liberty's ROTC program and become a pilot for the U.S. Air Force or Navy.
By Ted Allen/Staff Writer
