Northwestern University Athletics
Nation's Top-Ranked Heavyweight Headlines Wrestling Recruiting Class
1/16/2015 12:00:00 AM | Wrestling
EVANSTON, Ill. - Northwestern head coach Drew Pariano today announced the signing of four high school seniors scheduled to enroll for the 2015-16 academic year. Zack Chakonis (Don Bosco Prep, N.J.), Luke Norland (Jackson County Central, Minn.), Alec McKenna (New Trier, Ill.) and Anthony Petrone (Highland Prep, Fla.) all signed National Letters of Intent to wrestle for Pariano and the Wildcats.
"All of the incoming freshmen have the attitude that we look for in a student-athlete," Pariano said. "They are dedicated to the sport and on top of that they are intuitive individuals who want to achieve great things during their time at Northwestern. All four of these athletes will complement our lineup as we continue to strive for Big Ten and NCAA Championships."
Zack Chakonis is the nation's top-ranked amateur heavyweight, according to InterMat's high school rankings. He has twice appeared in the New Jersey state finals and is a four-time champion at the BCCA George Jockish Holiday tournament. Chakonis will join fellow New Jerseyan Johnny Sebastian (Ramsey, N.J./Bergen Catholic) on the Wildcats roster.
Luke Norland (165/174) is ranked 15th in the nation in his 170 lbs. weight class. The Minnesota native is a three-time state place winner and was named a USA Wrestling Junior freestyle All-American in 2014.
Northwestern picked up a highly regarded local prospect at 141 lbs. in Alec McKenna. The two-time Illinois state qualifier is the all-time winningest wrestler at New Trier High School in nearby Winnetka. McKenna was named the national high school wrestler of the week by Clinch Gear in December.
Rounding out the 2015 class is Anthony Petrone from Highland Prep in Florida. Petrone will enter Northwestern as a 149-pounder. He amassed more than 200 wins in his high school career and placed in the top-5 of the state tournament four times, including a state championship in 2013.
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