Wrestling inks two more

Below is a press release written by Iowa State athletic communications.

AMES, Iowa – Two more wrestlers from the high school class of 2012 officially signed letters of intent with Iowa State Thursday. John Meeks of Roosevelt High School in Des Moines, Iowa and Jesse Doyle from Trinity, N.C. will both add depth to the Cyclone lineup at 133 and 184 pounds, respectively.

John Meeks: Des Moines, Iowa (Roosevelt)Projected weight: 133 poundsRank: No. 2 (138 pounds)

Meeks enters his senior season at Roosevelt with an undefeated record in Iowa and three state championship titles. Last year Meeks placed sixth at the Junior National Freestyle Competition and became a USA Wrestling Folkstyle National Champ. Intermat ranks Meeks as the second-best high school wrestler in the nation at 138 pounds.

“I feel we have some guys that are capable at 133 right now, but John Meeks was recruited heavily, as one of the best wrestlers in the country,” said Iowa State head wrestling coach Kevin Jackson. “That is showing our fans and our program the direction we’re going in and I think adding nationally-ranked kids are going to allow us to contend for the national championship.”

Jesse Doyle: Trinity, N.C. (Wheatmore)Projected Weight: 184

Jesse Doyle began making a name for himself in the state of North Carolina as a freshman. Doyle placed third at the class 2A North Carolina state meet in 2009. In his sophomore season, Doyle brought home a third-place finish from the 2010 NHSCA Sophomore National competition and a runner-up finish at Cadet Greco-Roman Nationals. Last season the Trinity, N.C., native was crowned North Carolina’s 2A state champion at 189 pounds and garnered a third place finish at NHSCA Junior Nationals.

“We locked Jesse down with a verbal commitment prior to getting Boaz Beard back, but obviously that cross-over is going to be good for us because I think by the time Jesse is eligible to wrestle Boaz will be a senior,” Jackson said. “I think Jesse is a kid that can step into 184. He’s a grown man already with great ability and loves the sport of wrestling. He’s academically strong and we look to add another piece to the puzzle with Jesse.”