Mitchell signs to wrestle at Kent State Tuscarawas
Sam Mitchell, center, signed his letter of intend to wrestle at Kent State Tuscarawas. The recent River View High School graduate is pictured with his mom, Vanessa Mitchell and dad, Darby Mitchell. Josie Sellers | Beacon
WARSAW – Sam Mitchell is ready to move on and take the next step in life athletically and academically at Kent State Tuscarawas.
On June 14, the recent River View High School graduate signed his letter of intent to wrestle in college while surrounded by family and friends in the school’s library.
“I liked the atmosphere there and how nice the coaches and everyone on the team is,” Mitchell said.
He plans to wrestle 285 – heavy weight and major in engineering.
“I always wanted to wrestle at the next level once I figured out I was okay at it,” Mitchell said. “I like the physical aspect of wrestling.”
While he is ready to move on, Mitchell said he will miss Coach Klein and the friendly atmosphere in the wrestling room.
“He picked on us and we all picked on each other,” Mitchell said. “Everybody got along.”
River View’s wrestling coach Devin Klein said Kent is getting a well-rounded, determined athlete.
“He’s got the right skills – balance, strength, size – everything you need at that weight class,” Klein said.
He added that it’s a coaching accomplishment to see an athlete move on to the next level.
“It’s nice to know the kids enjoyed the experience so much that they want to continue,” Klein said. “You know you did a good job when the kids love the sport and want to stay committed to it.”
Mitchell appreciates the support of Coach Klein and Coach Martin, his parents and his brother.
“My brother was the first person to kick my butt,” Mitchell said.
His mom and dad Darby and Vanessa Mitchell were both excited for his signing day.
“I can’t put it into words how proud I am,” Vanessa said.
Darby added that he likes that Kent State Tuscarawas is a smaller campus and not too far from home.
“I don’t think he’s going to get lost in the mix there and they seem to have all the tools to help him succeed,” Darby said.
Bill Meeks, who coaches wrestling at Kent, said this will be the second year for the program.
“We had 12 guys last year and qualified six for nationals in Dallas, Texas,” he said. “Sam is the type of athlete we are looking for. He’s aggressive, knowledgeable on the mat and a good young man.”
Category: High School, Sports
