Wrestling team ranked No. 2 in coaches poll

Jesse Castro has already made his stamp in his inaugural season in the National Collegiate Wrestling Association

A small building behind the south end zone of Williams Stadium houses one of the most successful athletic programs at Liberty University — the wrestling team, currently ranked second nationally in the latest NCWA Coaches Poll.

Liberty’s defeat of No.1 (overall) Apprentice School helped vault the Flames into their current coaches poll ranking.

“This is a great opportunity to promote our sport and educate the university that we still have a program after being moved from NCAA Division I to NCWA,” head coach Jesse Castro said.

Castro made it clear that he is completely satisfied with the support of the administration.

“We still have a budget. We still have a travel schedule,” Castro said.

“Right now, our Dual Meet record is 13-1. We are competing against NCAA Division I schools, Division II, Division III and NAIA schools. We have had kids place high in very prestigious tournaments such as the Virginia Tech Open and the NC State Open,” Castro said.

Liberty only retained “about 30 to 40 percent” of the roster from graduation, as well as suffering transfers when the program lost its Division I status.

Castro has a simple mantra this year. “Love of the sport, opportunity and loyalty to our program,” Castro said. “Our guys have received much support from alumni to carry on the tradition of our program, and that’s what it’s about.”

Present success has not clouded the vision of what the future requires for a successful team.

“We have to continue recruiting guys who are brought in, not only into our program, but also the mission of Liberty University,” Castro said. “We’re excited about our program and where it is headed.”