Under the direction of new head coach Levi Calhoun, the Concordia wrestling program is looking for big things this winter. The Bulldogs are led by the likes of three nationally-ranked competitors, including Deandre Chery.
From different parts of the country, four young men converged on Seward, Neb., in 2013, eventually leaving a lasting impression. Now three of them are graduate assistant coaches within the GPAC.
Sometimes, life comes at you fast. Over the last couple of months, Levi Calhoun has become both a head coach and a father for the first time. He discussed why he's ready for his new roles.
The 2017-18 wrestling season brought the feel good story of Jerry Stepps III and the tournament All-American run by Giovanni Castillo. The Bulldogs placed 22nd at the national championships behind three qualifiers.
Rarely, if ever, has success been set on a tee for Jerry Stepps III to smash out of the ballpark. Rather, it’s been quite the opposite in some cases. It never stopped Jerry from dreaming big or making it big as a senior.
Ceron Francisco will go down as an all-time great Bulldog for the way he has handled himself on and off the mat. A national runner up back in March, Ceron is headed to Charlottesville to join the Cavalier Wrestling Club.
Kirk Kaliszewski and two other national qualifiers return for a wrestling program looking to continue a run of GPAC dominance and national prominence. The Bulldogs will have a different look with 18 newcomers.
In the first season of head coach Andrew Nicola's tenure, the Concordia wrestling program maintained its perch atop the conference and the senior class went out in style.
Ceron Francisco has gone from a fascination – largely because of his stature and physical appearance separated him – to an obvious fan favorite and to one of the most respected student-athletes at Concordia.
This isn’t exactly the way Ken Burkhardt Jr. planned it. First recruited to Concordia as a linebacker on the football team, Burkhardt Jr. has become an accomplished wrestler and owner of the most wins in program history.
Wrestling
Wrestling