Wrestling Southern Conference

Six Recruits Added to Davidson's 2003-04 Wrestling Roster

Davidson, N.C. - Davidson head wrestling coach T.J. Jaworsky recently announced the addition of six wrestlers who will join the team for the 2003-04 season. Jim Avola (Montague, N.J.), Marc LaRochelle (Manassas, Va.), Matt Morris (Birmingham, Ala.), Jayson Powers (Deerfield Beach, Fla.), Joseph Scognamiglio (Washingtonville, N.Y.), and Marcus Boyd (Durham, N.C.) have all signed letter of intent to wrestle for the Wildcats next season.

"These athletes will help to keep Davidson wrestling heading in the desired direction," said Jaworsky. "Each has a very strong work ethic and a willingness to learn. We have a very young squad and need individuals who will always give 100 percent no matter what."

Jim Avola (125 lb) was ranked as one of the top 12 wrestlers in New Jersey. With a career record of 120-14, Avola holds the most career wins of any wrestler in Newark Academy history. Avola recorded 33 wins in 2003, the most ever in a season at the academy. He was a three-time district champion, reaching the finals in each of his four years. Avola was also a three-time regional finalist, winning the title as a senior. He is the first-ever four-time Newark Academy Invitational tournament champion. Avola was an Essex County Scholar Athlete and received the Robert Krumm Scholar Athlete award during his final two prep years.

The captain of the wrestling team at Stonewall Jackson High School, Marc LaRochelle (140 lb) comes to Davidson with a career prep record of 139-40. The four-time district finalist won the district championship twice during his career. LaRochelle never finished lower than fifth place in the Northwest Regionals, taking home a first place finish his senior year. He had 75 pins over the four years. LaRochelle was also a National Honor Society member, earning the President's Education Award and the Single Action Shooting Society (SASS) Scholarship.

Matt Morris (165 lb) is a four-time varsity letterwinner out of Blair Academy, the number-one ranked high school team in the country. A two-time state champion as a prep, Morris also earned sixth place at the National Prep Tournament this past year. His work ethic earned him the hard work and dedication award from the coaching staff at Blair. Morris went 26-4 as a senior.

Jayson Powers (215/197 lb) brings a strong wrestling resume to Davidson. The three-time most valuable wrestler at Deerfield Beach High School, Powers was a district champion during his junior season. He was a USA Wrestling Regional Qualifier and a NHSCA National Qualifier in 2001-02 as well. Powers was a Florida State Qualifier during his final two seasons. A National Honor Society member, Powers was honored with the Broward County Athletic Association Scholar Athlete Award.

Joseph Scognamiglio (184 lb) was a two-year captain at Washingtonville High School. He earned the Scholar Athlete award during his senior season a boasts a career record of 44-18. He was inducted into the National Honor Society and recognized in Who's Who Among American High School Students and by The National Society of High School Scholars.

Marcus Boyd (157/165) has helped Riverside High School to two State Championships during his time there. He was a state champion to cap off his final year. The two-time state finalist also won the Tiger Holiday Classic with a 15-0 technical fall this past season. Boyd tallied the second-most takedowns in school history.