Contact: Jonathan Albert

Richie Apolinar Signs Athletics Grant-in-Aid with Campbell Wrestling

BUIES CREEK, N.C. – Richie Apolinar of Concord, N.C., has signed an Athletics Grant-in-Aid with Campbell as announced by head wrestling coach Billy Greene today.

Apolinar is a Scott Ellis Scholarship Award winner and will major in physical education at Campbell. The Central Cabarrus High School graduate will wrestle in the 125-pound weight class for the Camels.

"Richie is a solid young man with a strong commitment to excel as a student-athlete," said Greene. "I anticipate the positive influence and high expectations he will set for the lighter weight classes on the team."

While at Central Cabarrus HS, Apolinar compiled 171 career victories, was the 2005 North Carolina 4A State champion and was a three-time National Qualifier. Apolinar placed fourth at the N.C. 4A State championship in 2004.

"Richie possesses good quickness, agility and balance – critical athletic qualities at the 125 pound college wrestling division," added Greene. "He also chain wrestles very well, with his takedown offense and counter wrestling skills being his strongest assets. Richie's style as a wrestler will translate well into the college ranks."

Apolinar also claimed the N.C. State Games title, won conference, county and regional Most Outstanding Wrestler awards in high school and was a three-time National Qualifier. He was a three-time North Carolina State champion in both Freestyle and Greco Roman and placed fifth at the Greco Roman Western Regionals. Apolinar also earned a Freestyle Central Region runner-up finish.

"Richie is an extremely hard worker that continues to seek out tough competition to prepare him for collegiate wrestling," Greene said. "He lives the old adage that you are only as good as those you surround yourself with. Richie has successfully competed at a number of high level national tournaments and continues to make plans for national competitions over the summer."

The Campbell wrestling program finished the 2004-05 season 2-17 overall and 1-7 in the CAA. CU's wrestling program is under the direction of second year head coach Billy Greene, a 2000 graduate of Campbell.