Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

DOWAGIAC — The Roadrunner wrestling team added some more grappler to its roster as Southwestern Michigan College Coach Todd Hesson signed Dayveon Rupert and Alejandro “Alex” Saldana to National Junior College Athletic Association letters of intent.

Dayveon Rupert, of Lakeview High School in Battle Creek, has a 131-21 overall career record and qualified for the MHSAA All-State meet, where this year he earned a fifth-place finish.

“Dayveon is a hardworking wrestler with a lot of talent and a style that is great for college wrestling,” Hesson said. “Looking forward to having Dayveon in the room and he will be a key part of our team.”

Lakeview Coach Nick Eckstein said Rupert will put in the effort to be the best he can be. “Dayveon is a hardworking, determined young man,” he said. “He works to constantly improve, has the right amount of ego, understands his shortcomings and works to improve them. I have known Dayveon his whole life; his dedication to the sport is the driving force to his success.”

Saldana, of Hartford High School, has 106 career wins and has twice qualified for the MHSAA Division 3 All-State meet.

“Alex is extremely talented and will develop into a solid wrestler for us,” Hesson said.

Hartford Coach Matthew Nilson added, “Alex epitomizes the essence of dedication and resilience. Alex began with a record of 18-17 as a sophomore, transformed himself into a formidable force on the mat and finished with a 45-8 senior season. Alex became a 2x State qualifier and amassed 106 wins in 3 years. His journey exemplifies the power of hard work and perseverance.”

Rupert and Saldana are the third and members of the 2024-2025 recruiting class, joining Trent Mansfield of Gobles and Michael Gonyeau of Plainwell.