Wingate, N.C.----Wingate University head football coach Joe Reich announces 32 members of the Bulldogs' 2013 recruiting class. At this time, the class includes 31 freshmen and one transfer. The class includes 24 from North Carolina, five from South Carolina, two from Florida and one from California. Reich anticipates additional signings in the days ahead.
 
 "We're really excited about this class," Wingate head coach Joe Reich says. "We filled many needs with tremendous student-athletes. This is definitely one of the best classes we've ever had here. We are excited to have a few guys from our backyard in Union County."
 
Bulldog recruiting coordinator Tee Overman praises the Wingate coaching staff for its hard work. "Our staff did a great job this year hitting the road with a purpose to replace the great seniors we lost (last) fall," Overman says. "All of our signees bring a quality academic background and on-the-field excellence to our football program."
 
Name (position)      High School/Previous Sch.  Hometown                   Ht.       Wt.
Nick Anta (LB)                      Grays Creek                Hope Mills, N.C.         6-0       205
 
Anta lettered and started for two years on the GCHS varsity. His coach was David Lovette. As a senior, he was elected team captain and named first team all-conference. He also received the team's Outstanding Linebacker and Scholar-Athlete Awards. In two years, his team lost only two conference games, earning the league title his senior year and a runner-up spot his junior. Anta was credited with 93 tackles his senior year.
 
Caleb Baird (PK)                   North Lenoir               Kinston, N.C.              6-0       170
 
Baird was the kicker and punter three years each for head coach Calvin Sutton and the North Lenoir football team. He was ranked the number one high school kicker in the state by Prokicker.com. His senior year, Baird was the team's leading scorer with 54 points. He kicked a school-record 47-yard field goal, while converting 18 of 20 PATs and 12 of 15 field goals. Four of his field goals were greater than 40 yards.
 
Baird was team co-MVP, all-conference and Eastern Carolina (3A) Conference Special Teams Player of the Year. He was also the varsity soccer goalkeeper for four seasons, earning team MVP and all-conference laurels his junior and senior years. The son of Bruce and Sharon Baird, Caleb Baird is a member of the National Honor Society.
 
TJ Bell (DE/LS)                     Jesse Carson            China Grove, N.C.      6-3       200
 
Bell played numerous positions for head coach Mark Woodie at Jesse Carson high School in China Grove. Bell excelled on the offensive line (tackle) as a junior before settling in at defensive end midway through his senior year. He saw time as a long snapper and tight end for the Cougars. TJ Bell is the son of Aprille Bell (read the Salisbury Post article at this link).

Ian Bergman (DE)                 E.A. Laney                  Wilmington, N.C.       6-2       225     
 
Bergman was a three-year letter winner for head coach Greg Ditz at Laney High. Bergman was a key contributor to a Laney program which made the state play-offs every year of his career. As a junior, Bergman was named to the All-Area team by the Wilmington Star. His senior campaign, he led the team in sacks and finished with 80 tackles and 15 tackles for loss as an all-conference choice. The son of Craig and Angelique Bergman, Ian Bergman was named his team's Defensive Linemen of the Year following his final season.
 
Jordan Berry (WR)               Dutch Fork (S.C.)       Irmo, S.C.                   5-11     175
    
Berry helped lead Dutch Fork and head coach Tommy Knotts to the 4A state championship game this year. A three-year starter, his senior year statistics included 129 receptions for 2002 yards and 13 TDs, 16 carries for 142 yards and three TDs, 11 kick-off returns for an average of 21 yards per return and 14 punt returns for an average of 18 yards per return. Berry recorded three special teams touchdowns on his way to a spot in the North/South All-Star game. He was All-Region and all-conference his senior year. As a junior, Berry racked up 955 yards receiving. Berry is a member of the DFHS basketball and track teams.
 
Sterling Brooks (OLB)          Southeast Guilford     Greensboro, N.C.    6-3       220     
 
Brooks played his high school football for head coach Fritz Hessenthaler at Southeast Guilford. A three-year letter winner and two-year starter at linebacker for the Falcons, Brooks received honorable mention all-conference laurels each of his three years on the varsity. As a senior, Brooks had an interception in the last minute to help set up the winning field goal against higher- ranked Hillside in the first round of the 2012 state play-offs. He also participates in track during the spring season. The son of Lonnie and Olivia Brooks, Sterling Brooks is a member of the National Honor Society and the Tri-M music honor society.
 
Ryan Dilworth (DT)              Porter Ridge                Indian Trail, N.C.        5-11     270
 
Dilworth was a four-year letter winner for head coach Blair Harden at Porter Ridge High. Dilworth played in back-to-back state championship games as a junior and a senior. He finished his Pirate career with 165 tackles, 16 sacks and two interceptions. A three-time all-conference and two-time all-county and All Region selection, Dilworth also excelled in the PRHS classroom. He is a member of the National Honor Society and the National Society of High School Scholars.
 
Dylan Hartigan (ATH)          Green Hope                 Cary, N.C.                   5-9       185     
 
Hartigan was listed as a player to watch in the Tri-Nine Conference to start his senior year. He finished his varsity career with over 1850 all purpose yards and 12 touchdowns. He helped lead Green Hope to a winning season and playoff berth for the first time in more than 4 years. He was a two year starter at running back and wide receiver.
 
Jordan Hennessee (OT)         Easley                          Easley, S.C.            6-6      305
 
Hennessee helped pave the way for an offense which rushed for more than 4,000 yards in 2012. Easley won more games in his three-year span than any team in school history. Hennessee was a team captain for head coach Chad Smith. In addition, he was selected to the All-Region squad. An S.C. 4A Scholar-Athlete of the Week, Hennessee has letters in track and wrestling. He finished second in the region and qualified for the SC Upper State wrestling championships as a junior. Hennessee was Easley's Mr. Green and White recipient, an award given to the senior who best represents Easley High School as voted by the EHS faculty. Jordan Hennessee is the son of Russell and Sondra Hennessee.
 
Charlie Hosea (LB)               Pierce College             Newhall, Calif.         6-2       225     
 
Hosea attended John Burroughs High School in California. A three-year varsity starter (linebacker), he amassed 329 total career tackles with two sacks, four forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, one interception and nine pass break-ups. Hosea earned the Pacific League Defensive Player of the Year Award as a junior and a senior. A two-time All-CIF Southern Selection and All-Pacific League first team choice, Hosea played in the Daily News and the CIF All-Star games. Following his graduation from JBHS, he attended the College of the Canyons. He was third on the Cougar team in tackles. Hosea joins the Bulldog family as a transfer from Pierce College.
 
Ethan Hulon (OL)                     Scotland County         Laurel Hill, N.C.      6-0       290
 
Hulon helped pave the way for Scotland to win the 2011 N.C. 4A state championship. As a senior, Hulon and his teammates compiled a 12-2 overall record while advancing to the N.C. 4A Eastern finals. Hulon received all-conference recognition in his final two seasons for the Scots and head coach Richard Bailey. An honor roll student, Ethan Hulon is the son of Pete Hulon and Teresa Wilson.
 
Jake Jensen (TE)                   Pine Forest                  Fayetteville, N.C.     6-3       220
 
Jensen lettered two years for head coach Bill Sochovka and the PFHS Trojans. In 2012, Jensen was elected team captain and racked up first team all-conference and second team All-Region honors. A two-year letter winner in baseball and basketball, Jensen is an active member of the Student Government Association and the National Honor Society at Pine Forest. Jake Jensen is the son of Gerald and Katherine Jensen.
 
Taivon Jones (OL)                 Richmond Senior        Hamlet, N.C.            6-2       265
 
Jones played his prep football for head coach Paul Hoggard at Richmond County Senior High. Jones helped pave the way for the Raiders to finish 11-2 overall in 2012. A two-year letter winner and starter on the offensive line, Jones was selected as an all-conference player as a senior. He is also a member of the Raider track and field team. Taivon Jones is the son of Tina Bethea.
 
Ja'Shawn Joyner (QB)         Reagan                    Winston-Salem, N.C.  6-3       185
 
Joyner was a two-year starter at quarterback for Reagan head coach Josh McGee. In his final campaign, Joyner passed for over 1500 yards and 16 touchdowns, while rushing for another 987 yards and nine touchdowns. He earned many 2012 awards, including all-conference, all-county and Central Piedmont Conference Offensive Player of the Year. As a junior, he passed for over 1300 yards and 13 touchdowns along with 500-plus rushing yards and four touchdowns. Joyner was selected to both the all-conference and all-county teams as a junior. The son of Kimberlie Scales, Ja'Shawn Joyner is also a member of the basketball and track teams at Reagan.
 
Joe Kelly (DB)                       Blythewood                Columbia, S.C.            6-0       170
 
Kelly helped lead Blythewood and head coach Reggie Kennedy to the 4A state play-offs as a senior. He recorded 78 tackles, five interceptions, three tackles for loss, three pass break-ups, two blocked kicks and one touchdown during a stellar senior campaign. The son of Albert and Paula Kelly, Joe Kelly is also a member of the Blythewood basketball team.
 
Auntrell Mack (DT)              Dutch Fork                  Irmo, S.C.                       6-2      285
 
Mack helped lead Dutch Fork and legendary head coach Tommy Knotts to the 4A state championship game as a senior. A three-year starter on the defensive front, Mack recorded 90 primary tackles, 26 assists, four tackles for loss, two caused fumbles and two fumble recoveries as a senior. He was named all-conference, All-Region and All-Midland following his senior season. During his last two years, Mack has qualified for states in wrestling, winning the region tournament in the heavyweight class. He earned an invitation to wrestle in the North/South wrestling tournament. In track and field, Mack won the regional discus title as a junior.
 
Paris Martin (ATH)               Eastern Randolph       Asheboro, N.C.           5-10     185     
 
Martin lettered two years for head coach Seth Baxter and the ERHS Wildcats. As a senior, Martin was selected all-conference, all-county and all-myrandolphsports.com. In addition, he was a second team All-Region pick. The team's MVP, Martin rushed for over 950 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2012. He caught 36 passes for 475 yards and four touchdowns. Martin notched six special teams touchdowns. On defense, he recorded 70 tackles and two interceptions. Paris Martin is the son of Francisco and Miranda Corea.
 
Josh Mills (DL)                      Forestview                  Gastonia, N.C.             6-2       270               
 
Mills joins the Wingate family after a great career at Forestview, where he collected all-conference laurels his final two seasons for head coach Chris Medlin. Mills received the team's Scholar-Athlete Award following each of his four seasons. As a sophomore, he earned the Jaguars' Most Improved Player award. Mills received Forestview's Lineman of the Year award two years in a row. Josh Mills is the son of Chris and Michelle Mills.
 
Daniel Owens (OL)                Cherryville                  Cherryville, N.C.          6-3       280
 
Owens was a three-year starter and two-year captain for head coach Keith Fox at Cherryville High School. A two-way starter on the offensive and defensive line, Owens received all- conference honors each of the last three years. He was recognized as an All-Gazette first team pick after his senior season. Owens was twice an honorable mention choice. Owens also received the team's Most Valuable underclassmen award, the team's Defensive Line MVP and the team's co-Most Valuable Offensive Linemen during his tenure. Owens is also a standout track and field performer, receiving all-county and all-conference laurels. Daniel Owens is the son of David and Leslie Owens.
 
Zach Panek (OL)                   Cuthbertson                Waxhaw, N.C.            6-1       275
 
Panek was a four-year starter for head coach Mike Roarke and the Cuthbertson High School Cavaliers. As a senior, Panek was selected to the carolinapreps.com 2A All-State team as well as All-Region, all county and all-conference honor squads. He was also received the UCFCA Scholar Lineman award. The Cuthbertson coaching staff selected Zach as the Offensive Player of the Year as a senior. Zach Panek is the son of Robert and Susanne Panek.
 
Seth Peele (LB)                   North Johnston           Selma, N.C.                 6-0       220     
 
Peele has letters in football, wrestling and track and field during his time at North Johnston. As a senior, he was the Panthers' team captain and an all-conference choice for head coach Scott Meserve. Peele's senior year statistics ledger includes 68 solo tackles, seven tackles for loss, three sacks, one caused fumble and one blocked punt. He was an honorable mention all-conference choice as a junior. The Wilson Daily Times named Peele to the All-Area Ironman team following his senior season. Seth Peele is the son of Martin and Deborah Peele.
 
Dalton Reindollar (OL)       James Island Charter   Charleston, S.C.      6-4       280
 
Reindollar was a three-year letter winner at James Island Charter High School in Charleston. He was voted team captain as a senior. In addition, Reindollar has also lettered two seasons in baseball for the Trojans. Dalton Reindollar is the son of Fred and Donna Reindollar.
 
Brock Reynolds III (DB)      West Stokes                Pinnacle, N.C.             6-2       185
 
Reynolds is a two-time All-Northwest Conference defensive back for WSHS head coach Jimmy Upchurch. Reynolds helped West Stokes win the 2011 2A State Championship. Entering his senior year, Reynolds was selected to the pre-season All-State team as a defensive back. A three-year letter winner, he was the team's MVP as a senior. He scored six offensive and two defensive touchdowns his senior season, logging four interceptions in the process. Stokes recorded 600 all-purpose yards on offense. Brock Reynolds III is the son of Brock Reynolds II and Monica Reynolds.
 
Lee Rouse (DT)                      North Duplin               Faison, N.C.                6-2       275
 
Rouse lettered four years and started three seasons for NDHS head coach Hugh Martin. As a senior, Rouse was elected team captain, first team all-conference and all-county and honorable mention all-area. He was all-county and honorable mention all-area following his junior campaign. On the basketball court, Rouse is a four-year letter winner as well. Lee Rouse is the son of Brandi Rouse.
 
Zack Singleton (LB)              South Stokes               Germantown, N.C.     6-0       200
 
Singleton played his football for head coach Jonathan Frasher at South Stokes High. Singleton and his teammates helped rejuvenate the South Stokes program during his career. A two-time team captain, Singleton accumulated numerous awards during his career, including Northwest Conference Defensive Player of the Year as a junior and senior. He was three times each an all-conference choice and team defensive Player of the Year. Singleton recorded 387 career total tackles. On offensive, he accumulated 1000 career yards. Zack Singleton is the son of Debra Dinkins.
 
Grant Stafford (WR)              Ashbrook                    Gastonia, N.C.           6-2       180
                       
Stafford was a two-year starter for Ashbrook head coach Greg Hill. He was selected all- conference following both his junior and senior seasons. His football and basketball teammates elected him captain during his senior year. On the football gridiron, Stafford led the conference in receiving yards and earned a spot on the All-Gazette team his junior year. He was recognized for good character by his selection to the Rachel's Challenge as a senior.
 
Tyler Stamp (WR)                 West Rowan               Salisbury, N.C.            6-0       180
 
Stamp played his high school football for head coach Scott Young at West Rowan. Stamp was a three-year letter winner and a two-time team offensive MVP. As a senior, he was a team captain and earned all-county and all-conference selections. Stamp was a member of West Rowan's state championship team and state runner-up team in back-to-back years. Stamp is also a two-year letterman in baseball. Tyler Stamp is the son of John and Jennifer Stamp.
 
Brian Stryffeler (OL)            Lee County                 Sanford, N.C.             6-3       300                 
 
Stryffeler was a three-year starter at Lee County High School for head coach Burton Cates. Stryffeler helped lead his team to the second round of the 2012 4A state play-offs. A three-year starter on the offensive line, Stryffeler ended his career with 63 pancake blocks and a blocking grade of 86.1 percent. He was elected team captain and voted offensive MVP as a senior.  Stryffeler was also a three-time academic all-conference selection and two-time all-conference offensive lineman. Stryffeler is a four-year member of the LCHS track and wrestling teams. A National Honor Society member, Brian Stryffeler is the son of Harry and Laura Stryffeler.

Ben Voke (QB)                      Monsignor Pace          Miramar, Fla.              5-11     165
 
Voke transferred to Monsignor Edward Pace High School from Pembroke Pines Charter School in 2012. As a senior, the team captain completed 60 percent of his passes for 703 yards and seven touchdowns. His coach was Mario Smith. At Pines Charter, Voke was a two-year starter and led his team to the school's first play-off appearance. He has the Pembroke Pines Charter School record of 1,223 passing yards and 15 TDs. He also rushed for 539 yards and seven TDs while at PPCS. Benton Voke is the son of Martin and Connie Voke.
 
Doug Waddell, Jr. (OL)        Leon                            Tallahassee, Fla.         6-1       280
 
Waddell was a two-year starter on the offensive line for Leon High School and head coach Bill Ragans. As a senior, he graded out at 88 percent and averaged six pancake blocks per game. Waddell was named the 6A Division 3 Player of the Year. In addition, he was a starter in the Florida versus Georgia All-Star Border War Classic. Recently, Waddell was awarded the 2013 Bernard Miller Offensive Lineman of the Year. His parents are former Nebraska offensive lineman Douglas Waddell, Sr., Carolyn Waddell and Jennifer Gibson.
 
Joe Wallace (ATH)                Grays Creek                Hope Mills, N.C.         6-2       200     
 
Wallace was a two-sport athlete (football, basketball) at Grays Creek. His football coach was David Lovette. In three years of varsity football, Wallace and his teammates have lost only two conference games, placing the GC team in either first or second place. Wallace was voted first team all-conference as a senior, garnering the team's outstanding offensive back and scholar-athlete awards as well. As a sophomore, he was second team all-conference and a scholar-athlete award recipient. Wallace is also a decorated basketball student-athlete. An honor roll student, Wallace was recently honored with membership in NSHSS, a prestigious organization for high school students who make great grades while being active in their community. The son of Joseph and Angela Wallace, Joe Wallace is also an active member in his church.
 
Trevor Zaruba (WR)              Cardinal Gibbons        Raleigh, N.C.             6-3       190
 
Zaruba caught 40 passes for 668 yards and nine touchdowns as a senior for head coach Steve Wright at Cardinal Gibbons. Zaruba averaged 16.7 yards per catch and led the Carolina 6 Conference in all receiving categories. He was also selected to the academic all-conference team. Zaruba helped guide Cardinal Gibbons to a 22-3 overall record in his final two years, winning two conference titles. Trevor Zaruba is the son of Tim and Jodi Zaruba.
 
WINGATE UNIVERSITY

Wingate University, ranked as the 6th "best value" in the South by U.S. News & World Report, serves nearly 2,700 students on three campuses in Wingate, Matthews and Hendersonville, N.C. Founded in 1896, the University offers 35 undergraduate majors, 37 minors and career concentrations, numerous pre-professional programs, graduate degrees in business, accounting, education, physician assistant studies and sport administration, and doctorates in pharmacy and education.
 
With a 14 to 1 student/teacher ratio, Wingate students gain the tools and support needed to excel in academics and apply that learning toward an extraordinary career and life. To view current news, video and story ideas, visit www.youtube.com/wingateuniversity.
 
In addition to a robust intramural athletics program, Wingate student athletes compete in 22 NCAA Division II sports. The University has won the South Atlantic Conference Echols Athletic Excellence Award for the past six years.
 
Wingate is first among NCAA Division II Academic All-America®-producing private colleges in the 2000's with 52 selections. Among North Carolina's colleges and universities, Wingate's 52 Academic All-America® honorees are tied for first (with Duke University) during this millennium. Wingate's 61 lifetime Academic All-America® picks are tops among all SAC schools. For more information, go to www.wingatebulldogs.com.