ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The Cliff Keen Wrestling Club is proud to announce the addition of two-time NCAA All-American B.J. Futrell to its 2013-14 senior-level freestyle program. Futrell, who is in his first season of full-time freestyle competition, will wrestle at 61kg/134 pounds.
“I’m excited about being here in Ann Arbor,” said Futrell. “It’s a program that I have always had a ton of respect for. Progress is impossible without change, and by being here I’m confident I’ll be able to grow as a wrestler and as a person. I am thankful to the coaching staff for this great opportunity to be able to chase my dreams of being a World and Olympic Champion.”
“I had opportunities to work with B.J. and coach him while he was in high school,” said CKWC coach Sean Bormet. “He is a tremendous person and competitor. I know he is hungry and determined to be successful on the world and Olympic stage. B.J. will bring an explosive dimension and an infectious, positive energy to our environment at Michigan. I look forward to working closely with him at this stage of his competitive career.”
Futrell has experienced quick success since transitioning to full-time freestyle competition last fall. He took second place at the NYAC Holiday International in November, won the Minnesota Storm 60kg title in December and, most recently, claimed bronze at the prestigious Dave Schultz Memorial International last month. He defeated Olympic bronze medalist Coleman Scott, 7-0, in the third-place match.
A collegiate standout at Illinois (2009, ’11-13), Futrell was a two-time NCAA All-American at 133 pounds, claiming eighth place as a sophomore and sixth as a junior. He bumped up to 141 as a senior and opened the season with a 19-1 mark before suffering a season-ending injury in January. He was also a two-time Midlands finalist and NWCA All-Star Classic selection.
Futrell posted a career record of 108-35, ranked 13th among Illinois’ all-time leaders, and graduated with a school record of 38 career falls.
He will represent the CKWC in his first overseas competition next month at the prestigious Medved International in Minsk, Belarus.
