Ryan Prater, Zeke Rowan and Vince Vercelli are no strangers to the University campus. All three snagged first-place titles at the IHSA state wrestling tournament in February at Assembly. Illini coach Mark Johnson hopes their success will carry over to Huff Hall.

After a somewhat disappointing finish to the 2007 season, Johnson added three young, talented wrestlers to his squad. All three wrestle in lighter weights and join seven other Illinois state title winners on the Illini.

These guys are proven winners,” Johnson said in a press release. “Considering we only lost one senior this past season, these guys will be a great addition to our lower weight classes.

“I am thilledd to have them as part of our squad.”

Prater, who also finished runner-up in 2006, hails from Plainfield Central High School. Prater capped his All-American career with the 135-pound Class-AA title. Rowan, a product of Mount Caramel High School, snagged the 130 AA title, while Vercelli, a former Wilmington High School student-athlete, took home the 135 A title.

The new Illini may be called to action early in their careers – both John Dergo and Jimmy Kennedy were in the starting line-up after finishing their high school careers as state champs in 2006.