NEWPORT NEWS - The Apprentice School wrestling coaching staff is excited to announce the newest additions to the squad with the 2022-23 new freshmen. All of the new additions to the men’s team come from in-state, mostly the surrounding Tidewater area. The women’s team is adding a new recruit from Texas as well.
The coaching staff has invested heavily in the upper-weights for this recruiting class. Apprentice still boasts much of the top lightweight talent in the NCWA, and holds many potential sleepers at those weights that have seen limited action thus far.
“This season is filled with new things," said head coach Micah Amrozowicz. "We have a new athletic director, new talent on the team, a new location for our national duals and a new location for the national tournament. Like every year filled with new things, there are some things that will stay consistent; our work ethic will remain relentless, our character will remain first class and our pursuit of a national championship will continue to be our mission. I look forward to seeing these new faces develop and to see our seniors finish their careers on top.”
Returning All-Americans for Apprentice include Bruno Alves (2nd, 125), Dillon Messick (5th, 133), Zach Ortega (2nd, 141), David McElravy (All-American, 174), Russ Pierce (2nd/5th, 235) and Peter Cortapasso (2nd, Heavyweight). The Builders are fortunate to only be losing two All-Americans this season, Raekwon Jackson and Erin Mosely. Neither of which will be leaving a definitive hole in the line-up.
The 2022-23 schedule is set to be one of the toughest for Apprentice in over a decade, and the staff has full confidence it will be key to prepare the Builders for a run at their second national title.
Apprentice has finished second at the National Championships three of the last four seasons.
Newcomers
David Norris – Rigger Apprentice
David was a multi-sport athlete for King George High School, where he was a AAAA state placewinner as a senior. He will be looking to support the Builder middleweights.
DJ Uribes – Shipfitter Apprentice
DJ was a three-time regional champion for local Tabb High School, placing at the State Tournament as a senior. His development will be critical in replacing the Builder’s senior heavyweights.
Ethan Asimacopoulos – Pipefitter Apprentice
Ethan was a state placewinner and regional finalist for Massaponax High School. He will look to support the talented Builder middleweights.
Ethan Baker – X31 Electrician Apprentice
Baker was a three-time state placer for the Gloucester Dukes, reaching the state finals as a junior. Baker was a four-time regional finalist, winning it twice. Ethan will be key to supporting the Builder middleweights.
Josh Seaton – X43 Outside Machinist Apprentice
Another recruit from nearby Gloucester High School, Seaton was a three-time state placewinner and three-time regional champion. He was a captain on the Dukes' squad for two seasons and graduated with a 4.1 gpa. He will be supporting the Builder middleweights.
Logan Schultz – X18 Welder Apprentice
Logan was a state qualifier for Warren County High School in Front Royal, Virginia. Logan will be supporting the upper-weights for Apprentice.
Owen Schuller – Shipfitter Apprentice
Schuller was a regional champion for perennial powerhouse Great Bridge High School in Chesapeake, Virginia. He will look to support the Builders upper weights.
Sydnie Dunham – X18 Welder Apprentice
Sydnie comes to Newport News by way of Klein, Texas. She will be looking to help build upon the foundation for the budding women’s program at the Apprentice School.