Sebastian's a Wild Cat
Sebastian's a Wild Cat
Sebastian’s a Wildcat
Willie Saylor, Editor
The Northwestern recruiting class was off to a great start. But on National Signing Day, Drew Pariano’s Wildcat haul became a monster.
Already featuring two Top 30 recruits in #3-Bryce Brill (IL/157) and #27-Stevan Micic (IN/125), Northwestern was granted the services of the #1 182lber in Johnny Sebastian.
A product of New Jersey power, Bergen Catholic, Sebastian is a two-time State Champ. Last spring he won FloNationals which gave him top billing in the national rankings. Earlier this month, he successfully defended it by beating #2-Michael Pixley (MO) at the Who’s #1 Dual.
A rare late commitment, Sebastian was one of the highest ranked prospects still left available, and his announcement was much anticipated.
We had the opportunity to talk to Johnny regarding his decision:
WS: Why was it ultimately Northwestern?
JS: They have a great class coming in with Brill and Micic. I think as a team we can really do special things here. The program keeps growing and the future there is bright.
I watched what they’re doing with two finalists last year. They proved they can get the guys to the elite level.
WS: Right at the end, what was your final group of schools that you were considering?
JS: I really had a hard time saying ‘no’ to a couple coaches and programs. For me it was Northwester, Penn, and Minnesota. I have good relationships with all the coaches and wrestlers at both programs. I loved JRob and Eggum. I really love Rob Eiter and it was especially difficult for me to tell him about my final decision.
WS: What attracted you to Northwestern’s coaching staff?
JS: I really clicked with Jay Borschel. He was a national champ for Iowa and I feel like I wrestle the same way: a lot of athleticism, a little funk thrown in there. And he always pushes the pace, which is something I want to do. I like to put up points.
WS: Was academics a factor?
JS: It was a huge plus. I want to major in business. All of my final three had great business departments. All three were great academic schools.
WS: You’ve been wrestling 182, but what’s the plan for college?
JS: I’ll start off as 174 for sure. I think that’s my ideal weight at the next level
WS: You’re very close with your family. What did they think of the decision?
JS: The let me decide on my own. My dad is very happy. Sometimes I think he wanted me to stay closer to home. Other times, he said he wanted me to have my own sometimes experiences away from it. In the end, they’re really excited for me.
WS: Anything else you’d like to say?
JS: I’d just like to thank all my coaches and friends who have been there for me. They’ve all helped me get to where I am.
Insiders: View Sebastian's Profile
Willie Saylor, Editor
The Northwestern recruiting class was off to a great start. But on National Signing Day, Drew Pariano’s Wildcat haul became a monster.
Already featuring two Top 30 recruits in #3-Bryce Brill (IL/157) and #27-Stevan Micic (IN/125), Northwestern was granted the services of the #1 182lber in Johnny Sebastian.
A product of New Jersey power, Bergen Catholic, Sebastian is a two-time State Champ. Last spring he won FloNationals which gave him top billing in the national rankings. Earlier this month, he successfully defended it by beating #2-Michael Pixley (MO) at the Who’s #1 Dual.
A rare late commitment, Sebastian was one of the highest ranked prospects still left available, and his announcement was much anticipated.
We had the opportunity to talk to Johnny regarding his decision:
WS: Why was it ultimately Northwestern?
JS: They have a great class coming in with Brill and Micic. I think as a team we can really do special things here. The program keeps growing and the future there is bright.
I watched what they’re doing with two finalists last year. They proved they can get the guys to the elite level.
WS: Right at the end, what was your final group of schools that you were considering?
JS: I really had a hard time saying ‘no’ to a couple coaches and programs. For me it was Northwester, Penn, and Minnesota. I have good relationships with all the coaches and wrestlers at both programs. I loved JRob and Eggum. I really love Rob Eiter and it was especially difficult for me to tell him about my final decision.
WS: What attracted you to Northwestern’s coaching staff?
JS: I really clicked with Jay Borschel. He was a national champ for Iowa and I feel like I wrestle the same way: a lot of athleticism, a little funk thrown in there. And he always pushes the pace, which is something I want to do. I like to put up points.
WS: Was academics a factor?
JS: It was a huge plus. I want to major in business. All of my final three had great business departments. All three were great academic schools.
WS: You’ve been wrestling 182, but what’s the plan for college?
JS: I’ll start off as 174 for sure. I think that’s my ideal weight at the next level
WS: You’re very close with your family. What did they think of the decision?
JS: The let me decide on my own. My dad is very happy. Sometimes I think he wanted me to stay closer to home. Other times, he said he wanted me to have my own sometimes experiences away from it. In the end, they’re really excited for me.
WS: Anything else you’d like to say?
JS: I’d just like to thank all my coaches and friends who have been there for me. They’ve all helped me get to where I am.
Insiders: View Sebastian's Profile