Now what?

That question permeated the Cramer household in northern Illinois when Old Dominion abruptly dropped its wrestling program after 63 years early last month. 

Alex, James and Lori Cramer's oldest son, had just finished a true freshman season in which he became the Monarchs' starting 174-pounder. 

Middle son Adrien, an Illinois state champion this season as a junior, was intent on becoming college teammates with his older brother after committing to Old Dominion last fall. 

Youngest son Aaron, a freshman state qualifier this year, had begun entertaining his own thoughts of donning a Monarchs singlet one day. 

The brothers, who had been sharpening their skills against each other on mats in their basement, were left stunned and pondering new wrestling futures. Fortunately, Alex and Adrien did not have to ponder long.

On April 12, James Cramer announced on Twitter that Adrien had committed to Maryland. Just 16 days later, Alex took to Twitter to reveal he was transferring to Central Michigan. 

"Excited to announce I’ll be transferring to Central Michigan University to continue my academic and athletic career," he wrote.

Alex was one of Old Dominion's three true freshman starters this season. The other two -- Shannon Hanna (Campbell) and Jacob Bullock (Indiana) -- have also found new wrestling homes. 

As reported earlier, Micheal McGee (Arizona State) and Killian Cardinale (West Virginia), the only underclassmen NCAA qualifiers on the Monarchs' roster this season, also announced their future destinations last month. 

In addition, Daryl Thomas, an Old Dominion assistant coach the past three seasons, is joining Hanna at Campbell. He was named to new head coach Scotti Sentes' staff on Monday. 

Cramer, an Illinois state champion, was one of only 35 Division I true freshman starters (out of 316) at 174 pounds or above this season. He finished 19-20, including an eighth-place showing at the MAC Tournament. 

None of those 35 wrestled more matches than Cramer, who finished with five major decisions, two pins, and a technical fall. His biggest win came against Lock Haven's Austin Bell, who finished 21-14 and was seventh at the MAC tourney at 165.

Just hours after learning of the program's fate, Cramer posted his athletic and academic resume along with contact information on Twitter. The post was retweeted 724 times and generated numerous conversations with coaches.

At CMU, Cramer will be part of what should be a keenly competitive race for the 174-pound spot. 

Jake Lowell, this season's starter, was just 7-18, but finished on a very high note while building momentum for the future. He shocked top seed and two-time NCAA qualifier Jacob Oliver of Edinboro on the way to a sixth-place showing at the MAC tournament. 

Also in the mix will be two-time Michigan state champion Ryan Ringler, a redshirt freshman next season. He was 12-4 in open competition. 

Hanna, who started at 133 this season, announced he was heading to Campbell April 29 on Twitter.

"When one door closes... another one opens," he wrote. "I am blessed and very excited to further my academic and athletic career at Campbell University."

Hanna, a Florida state champion, experienced some growing pains this season, finishing 13-18 with a major decision and a pin. His biggest win was against Missouri's Cameron Valdiviez, who was 19-12 this season and finished fifth in the MAC tourney.

Campbell is in need of a 133-pounder with the graduation of two-time NCAA qualifier Noah Gonser, who was No. 8 in the final season rankings. 

Hanna will be part of a crowded competition to take his place. 

In all, five underclassmen were listed at 133 on this season's roster. Gabriel Hixenbaugh, a four-time Alabama state champion, is the best of the bunch. A redshirt freshman next season, Hixenbaugh was 8-5 while wrestling unattached, including a 3-2 win over Hanna. 

In addition, Campbell has signed two-time Florida state champion Justin Rivera, South Carolina state champion Tucker Allen and Illinois state champion Alex Lalezas.

Bullock went 11-18 at 285 this season, but six of his victories came via pin (four) or major decision (two). His most noteworthy win was against North Carolina State's Colin Lawler, who has gone 32-22 the past two seasons.

Bullock announced his transfer to Indiana on April 17 on Facebook.

"It is official, I will be continuing my academic and athletic career at Indiana University," he posted. 

Bullock is walking into a good situation for him with the Hoosiers hoping to be more competitive at the 285-pound spot next season. Junior Rudy Streck, this season's starter, was just 3-16. 

Redshirt freshman Kyle Cornwell was 126-17 in high school but did not wrestle in open competition this season. The Hoosiers also recruited Andrew Irick, who has a 140-24 prep record, but never finished higher than fifth in the Indiana state tournament.

Other Old Dominion wrestlers who have transferred to Division I schools are Joey Caprella (Cleveland State) and Anthony Molton (Fresno State).

Others who have announced their transfer plans are Jack Bond (Lander), Tyler Delaware (McKendree), Jared Head (St. Cloud State), Cole Smith (Cumberland) and River Henry (Cumberland).

Mark Spezia is a freelance writer based in Lapeer, Michigan. He has written for ESPNW, Flohockey, Flint, Michigan-based My City Magazine, the Detroit Free Press, Hour Detroit Magazine and Troy, Michigan-based Oakland Press. He previously worked for the Flint Journal, Lapeer (Michigan) County Press and Daily Mining Gazette in Houghton, Michigan.