Photo By AUEagles.com
Photo by: AUEagles.com
UNC Wrestling Adds Kizhan Clarke For 2021-22 Season
July 7, 2021 | Wrestling
CHAPEL HILL – Kizhan Clarke, a 2020 NCAA qualifier at 149 pounds for American University, where he ranks 17th in program history in wins, is transferring to wrestle next season at the University of North Carolina.
"Adding a guy like Kizhan is huge," said Head Coach Coleman Scott. "He has a wealth of knowledge and experience. He will jump right into a spot where we won't miss a beat. We look forward to growing together and winning titles."
Boasting a career record of 79-33, Clarke was named a NWCA All-America Honorable Mention after he posted a 36-7 overall record in 2019-20. His 36 wins rank third all-time at AU for wins in a single season.
"Carolina is a chance for me to change the future for me and my family. This University gives me the opportunity to strive for my Olympic dreams and achieve lifelong career aspirations," Clarke said. "I look forward to heading back down south not only because of the weather and Carolina barbeque, but because of the prestige that the UNC name holds among the legal and athletic community. Under the guidance of Olympian Colman Scott, I know that this team is going to live up to its name as the University of National Champions."
Although he was unable to compete in American's only meet of the 2020-21 season, he won two matches at 65 kilograms during the 2021 Last Chance US Olympic Trials Qualifier.
A menace on the mat, Clarke recorded 17 major decision victories during his time with the Eagles to rank eighth all-time in program history, which included eight such victories in 2019-20, his redshirt junior campaign.
He began 2019-20 with a 19-0 record through his first four meets and ended the year 4-0 in tech falls and 8-0 in major decisions. Clarke went 9-3 in duals, outscoring opponents 34-9.
Clarke began his tenure with the Eagles as a redshirt in 2016-17 at 149 pounds before moving up to the 157-pound weight class in 2018-19, his redshirt sophomore season. After turning in a 16-13 overall record as a redshirt freshman at 149 pounds, Clarke posted a 21-8 overall record in 2018-19.
A two-time NWCA All-American and a three-time winner of an EIWA Academic Achievement Award, Clarke will attend the University of North Carolina School of Law in the fall.
A native of Gibsonton, Fla., Clarke was the first state champion at Riverview High School, where he finished with a 165-32 record.
"Adding a guy like Kizhan is huge," said Head Coach Coleman Scott. "He has a wealth of knowledge and experience. He will jump right into a spot where we won't miss a beat. We look forward to growing together and winning titles."
Boasting a career record of 79-33, Clarke was named a NWCA All-America Honorable Mention after he posted a 36-7 overall record in 2019-20. His 36 wins rank third all-time at AU for wins in a single season.
"Carolina is a chance for me to change the future for me and my family. This University gives me the opportunity to strive for my Olympic dreams and achieve lifelong career aspirations," Clarke said. "I look forward to heading back down south not only because of the weather and Carolina barbeque, but because of the prestige that the UNC name holds among the legal and athletic community. Under the guidance of Olympian Colman Scott, I know that this team is going to live up to its name as the University of National Champions."
Although he was unable to compete in American's only meet of the 2020-21 season, he won two matches at 65 kilograms during the 2021 Last Chance US Olympic Trials Qualifier.
A menace on the mat, Clarke recorded 17 major decision victories during his time with the Eagles to rank eighth all-time in program history, which included eight such victories in 2019-20, his redshirt junior campaign.
He began 2019-20 with a 19-0 record through his first four meets and ended the year 4-0 in tech falls and 8-0 in major decisions. Clarke went 9-3 in duals, outscoring opponents 34-9.
Clarke began his tenure with the Eagles as a redshirt in 2016-17 at 149 pounds before moving up to the 157-pound weight class in 2018-19, his redshirt sophomore season. After turning in a 16-13 overall record as a redshirt freshman at 149 pounds, Clarke posted a 21-8 overall record in 2018-19.
A two-time NWCA All-American and a three-time winner of an EIWA Academic Achievement Award, Clarke will attend the University of North Carolina School of Law in the fall.
A native of Gibsonton, Fla., Clarke was the first state champion at Riverview High School, where he finished with a 165-32 record.
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