Keegan Overbey visited three college campuses in Iowa during spring break.
In May, the 2010 Ceres High grad signed and mailed his National Letter of Intent to continue his education and wrestling career at Central College.
"I can't really describe it," Overbey said while talking about the once-in-a-lifetime experience. "It was amazing. I've been waiting for this for four years."
Under head coach Eric Van Kley's leadership, Central College's Division III wrestling program made history this past season by securing its first winning record since 2001-02. The Dutch (10-9, 7th) also ended a five-year streak of last-place finishes at the Iowa Conference tournament. Central College totaled just nine wins the previous five seasons.
"They're in the hardest conference," said Overbey, who will compete at 133 pounds or 141s as a freshman. "I plan on being a starter."
Keegan considered signing with William Penn University and Waldorf College.
He committed to Central College for several reasons.
Van Kley, Iowa Conference co-coach of the year, was persistent during the recruiting process.
"He called me once every three days to check in," Overbey said. "I don't know how he found me."
Established in 1853 in Pella, Central College has a total student enrollment of 1,600.
"It's a private college so I get more one-on-one time with teachers."
A four-year starter at Ceres High, Keegan qualified for the Sac-Joaquin Section Masters Wrestling Championships twice (2009, 2010).
Keegan won twice at Masters, finished runner-up at Divisionals (3-1) and placed third in the Valley Oak League as a senior. He played a major role while leading the Bulldogs to a 7-1 record during the conference dual-meet season. Ceres High took second and qualified for the Section Team Duals.
"I pushed myself to the limit but I didn't reach my goal," Overbey said. "I wanted to make it to State."
Jon Nowicki and Steve Festa, Ceres High's coaches, and Oscar Peral, leader of the Ceres Hawks wrestling club, were instrumental in Overbey's development as a skilled wrestler.
"They always pushed me to do my best," Keegan said. "It was wonderful."
Overbey tried different sports before focusing on wrestling.
"Baseball. Soccer. Football. Basketball," he said. "My mom signed me up for everything. I was a hyper child."
When asked what he enjoyed the most about wrestling, Keegan said: "I love how it's one-on-one out there. It's all on you if you win or lose because there's no team with you."
Overbey will try to make a name for himself at Central College. He has high expectations.
"I want to be a national champion and academic All-American," said Keegan, who amassed a cumulative 3.1 grade-point average at Ceres High. "I'm really motivated."
In May, the 2010 Ceres High grad signed and mailed his National Letter of Intent to continue his education and wrestling career at Central College.
"I can't really describe it," Overbey said while talking about the once-in-a-lifetime experience. "It was amazing. I've been waiting for this for four years."
Under head coach Eric Van Kley's leadership, Central College's Division III wrestling program made history this past season by securing its first winning record since 2001-02. The Dutch (10-9, 7th) also ended a five-year streak of last-place finishes at the Iowa Conference tournament. Central College totaled just nine wins the previous five seasons.
"They're in the hardest conference," said Overbey, who will compete at 133 pounds or 141s as a freshman. "I plan on being a starter."
Keegan considered signing with William Penn University and Waldorf College.
He committed to Central College for several reasons.
Van Kley, Iowa Conference co-coach of the year, was persistent during the recruiting process.
"He called me once every three days to check in," Overbey said. "I don't know how he found me."
Established in 1853 in Pella, Central College has a total student enrollment of 1,600.
"It's a private college so I get more one-on-one time with teachers."
A four-year starter at Ceres High, Keegan qualified for the Sac-Joaquin Section Masters Wrestling Championships twice (2009, 2010).
Keegan won twice at Masters, finished runner-up at Divisionals (3-1) and placed third in the Valley Oak League as a senior. He played a major role while leading the Bulldogs to a 7-1 record during the conference dual-meet season. Ceres High took second and qualified for the Section Team Duals.
"I pushed myself to the limit but I didn't reach my goal," Overbey said. "I wanted to make it to State."
Jon Nowicki and Steve Festa, Ceres High's coaches, and Oscar Peral, leader of the Ceres Hawks wrestling club, were instrumental in Overbey's development as a skilled wrestler.
"They always pushed me to do my best," Keegan said. "It was wonderful."
Overbey tried different sports before focusing on wrestling.
"Baseball. Soccer. Football. Basketball," he said. "My mom signed me up for everything. I was a hyper child."
When asked what he enjoyed the most about wrestling, Keegan said: "I love how it's one-on-one out there. It's all on you if you win or lose because there's no team with you."
Overbey will try to make a name for himself at Central College. He has high expectations.
"I want to be a national champion and academic All-American," said Keegan, who amassed a cumulative 3.1 grade-point average at Ceres High. "I'm really motivated."
