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Loras College Athletics

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Hall of Fame

Ricky Casarez

  • Class
    1998
  • Induction
    2014
  • Sport(s)
    Wrestling
The transition from warm and scenic Florida isn't one that many people make, but for Ricky Casarez, it was a decision that paid its dividends.

Casarez wrestled for two seasons at Iowa Central Community College. It was here that the Florida native caught the attention of Loras Wrestling Head Coach Randy Steward.

In his first weekend, Casarez went 4-0 at the Augsburg Open and winning the crown at 158 pounds. At the Augustana Open in January 1996, he proved his value to the program once again, going undefeated at 150 pounds. Loras' performance that season saw them creep up to No. 8 in the nation.

The hardware continued to roll in for Casarez in his first season with Loras as he claimed the Wheaton Invitational title just a few short weeks later. Once again, he went 4-0 at 150 pounds. He would finish his season with a 37-6 mark after earning All-American honors by finishing 7th at the NCAA Division III Wrestling Championships in 1996.

Entering his final season, Casarez continued his impressive run, finishing the regular season at a 23-2 mark in the 158-pound weight class. The Iowa Conference recognized Casarez as one of its Outstanding Wrestlers after he won the 158-pound title. Two weeks later, Casarez became just the fifth wrestler from Loras to become a national champion, earning the title after defeating Justin Hahn of Augsburg College, 4-3.
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