Another wrestling Lampe will be in the lineup for the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga when the host Mocs open the Southern Scuffle.
Justin Lampe is expected to step right into the lineup at 165 pounds while brother John will be at 184 pounds.
“We knew we were getting him. We just didn’t know when,” Mocs coach Heath Eslinger said. “With the circumstances that presented themselves last semester there was more of a sense of urgency to get him in school rather than wait till next year.”
The Mocs found themselves without senior 165-pounder Corey Mock, who was dismissed from the team and eventually from school in early December. The multi-year NCAA qualifier is currently involved in court proceedings attempting to clear himself of student misconduct charges.
“I’m not one to make excuses but rather make things happen, and that’s all I have to say about that,” Eslinger said.
Eslinger is also one for looking to the future rather than lingering in the past, as evidenced by Lampe joining the Mocs in time for college wrestling’s toughest tournament this side of the nationals.
“It’s pretty big for my first college match, and I guess it seems crazy that I’m wrestling in it. I’ve been trying to get here and now I’m doing it, and I’m glad I have the opportunity,” Lampe said. “Sometimes I get nervous when I think about it, but I realize it’s an opportunity that is there for the taking. It’s wrestling, so there isn’t much to be nervous about for me.”
Lampe has been taking classes at Chattanooga State to rectify some academic shortcomings from his days at St. Xavier High in Louisville, Ky.
“He was a non-qualifier but he worked really hard this past summer and fall to qualify and now he’s ready to help us,” Eslinger said.
Lampe was a four-time Kentucky state medalist and won state titles his sophomore, junior and senior seasons.
“He’ll be a nice addition,” Eslinger said. “Obviously we’re throwing him into a major event his first time out, but the kid is a fighter.”
Another Lampe is on the way, Justin saying that brother Dominic has already committed to UTC.
Contact Ward Gossett at wgossett@timesfreepress.com or 423-886-4765. Follow him at Twitter.com/wardgossett.