Senior Aidan Harper, a standout wrestler, announced his commitment to Stevens Institute of Technology on April 4 via Instagram. Harper is one of the few tri-sport athletes in the senior class as he is also a member of the football and lacrosse teams.
Harper, who wrestles in the 144 lb weight class, is an elite wrestler, dominating his opponents with his quickness and ability to bring his opponents to the mat quickly. His talent on the mat was a major cause of the Blue Devils’ success this season such as his win in an upset of Howell. Such credibility allowed him to quickly be connected with major wrestling schools like Stevens. “I was surrounded by such talented teammates and I knew we had to make the most of the season,” Harper said. “I made sure to work as hard as I could so I could play a big role in helping the team.”
Harper will be joining the Ducks next fall, a private research university that competes at the Division III level in the Middle Atlantic Conference. Stevens is located in Hoboken, New Jersey, and has a fierce wrestling program, ending last season with a 10-4 record and ranked No. 18 out of 71 schools.
“I chose Stevens because it was a school I have always dreamed about going to and I am super interested in the education it offers,” said Harper. “Their wrestling team is super competitive and I love the atmosphere the team has. I also know some of the wrestlers on the team so it was a perfect fit.”
Harper’s great athleticism on the mat can be attributed to the other two sports he plays as well. During the fall he puts on his football pads as a running back and works on his quickness. Then he takes to the mat in the winter where he plays a huge role in the program and pushes himself. Finally, he rests his body during the spring, where he focuses on his coordination by playing lacrosse, showing just how dedicated he is to making himself the best he can be.
Harper owes much of his wrestling success and achievements to the Westfield wrestling program and coaches because “the wrestling and Westfield athletic programs have been an amazing experience. I have made long-lasting friendships with my teammates and coaches who I hope to keep in contact with while I’m at Stevens.”
The Westfield wrestling program is dedicated to helping athletes become the most talented wrestlers they can be and strive to implement long-lasting discipline that will benefit wrestlers later in life. With such help, Harper was able to continue his wrestling career and was looking forward to this opportunity.
With this commitment under his belt, Harper is more determined than ever to make a statement at Stevens and show his true potential as a player. “I can’t wait for the season because it’s going to be such a new experience,” he said. “I’m also excited to build new friendships and connections with even more people while I’m doing what I love.”
