Cibola's Ludwin signs NLI with Fort Hays

Adam Ludwin has always taken wrestling seriously. Even after signing his letter of intent to attend Fort Hays State University, the Cibola wrestler took no time to celebrate.

He went straight back to do his workouts.

The Raider senior has his sights set on a second state championship, something he can work toward without the distraction of having to worry about recruiting.

Ludwin committed to Fort Hays (Kansas) on Monday, the last day of the early signing period for wrestling. He'll join the Tigers' roster in the Fall, but will likely redshirt his freshman year.

“I fell in love right when I went up there, the first time,” said Ludwin of the school. “(Coach Chas Thompson) only chooses two early signers and I was one of them. They have a top 125-pounder coming back, so I'd most likely have to redshirt, but I still can try and crack the lineup.”

Ludwin selected Hays, a Division II school, over Central Iowa, a Division III school. He knew the competition would be stiffer at the higher-level program, but also said that he'd get better training partners at Hays.

Thompson told Ludwin he wants him to compete at 125 pounds, the smallest weight class in NCAA wrestling. That was OK by Ludwin, who walks at about the same weight.

“I'm a small guy,” he said. “I only weight 123, 124 pounds naturally. I'm only 5-foot-4.”

In 2009, Ludwin won the 5A-II state title in the 112-pound division. This year, after a third-place finish, he'll campaign one last time in that weight class under first-year coach Mike Jankowski.

With his future secure, the state title is the only thing Ludwin will have to worry about this season.

“I wanted to sign early so I could know where I am going,” Ludwin said.

Matt Maxson can be reached at mmaxson@yumasun.com or 539-6880.