Two-time New England Champion No. 13 P4P Peyton Ellis (Coventry, RI) has decided to stay in state and wrestle at DIII powerhouse Johnson & Wales University.
“I’ve always known about JWU,” said Ellis, who trains at one of the top-rated clubs in New England. “I train at Mayo Quanchi and I know a lot of older kids who have gone on to have successful careers there.”
When it came to other suitors, the 2x NHSCA All-American wasn’t interested. His choice was between the home state program or a year of prep school.
“I wasn’t really looking at any other schools,” Ellis said. “The final decision was between JWU and prep school, and I just felt JWU was the better fit. I love the atmosphere and energy the team brings.”
Even though the Coventry Oaker has had much success on the regional stage, he knows that college will bring a greater challenge.
“Winning New Englands the second time was cool, but it was just another day. I plan to continue working hard and get as good as possible to prepare for the challenges college wrestling will bring.”
In a loaded Wildcats lineup that looks to compete for a national title in the coming years, Ellis will find a familiar face in former Coventry, RI standout Joziah Fry, the defending national champion at 125lbs.
“I’ll go whatever weight my coach tells me to go,” Ellis added. “I can cut down to 125 or bulk up. I am pretty good when it comes to cutting weight and getting down the healthy way, so I can pretty much go any weight.”