SLAM! Nevada’s Drake Hooiman Draws National Attention in Wrestling

SLAM! Nevada’s boys wrestling team competes at prestigious tournaments across the nation, helping athletes sharpen skills and gain exposure to college programs. One standout from the team is Drake Hooiman, who, after an impressive performance at the Powerade national wrestling tournament in Pennsylvania, has significantly attracted college recruitment attention.

Impressive Performance Leads to Recruitment Surge

Drake Hooiman finished as the runner-up in the 139-pound category at Powerade in December, which led to an influx of interest from college coaches. Following his remarkable achievement, Hooiman received calls from 41 different programs—showcasing the competitive nature and visibility offered by elite competitions.

Currently a rising senior, Hooiman has narrowed his options to five schools as he prepares for visits this spring: Purdue, Maryland, Virginia Tech, Wyoming, and Arkansas-Little Rock. He noted, “From there (after Powerade), it was which schools do we want to visit and really check out and are we serious about looking at?”

A Track Record of Success

Hooiman’s credentials are impressive. He is a three-time Class 5A state champion and has amassed numerous accolades, including first-team All-Southern Nevada selections. Recently, he secured the 5A Southern Region and state title at 144 pounds, contributing to the Bulls’ fourth consecutive team championship.

Ranked No. 20 nationally in the 138-pound weight class per FloWrestling, Hooiman’s competitive spirit is evident as he anticipates visits to some of the nation’s top wrestling programs. His visits to Purdue and Little Rock were successful, with a scheduled visit to Wyoming on May 2.

The Appeal of the Big Ten

Hooiman is particularly drawn to programs in the Big Ten, stating, “That’s the toughest conference in the country in Division I. I knew that was something that I wanted to potentially be a part of.” The Big Ten’s reputation for excellence in collegiate wrestling is a significant factor in his recruitment process.

Future Aspirations

Decision time is approaching for Hooiman as he aims to finalize his college choice by late May or early June. He expressed excitement over the recruitment process, calling it “really good,” and stated, “It’s a lot of fun and something that I’ve always dreamed of since I was a little kid.”

Contributions to SLAM! Nevada’s Legacy

Hooiman has played a crucial role in elevating SLAM! Nevada into a recognized name in national wrestling. Alongside fellow seniors Manuel Saldate and Gabriel Delgado, who are headed to Oregon State and Arizona State respectively, Hooiman recognizes the rigorous training and challenging schedule orchestrated by coach Jake Rollans as key components to their success. “I think it’s the toughest schedule in the country,” he remarked, highlighting his team’s dedication to wrestling at the highest level.

Emerging Talent in Nevada Football

In addition to wrestling, Nevada’s young athletic talent is making waves in football. Arbor View’s Damani Warren and Zac Fares were recently offered scholarships from Ohio State, the reigning national champions. Warren, a 6-foot-4 wide receiver, holds over 30 offers from notable programs including Alabama and Georgia. Fares, a 6-foot-5 tight end, is also gaining attention despite not being ranked by 247Sports.

Recent Offers and Developments

Several high school football athletes have received significant Division I offers, showcasing the growing talent pool in Nevada:

• Dominic Harris, Clark: A three-star offensive lineman from the class of 2026, he has garnered offers from Texas Tech and Toledo, in addition to Arkansas and Auburn.
• Matthew Mason, Faith Lutheran: The safety from the class of 2026 recently got an offer from Arizona State, complementing previous offers from Oregon State and UNLV.
• Terrance Grant Jr., Bishop Gorman: The class of 2027 running back received an offer from UNLV, joining nominations from Notre Dame and Texas A&M.
• Phoenix Pollard, Foothill: The offensive lineman from the class of 2027 secured his first offers from Cal and Sacramento State.
• Landon Perkins, Liberty: A versatile receiver/defensive back from the class of 2028 received offers from Sacramento State and Delaware State.

Expanding Opportunities in Flag Football

Meanwhile, Shadow Ridge’s flag football team celebrated three signings. Aubree Davis (Alabama State), Tyriel Cole (Nevada State University), and Ruby Engert (Mount Olive in North Carolina) are examples of the growing recognition for women’s flag football. Recent NCAA initiatives aim to pave the way for flag football to join its Emerging Sports for Women’s Program.

For any updates on recruiting or additional information, please reach out to Alex Wright at [email protected].