Sun Devil wrestling signs All-American Eric Starks to NLI

TEMPE, Ariz. - Eric Starks has signed a National Letter of Intent to continue his education and competitive wrestling career at Arizona State University, Head Coach Thom Ortiz announced Tuesday. The Battleground, Wash., native will join the program in time for the start of the 2008-09 season following his graduation from Battleground High School.

"We are excited to bring in a talented competitor like Eric and are excited to see what he will contribute to our program," Ortiz said. "He is a state champion and an All-American and I feel he is capable of finding that type of success with the Sun Devils. His goal is to be an All-American, NCAA champion and earn his business degree and I am confident he will work to attain those goals with Arizona State."

Starks is a three-time state placer in Washington and finished as the state's runner-up as a junior at 152 pounds one year ago. As a sophomore, he captured the 135-pound division to help BHS to the state's 4A team title. As a freshman, Starks competed at 125 pounds and placed seventh in the state with an 8-5 decision over current Sun Devil Tyler Bowles (Auburn, Wash.) in the medal round. Ranked No. 1 at 171 pounds in the state of Washington, Starks opened his senior season over the weekend by winning the Panther Invitational.

Starks also is a freestyle champion after capturing the 2007 Western Region Junior Championships at 160-pounds after winning the same weight class at the Northwest Region Junior Championships. From there, he earned All-America honors in Fargo, N.D., by placing third at the Junior National Championships.