Dec. 21, 2004

Columbia, Mo. -Missouri freshman wrestler Raymond Jordan received the James Johnson Trophy as the top 2004 scholastic wrestler in eastern North Carolina before the finals of the 33rd annual WRAL Wrestling Invitational Tournament on Dec. 18, in Raleigh, N.C. TakeDown Report, an on-line publication that promotes amateur wrestling in eastern North Carolina, sponsors the annual award presented to recent high school graduates.

"The award is to recognize the most successful wrestler from the area each year," TakeDown Report Editor Martin Fleming said. "It encourages the young men from the teams in the eastern part of the state with another opportunity for others to realize the hard work, determination and discipline it takes to be a top-notch wrestler."

A native of New Bern, N.C., Jordan wrestles at 165 pounds for the Tigers and captured a first-place finish at the Lindenwood Open on Nov. 4. Currently 15-4 on the season, Jordan has recorded six falls to his name, three coming consecutively. Jordan finished second at the CMSU Open on Nov. 14 and Missouri Open (freshman/sophomore division) on Nov. 21.

Jordan attended New Bern High School and was coached by Tom Marsh while wrestling at 171 pounds. Upon graduation in 2004, Jordan was a three-time high school champion (2002-03-04), and finished third as a freshman in 2002. Totaling 200 wins to his name, Jordan was selected as the Most Outstanding Wrestler of New Bern High School for his accomplishments of the 2001-02 and 2002-03 seasons. Jordan defeated several of the nation's top-ranked wrestlers and claimed 4A state titles his sophomore (2002), junior (2003) and senior (2004) years.

James Johnson, of whom the trophy is named, started his wrestling career in Greenville, N.C., earning honors throughout the late seventies. Johnson went on to start four years at the University of Kentucky. He is now a sports consultant and coach for the Phoenix-based Sunkist Kids Wrestling Club.