The list of local connections to the Augustana University wrestling program is now a little longer.
Caleb Vancura, who graduated from Jackson County Central High School this spring, has committed to wrestling for the Vikings next season.
Augustana assistant coach Cooper Moore, also a JCC grad, shared the news on Instagram:
Vancura had committed to attend Augsburg University in January.
He’s a three-time state place winner, including winning the Class 1A 220-pound state title as a senior and finished the season with a 44-3 record.
He placed fourth at 182-pound as a junior in 2022 (50-6) and sixth at 195 pounds as a sophomore in 2021 (31-5).
Vancura also wrestled on two state championship teams at JCC and clinched the title with a win each year.
In addition to Moore, JCC connections to the Augustana program include Payton Handevidt, who was a redshirt freshman last season; Logan Butzon, who will also be joining the Vikings this season; and Nolan Ambrose, who has committed to join Augustana in the 2024-25 season.
Also, Jacob Tvinnereim graduated from Augustana program this spring.
There are also four Martin County West graduates who wrestle for the Vikings, Payton Anderson, Miles Fitzgerald, Jaxson Rohman and Connor Simmonds.
Also, part of the Augustana program is former Windom/Mountain Lake Cobra Kade Sammons.