ATH: Hall Of Fame Inductee Spotlight - Eric Schmiesing

Hempstead, NY - Leading up to the Hofstra Athletics Hall of Fame Dinner on April 12, GoHofstra.com will feature members of the Class of 2015. Today's spotlight is on former Wrestler Eric Schmiesing '01.

"Eric loved to get his hand raised in everything he did. He was a great leader and my first believer. He believed Hofstra Wrestling could be nationally prominent. His upbringing taught him the things that lead to success. He excelled on the mat and the classroom. He was honest, hard working, consistent and the Hofstra Wrestling program took a tremendous step forward by his decision to join the Pride! There are none I could think of who deserve this honor more than Eric." - Tom Ryan, Hofstra Wrestling Coach (1994-2006)

Eric Schmiesing wrestled for the Pride from 1996 through 2001 and was a two-time All-American at 149 pounds.

A four-time NCAA Championships qualifier, Schmiesing placed fifth in 2000 and eighth in 2001 to earn All-America accolades. During his tenure he posted a 132-38 record, which is the third-highest win total in program history.

Schmiesing, a native of St. Cloud, Minnesota, won the East Coast Wrestling Association championship three times and was the 2001 ECWA Championship Most Outstanding Wrestler. He was the New York State Wrestler of the Year in 2000 and also earned Most Outstanding Wrestler honors at the New York State Championships that year after winning the 149-pound weight class.

In addition to accomplishments on the mat, Schmiesing was also a four-time NWCA All-Academic Team selection.

Currently a private equity trader in Oyster Bay, New York, Schmiesing has been involved in the finance industry since graduating from Hofstra. He was a local crude oil trader on the New York Mercantile Exchange before moving into private equity.

Schmiesing was one of the founding members of the Long Island Wrestling Association and is still the organization's secretary. The LIWA is a voluntary, not-for-profit organization dedicated to fostering, promoting and encouraging the sport of amateur wrestling. The LIWA's camp assistance program has allowed hundreds of high school wrestlers the opportunity to attend a wrestling camp when their financial situation would not have allowed it.

Now residing in Oyster Bay, New York, Schmiesing and his wife, Alise, have a 4-year old son, Colton.

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