Anderson University

Careef, who won the first nine matches of his collegiate career, went on to post a stellar 24-12 record at the (174-pound weight class) during his freshman season and qualified for the NCA A National Championships during his first winter in the Electric City. Careef captured three awards as a freshman in 2003 - he was named AU’s top male athlete , while taking home AU’s Most Outstanding Wrestler honors for the first of three consecutive seasons. The Irmo native was also honored with the Thom Hoppler Memorial Award, which was given in honor of former Anderson wrestler, Thom Hoppler, who was tragically killed in an automobile accident during the summer of 1999.

Careef began his sophomore campaign on another strong note – winning his firsts even outings, then lost just one decision over his next 14 matches while finishing the season with a 23-4 mark and qualifying for the NCA A National Championships for the second time in as many years.

Perhaps saving his best for last, Careef started his junior season with six consecutive victories and later wrapped up the campaign with 15 straight wins, while winning the National Championship at 1 74 pounds – Anderson’s first title as a member of NCAA Division I I – and finished his career with 70 wins and just 24 losses, while taking home his second AU Male Athlete of the Year honor.

During his NCAA Championship bout with Minnesota State-Mankato’s Travis Krinkie – who went on to become a four - time All-American – Careef separated his shoulder with two minutes remaining in regulation with the score tied at 4-4, before winning the match on a takedown 45 seconds into overtime.

Careef graduated with a Bachelor ’s degree in English.