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STEUBENVILLE -- Anthony Rice has his priorities in order.
The Steubenville junior recently gave a verbal committment to N.C. State to continue his academic and wrestling careers.
"It makes me feel great because now I know where I have to be and where I have to go," he said in a recent interview at the high school.
"Now during my senior year I can keep on striving to acheive my goals. It takes a lot of pressure off of me, but there will still be lots of pressure to win OVACs and the state because now people are looking at me from everywhere."
Rice is the cousin of current Wolfpack wrestler Tariq Wilson, also a Steubenville alum who finished third in the NCAA Nationals a few weeks back in Cleveland.
"Tariq is my cousin. That's a big reason why I wanted to attend N.C. State. I wanted to follow in his footsteps," Rice added. "I'll be there with him for two years, so he can take me under his wing for two years. He can teach me and guide me."
Rice is a reigning Ron Mauck OVAC Tournament champion. He is a multiple placer at the OVAC, as well as the Ohio state tournament. He finished third as a freshman and sophomore at the OVAC before doubling Parkersburg South's two-time champion Luke Martin, 6-3, earlier this year in the championship bout at 138.
"My goal is to win another OVAC title and be a two-time champ, and to also be a state champion since we (Big Red) haven't had one for quite a while. I want to be a 2019 state champion," he stressed. "That's something I am really striving for. I want to take care of some business that hasn't been done for a long time."
Rice, who was ranked No. 3 at 138 last season in the Buckeye State, finished seventh after placing fourth as a sophomore. He was sixth in the district as a freshman.
"I have to work on the top position the most. Tariq is really good on top and I will learn from him when I go to N.C. State this summer," he said. "I'll also have to work on my physical ability, as well."
While at Steubenville, Rice's workout partner was Jashon Hubbard, an Ohio State University recruit.
"Every match we wrestled was hard and tough," Rice explained. "It's like he's going to Ohio State and I'm going to N.C. State. We always make it like a state championship match when we wrestle."
Rice will be the third Big Red grappler to attend a D-I school over the past five years.
"This program helped me a lot. We are really intense. We do nothing but business in the wrestling room," he noted. "I just love everyone's work ethic."
Rice also credited his coaches for much of his success.
"They helped me tremendously. Coach (Lucas) Huffman and Coach (Cornell) Birden wrestle with me. Coach (Mike) Blackburn is just a little too big for me, but he coachs me through practice and makes sure I work hard and am a team leader."
Rice plans to major in pre-dentistry.
"I would like to thank my grandma (WillaMae Fleshman) and aunt (Theresa Wilson) for all their help," he added. "They have been there every step of the way for me and I am blessed to have them in my life."
Steubenville head coach Mike Blackburn had nothing but good words about Rice.
"Anthony not only does well in the classroom and on the mat but he has great character," Blackburn said. "We are looking for Anthony to have a dominant senior year."
Rice has a 3.5 grade-point-average. He is also involved in tumbling, acting and choir,. He also tarted an anti-bullying club at Big Red.
"He is a well-rounded student-athlete," Blackburn added.