BUTLER TWP — Division I wrestling, a strong criminal justice program and a campus to his liking.

Butler graduate Chris White found the best of all worlds in Lock Haven University.

"It's almost like I'm supposed to go there," White said. "They have 400 students in their criminal justice program, and that's what I want to go into.

"I never knew Lock Haven even had a wrestling program. I was considering Seton Hill and Waynesburg when (Butler coach Scott Stoner) suggested I look at some more schools."

White was the Golden Tornado's 215-pound wrestler last season, putting together a 32-8 record and falling one victory shy of qualifying for the PIAA Tournament.

He won 74 matches in his high school career.

"This could not have worked out better for Chris," Stoner said. "He's such a strong kid who needs to work on technique, and he's going to be schooled by some of the best.

"Once he hits his peak, (Lock Haven) could really have something."

White is joining the wrestling team as a walk-on at Lock Haven, which hasn't won the PSAC title since 2001 and hasn't claimed an Eastern Wrestling League crown since 1997.

Lock Haven finished 2-9 in dual meets last season and placed fourth in the PSAC Championships. The Bald Eagles were 7-9-1 in 2009.

The program changed its coaching staff 10 months ago, hiring Rob Waller as head coach, Matt Lackey as an assistant and Teyon Ware as a graduate assistant.

Waller was a national champion at Oklahoma University in 2003 and has been an assistant coach with the Sooners for four years, coaching 12 All-Americans and four national finalists.

Lackey was a 2003 national champion at the University of Illinois and won two Illinois state titles in high school.

Ware was a two-time national champion at Oklahoma, was 132-0 in high school and is training for the 2012 Olympics.

The trio combined for nine All-American seasons in college.

"Working with those guys in the room every day — I can't wait to see what they can do with me," White said.

Lock Haven had no seniors on its 2010 roster and Waller wants all of his incoming freshmen to compete for a spot in the starting lineup.

"I've seen a little film on Chris, but he's here primarily on Coach Stoner's recommendation," Waller said. "I think very highly of Scott and when he says one of his kids can help us, I believe him.

"We won't make decisions on redshirting anyone until they get here and compete for a starting spot. We'll make judgments from there."

That suits White fine.

"I'll get in there, start wrestling off with guys and see where I stand," he said.

Stoner wrestled with Waller's father at Slippery Rock University. Their coach at The Rock, Fred Powell, won a national championship at Lock Haven.

"I've been here 10 months and I already see the program turning the corner," Waller said. "We're looking for wrestlers who can make a positive, lasting impression here and Chris is one of those people."