Fresno State Athletics
Wrestling Faces Tough Competition in 2000-01
10/12/2000 12:00:00 AM | Wrestling
Oct. 12, 2000
The Fresno State wrestling team will face its toughest ever home meet schedule this year. Five schools traditionally ranked among the top 14 in the country will match up against the Bulldogs. Number one ranked Iowa, which returns with three NCAA champions in the 133, 141 and 157 divisions, will take on Fresno State Jan. 4. Other highly competitive schools coming to the North Gym include Oklahoma State and Oklahoma. Oklahoma State opens up dual meet action Dec. 17 and Oklahoma faces the `Dogs Jan. 14.
"We've worked hard to get the best schools on home and home schedules," said 20 year veteran head coach Dennis DeLiddo. "We're hoping to have exciting matches."
The Bulldogs will be led this year by number one ranked two-time All-American and National Champion Stephen Abas. Last year Abas, who wrestles in the 125 division, took the year off from school to train for the Olympics, where he was just two wins shy of a spot on the team. In his freshman and sophomore years he compiled an overall record of 75-4, his longest winning streak extending 25 wins. At the Olympic trials, Abas went 2-1, losing in the semi-final round to 29 year old Erik Akin with a 7-6 decision.
After a 12-9 1999-00 season, DeLiddo looks to improve the Bulldogs' record with strength scattered throughout the line-up.
Fresno State has added depth and talent to the team with eight more wrestlers this year. "The more bodies we have, the better. The best way to get better is through live wrestling. Everyone brings their own style to the team," said assistant coach Gerry Abas.
Leading off the line-up will be Abas, who hopes to have a perfect record this year and another NCAA championship. "He is capable of being undefeated if he wrestles to his capability," said DeLiddo.
Competing for the 133 spot are junior Derrick Hayes and freshman Ben Martinez. Last year Hayes went 15-15 overall wrestling in the 125 division. Martinez saw time in the 133 division seven times, going 3-4. "It's no one's spot at this point," said Abas. "It will be a good competition to see who will wrestle."
Reclaiming his spot in the 141 division is sophomore Ralph Lopez, ranked nember 17. Last year he went 12-9 in dual meets and 24-13 overall. Lopez took first at the Davis Tournament and third at the Western Regional tournament, placing him at nationals, where he went 0-2. Said Abas, "He had a tough time adjusting last year with managing his weight, but he really turned it on at the end. It is very prestigious to make it to nationals your freshman year. He is a really positive wrestler and I definitely think he is going to have a winning season this year."
Junior Darrick Duran will wrestle in the 149 division, with freshman Jim Medeiros challenging strongly for the spot. Last year Duran went 22-15. "Jim [Medeiros] trains very hard and has extremely high goals," said Abas. "Darrick [Duran] has great abilities. Whoever wants it more will be the one wrestling."
A new addition to Fresno State's squad this year is senior Nathan Vasquez who is ranked 15th. He is a proven winner, according to DeLiddo. One of the ways he proved himself was by beating Fresno State's 157 pounder, Tim Cornish, two times last year, one of those times at the national meet. Vasquez previously wrestled at Cal State Bakersfield.
Wrestling in the 165 division is sophomore Eddie Gifford. Last year Gifford went 14-10 overall. Said Abas, "He is one of the hardest workers on the team. He started training early this year and he's really been in the zone."
Wrestling in the 174 division is Mike Mellor, who returns to competition after redshirting last year. Wrestling in the 184 division is senior Jason Rossotti. This will be his second year at this position. Last year Rossotti had a 19-12 overall record. "He has a lot of ability and he doesn't let things get to him. He is a good team leader," said Abas.
Reclaiming the 197 division is senior Tom Gohde. Last season Gohde went 22-18 overall. "He has a stronger mentality this year and he will represent the team well," Abas said.
Capping off the line-up is junior transfer Billy Blunt from North Carolina State. "[Blunt] is a very technical wrestler," said Abas. "He is incredibly fast for his size and he'll beat a lot of guys." Also in the heavyweight division is junior Grant Harrington who went 14-14 overall last season. "[Harrington] was nice surprise last year. He was in good shape coming out after football was over," said Abas.
