Fresno State Athletics
Senior Wrestlers Say Goodbye to North Gym
2/13/2003 12:00:00 AM | Wrestling
Feb. 13, 2003
Seniors Eddie Gifford, Ben Baca and Zhon Kuraspediani will wrestle their final home match in the North Gym on Sunday, Feb. 16 at noon.
A presentation of each wrestler will be given by Coach DeLiddo starting at noon and the match will follow immedately after.
Eddie Gifford started his career at Fresno State as a true freshman in 1999. Over the last four years he has moved up and down between 165, 174 and 184 divisions. Gifford has been consistently ranked all year and is No. 12 by Intermat Wrestling. He has compiled a record of 73-45 overall and 36-24 in duals. Last season, Gifford took second in the West Regional and qualified for the for the NCAA Championships where he helped the Bulldogs to a 19th place finish. "He provides strength and leadership to the team he's a good kid and he's having a great year," said DeLiddo.
Ben Baca began his wrestling career at Fresno State in 2001. As transfer from Fresno City he became the starter last season at 157. Baca took third place at the West Regional. This year he starts at the 165 division. He has complied a record of 39-25 overall and 17-13 in duals. Baca took first at the All- California Tournament this year. He is this year's only Valley senior graduating from Buchanan High School in 1998. " He a good kid, works hard and I hope he makes it to the Nationals," said DeLiddo.
Zhon Kuraspediani came to Fresno State by way of Cal State Bakersfield. At Bakersfield he complied a record of 13-14 overall and 8-6 in duals. He transferring in 2001. Last year, he went 5-2 overall and 3-0 in duals. This year he became the starter at 149 midway through the season and has gone 11-5 overall and 7-3 in duals. "Zhon has been a great addition at mid season and his hard worker is obvious," said DeLiddo.
The match is against No. 12 Arizona State. The Sun Devils bring six ranked wrestlers and a 4-1 Pac-10 record.
