Fresno State Athletics
Friday, November 17
Fresno, CA
7:00 PM
Fresno State
vs
No. 14 Illinois
Fresno State Wrestling returns to the Valley on Friday hosting Illinois
11/16/2017 11:00:00 AM | Wrestling
After an 11-year hiatus, the return of Fresno State Wrestling to the Valley becomes official on Friday night as the Bulldogs welcome Big 10 foe Illinois to the Save Mart Center.
FRESNO, Calif. – After an 11-year hiatus, the return of Fresno State Wrestling to the Valley becomes official on Friday night as the Bulldogs welcome Big 10 foe Illinois to the Save Mart Center.
"I hope the Red Wave comes out to support," said head coach Troy Steiner. "So many people have fought to get wrestling back and now it is an opportunity to come watch wrestling again. This is the Valley's program and I hope they are there on Friday!"
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No. 14 Illinois at Fresno State
Nov. 17, 2017 • 7:00 P.M. • Save Mart Center • Fresno, Calif.
Live Scoring: Trackwrestling
Video: FloWrestling
Twitter:Â @FresnoStateWRES
Series History: Illinois leads 2-0
Last Meeting: Jan. 13, 2006 – L, 37-3 in Fresno, Calif.
Promotions
Prior to the start of Friday's dual, there will be a moment of silence for legendary Bulldog wrestler Gary Quintana who passed away on October 12, 2017 as the family will be presented with a framed singlet.
Scouting Illinois
The Fighting Illini hit the road for their second dual of the season after opening up the season at MAC opponent Missouri on Nov. 4 falling 20-17 in a dual held outdoors at the Mizzou Softball Stadium.
Illinois is coming off an 11th place finish at the 2017 NCAA Championships where they finished with three All-Americans, including a runner-up finish at 165 pounds by nearby Lemoore native Isaiah Martinez. Martinez, currently ranked second in the nation at 165 pounds, is the lone returning All-American of the group this season as he enters Friday's match with a career record of 99-2 and two NCAA individual titles on his resume.
Five other Illini grapplers are ranked as redshirt junior Emery Parker checks in No.6/8 at 184 pounds while none of the other four wrestlers are ranked above No. 14 in their respective weight classes.
The Illini, who finished sixth at last year's Big 10 Championships, return 14 letter winners and eight starters from a season ago while welcoming in 11 newcomers. Friday's lineup is well balanced between classes as the Illini will feature two seniors, three juniors, two sophomores and three freshman.
Illinois is led by ninth-year head coach Jim Heffernan, who is in his 26th year as a member of the Illini coaching staff, and he is assisted by Jeremy Hunter and Mike Poeta.
Projected Starting Lineups
#16/14/15 Illinois vs. Fresno State Probable Wrestlers
125 - 14/17/19 Travis Piotrowski (1-0), So. vs. Sean Williams (0-0), Sr. OR /Jeremy Trinh (0-0), Fr.
133Â - 17/16/15 Dylan Duncan (0-1), R-Fr. vs. -/14/16 Emilio Saavedra (0-0), Jr OR Trevor Williams (1-1), Fr.
141 -/-/- Mike Carr (0-1), R-Fr. vs. Chris De Loza (1-1), Fr.
149 - 19/-/20 Eric Barone (0-1), R-So. vs. Khristian Olivas (2-0), Fr. Â
157 - 16/19/- Kyle Langenderfer (0-1), R-Sr. vs. Greg Gaxiola (2-0), Fr.
165 - 2/2/2 Isaiah Martinez (1-0), R-Sr. vs. Isaiah Hokit (2-0), So.
174 -/-/- David Riojas (0-0), Fr. vs. Dominic Kincaid (1-1), So.
184 - Â 8/8/6 Emery Parker (1-0), R-Jr. vs. Angel Solis (1-1), Fr.
197 -/-/- Andre Lee (0-1), R-Jr. vs. Richie Brandt (1-1), Fr.
HWTÂ -/-/- Duece Rachal (1-0), R-Jr. vs. AJ Nevills (2-0), Fr.
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Rankings are listed in Intermat, W.I.N., FloWrestling
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'Dogs open season in San Francisco
The return of Fresno State Wrestling officially returned on Nov. 11 with an emphatic 35-12 win over San Francisco State before the 'Dogs fell to Nebraska-Kearney 19-17 in the second dual at The Swamp on the campus of SFSU.
Four Bulldogs went 2-0 on the afternoon as Khristian Olivas (149 lbs.), Greg Gaxiola (157 lbs.), Isaiah Hokit (165 lbs.) and AJ Nevills (Hwt.) each won both of their matches.
Hokit was the standout of the afternoon for the 'Dogs winning both of his matches by major decision topping San Francisco State's Romeo Medina, 16-7 and Nebraska-Kearney's Nickalas Babock, 14-3.
Nevills picked up a major decision over SFSU's Sam Alnassiri before rallying back from an early 8-1 deficit to UNK's Kevin Barrett, ranked No. 6 in Division II, to win 12-11. Olivas and Gaxiola each won their first match by a major decision before winning their second match by decision.
Inaugural Battle on the Midway set for Tuesday - Buy Tickets HERE!
The Bulldogs will compete in its first dual as a member of the Big 12 Conference when they take on Air Force on the USS Midway next Tuesday in the inaugural Battle on the Midway. The first collegiate dual meet ever on a aircraft carrier, the 'Dogs and Falcons will meet at 7 p.m. with Team USA competing in six international exhibition matches at 6 p.m. before the collegiate teams meet.
Return of Wrestling to the Central Valley
Wrestling makes its return to the Valley and Fresno State after an 11-year absence as the sport was discontinued after the 2005-06 season. The 'Dogs competed in Division II for seven seasons before making the move to Division I in 1969 where they competed for 38 seasons.Â
The 'Dogs hold an all-time dual meet record of 444-336-7 (.569), have won 11 conference titles and finished in the top 25 at the NCAA Tournament 14 times.
Stephen Abas announced as a Distinguished Member of the 2018 National Wrestling Hall of Fame Class
Fresno State Wrestling legend Stephen Abas was announced as a Distinguished Member of the 2018 National Wrestling Hall of Fame Class on Oct. 26. A five-year Bulldog from 1997-2002, Abas was a three-time NCAA Division I national champion and a four-time All-American at Fresno State, winning titles in 1999, 2001 and 2002 after finishing fourth as a freshman in 1998. He won a silver medal at the Summer Olympics in 2004 and competed in the World Championships in 2001 and 2003. He was also qualified for the World Championships in 2002, but the United States did not compete.
Pledges for Pins (PDF - Click here to donate!)
Pledges for pins is designed to help support the Fresno State Wrestling Program. Proceeds will benefit the Fresno State Wrestling Fund for Excellence along with a portion contributing to the Valley Regional Training Center -- a nonprofit organization that supports Fresno State Wrestling.
It works like this, for example, if you pledge $5 per pin and the team accumulates 40 pins during the season, your pledge will be $200. Throughout the season, pins and pledges will be recorded and a letter will be mailed with your pledge amount and payment information. To donate, click on the link at the top of the page.
Levels of Pledges
Cooper - $1-10
Bronze - $11-20
Silver - $21-49
Gold - $50 & Up
"Just the Ticket to Build Our Community" – The Bulldog Scholarship Fund gives Bulldog alumni, fans and friends the opportunity to support Fresno State Athletics and the student-athletes who inspire them. For information about how you can support the Bulldog Scholarship Fund, please visit www.bulldogscholarshipfund.com or call 559-278-7160.
Follow us on:Â
Twitter: @Fresno StateWRES
Instagram:Â fresnostatewrestling
Facebook:Â FresnoStateAthletics
Snap Chat:Â FSAthletics
"I hope the Red Wave comes out to support," said head coach Troy Steiner. "So many people have fought to get wrestling back and now it is an opportunity to come watch wrestling again. This is the Valley's program and I hope they are there on Friday!"
Â
No. 14 Illinois at Fresno State
Nov. 17, 2017 • 7:00 P.M. • Save Mart Center • Fresno, Calif.
Live Scoring: Trackwrestling
Video: FloWrestling
Twitter:Â @FresnoStateWRES
Series History: Illinois leads 2-0
Last Meeting: Jan. 13, 2006 – L, 37-3 in Fresno, Calif.
Promotions
- Fresno State Wrestling is Back T-shirt giveaway
- Foam finger giveaway
- Band/Spirit squads
- Poster giveaway during the match
Prior to the start of Friday's dual, there will be a moment of silence for legendary Bulldog wrestler Gary Quintana who passed away on October 12, 2017 as the family will be presented with a framed singlet.
Scouting Illinois
The Fighting Illini hit the road for their second dual of the season after opening up the season at MAC opponent Missouri on Nov. 4 falling 20-17 in a dual held outdoors at the Mizzou Softball Stadium.
Illinois is coming off an 11th place finish at the 2017 NCAA Championships where they finished with three All-Americans, including a runner-up finish at 165 pounds by nearby Lemoore native Isaiah Martinez. Martinez, currently ranked second in the nation at 165 pounds, is the lone returning All-American of the group this season as he enters Friday's match with a career record of 99-2 and two NCAA individual titles on his resume.
Five other Illini grapplers are ranked as redshirt junior Emery Parker checks in No.6/8 at 184 pounds while none of the other four wrestlers are ranked above No. 14 in their respective weight classes.
The Illini, who finished sixth at last year's Big 10 Championships, return 14 letter winners and eight starters from a season ago while welcoming in 11 newcomers. Friday's lineup is well balanced between classes as the Illini will feature two seniors, three juniors, two sophomores and three freshman.
Illinois is led by ninth-year head coach Jim Heffernan, who is in his 26th year as a member of the Illini coaching staff, and he is assisted by Jeremy Hunter and Mike Poeta.
Projected Starting Lineups
#16/14/15 Illinois vs. Fresno State Probable Wrestlers
125 - 14/17/19 Travis Piotrowski (1-0), So. vs. Sean Williams (0-0), Sr. OR /Jeremy Trinh (0-0), Fr.
133Â - 17/16/15 Dylan Duncan (0-1), R-Fr. vs. -/14/16 Emilio Saavedra (0-0), Jr OR Trevor Williams (1-1), Fr.
141 -/-/- Mike Carr (0-1), R-Fr. vs. Chris De Loza (1-1), Fr.
149 - 19/-/20 Eric Barone (0-1), R-So. vs. Khristian Olivas (2-0), Fr. Â
157 - 16/19/- Kyle Langenderfer (0-1), R-Sr. vs. Greg Gaxiola (2-0), Fr.
165 - 2/2/2 Isaiah Martinez (1-0), R-Sr. vs. Isaiah Hokit (2-0), So.
174 -/-/- David Riojas (0-0), Fr. vs. Dominic Kincaid (1-1), So.
184 - Â 8/8/6 Emery Parker (1-0), R-Jr. vs. Angel Solis (1-1), Fr.
197 -/-/- Andre Lee (0-1), R-Jr. vs. Richie Brandt (1-1), Fr.
HWTÂ -/-/- Duece Rachal (1-0), R-Jr. vs. AJ Nevills (2-0), Fr.
Â
Rankings are listed in Intermat, W.I.N., FloWrestling
Â
'Dogs open season in San Francisco
The return of Fresno State Wrestling officially returned on Nov. 11 with an emphatic 35-12 win over San Francisco State before the 'Dogs fell to Nebraska-Kearney 19-17 in the second dual at The Swamp on the campus of SFSU.
Four Bulldogs went 2-0 on the afternoon as Khristian Olivas (149 lbs.), Greg Gaxiola (157 lbs.), Isaiah Hokit (165 lbs.) and AJ Nevills (Hwt.) each won both of their matches.
Hokit was the standout of the afternoon for the 'Dogs winning both of his matches by major decision topping San Francisco State's Romeo Medina, 16-7 and Nebraska-Kearney's Nickalas Babock, 14-3.
Nevills picked up a major decision over SFSU's Sam Alnassiri before rallying back from an early 8-1 deficit to UNK's Kevin Barrett, ranked No. 6 in Division II, to win 12-11. Olivas and Gaxiola each won their first match by a major decision before winning their second match by decision.
Inaugural Battle on the Midway set for Tuesday - Buy Tickets HERE!
The Bulldogs will compete in its first dual as a member of the Big 12 Conference when they take on Air Force on the USS Midway next Tuesday in the inaugural Battle on the Midway. The first collegiate dual meet ever on a aircraft carrier, the 'Dogs and Falcons will meet at 7 p.m. with Team USA competing in six international exhibition matches at 6 p.m. before the collegiate teams meet.
Return of Wrestling to the Central Valley
Wrestling makes its return to the Valley and Fresno State after an 11-year absence as the sport was discontinued after the 2005-06 season. The 'Dogs competed in Division II for seven seasons before making the move to Division I in 1969 where they competed for 38 seasons.Â
The 'Dogs hold an all-time dual meet record of 444-336-7 (.569), have won 11 conference titles and finished in the top 25 at the NCAA Tournament 14 times.
Stephen Abas announced as a Distinguished Member of the 2018 National Wrestling Hall of Fame Class
Fresno State Wrestling legend Stephen Abas was announced as a Distinguished Member of the 2018 National Wrestling Hall of Fame Class on Oct. 26. A five-year Bulldog from 1997-2002, Abas was a three-time NCAA Division I national champion and a four-time All-American at Fresno State, winning titles in 1999, 2001 and 2002 after finishing fourth as a freshman in 1998. He won a silver medal at the Summer Olympics in 2004 and competed in the World Championships in 2001 and 2003. He was also qualified for the World Championships in 2002, but the United States did not compete.
Pledges for Pins (PDF - Click here to donate!)
Pledges for pins is designed to help support the Fresno State Wrestling Program. Proceeds will benefit the Fresno State Wrestling Fund for Excellence along with a portion contributing to the Valley Regional Training Center -- a nonprofit organization that supports Fresno State Wrestling.
It works like this, for example, if you pledge $5 per pin and the team accumulates 40 pins during the season, your pledge will be $200. Throughout the season, pins and pledges will be recorded and a letter will be mailed with your pledge amount and payment information. To donate, click on the link at the top of the page.
Levels of Pledges
Cooper - $1-10
Bronze - $11-20
Silver - $21-49
Gold - $50 & Up
"Just the Ticket to Build Our Community" – The Bulldog Scholarship Fund gives Bulldog alumni, fans and friends the opportunity to support Fresno State Athletics and the student-athletes who inspire them. For information about how you can support the Bulldog Scholarship Fund, please visit www.bulldogscholarshipfund.com or call 559-278-7160.
Follow us on:Â
Twitter: @Fresno StateWRES
Instagram:Â fresnostatewrestling
Facebook:Â FresnoStateAthletics
Snap Chat:Â FSAthletics
Players Mentioned
184/197
/ Wrestling
141
/ Wrestling
149
/ Wrestling
157/165
/ Wrestling
174
/ Wrestling
285
/ Wrestling
149
/ Wrestling
133/141
/ Wrestling
174/184
/ Wrestling
125
/ Wrestling
125
/ Wrestling
133
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