Sheila SobchikTristan Aird
Mustang Daily
Cal Poly wrestling head coach John Azevedo feels the experience gained from a 36-8 loss at Oklahoma State last year was a big reason why his team was able to finish 23rd in the nation.
It’s no surprise to see the four-time defending national champion Cowboys again highlighting the Mustangs’ schedule, which was released Sept. 21. Oklahoma State visits Mott Gym on Dec. 18.
“We went there and wrestled them in their place (last year),” Azevedo said. “It’s something about knowing you’ve done it and can do it again.”
The Mustangs will unofficially open the season with the Green and Gold Meet on Nov. 16 before heading to the Fullerton Open on Nov. 18.
Cal Poly’s first dual meet of the season is at home Dec. 9 against another Big 12 Conference stalwart, Oklahoma, which finished third in the country last year.
Azevedo said his team made a point last season of being in the Top 25.
“They definitely take pride in knowing that they have a program that is ranked,” he said. “We have individuals this year who are hoping to win national titles and as a team, they’re excited about being a Top 10 team in the country and really taking another step.”
Individuals critical in those goals include returning starters Chad Mendes (125 pounds), Darrell Vasquez (133), David Roberts (149), Nick Hernandez (165) and Matt Monteiro (197). All five went to nationals last year.
The Mustangs, who are in the Pacific-10 Conference in wrestling only, open conference competition Dec. 18 against visiting Cal State Fullerton.
“It’s a good schedule,” said Azevedo, a former Olympian entering his third year at the helm. “We have a good break in January and finish up with conference teams in the Pac-10.”
Azevedo particularly looks forward to the Central Michigan Tournament, which begins Jan. 21.
“We get to wrestle some of the top teams and individuals,” he said.
Cal Poly also has home dates scheduled against Pac-10 foes Cal State Bakersfield (Jan. 26) and Oregon State (Feb. 4).
The regular season wraps up at rival UC Davis on Feb. 15. The Pac-10 Championships are Feb. 24-25 at Cal State Bakersfield and the NCAA Championships are March 15-17 in Detroit.
“I’d definitely love to have people come out and watch us,” Azevedo said. “It’s not every day you have the (nation’s) top-ranked team coming to San Luis. It should be good competition for people to come and watch.”