Courtesy photoThe Cal Poly wrestling team sees Pac-10 action today at Titan Gym as it takes on Cal State Fullerton, a quite familiar foe following the Cal State Fullerton Open on Nov. 18.
Although the Mustangs competed in a tournament setting at the open, they matched up against several Fullerton wrestlers, which made it safe for head coach John Azevedo to say that today “is going to be a close duel; (Fullerton has) a solid team.”
Cal Poly’s Chad Mendes and Chase Pami won their brackets at the open in the 141- and 157-pound divisions, respectively.
Mendes, 11-0 this season, was 6-0 at the open. He topped the Titans’ Teddy Astorga 7-3 in the title match.
In preparation for today’s dual meet, the Mustangs watched video from Nov. 18 and clips from last year’s contest when the Titans came to Mott Gym. Azevedo said his squad has been working hard in practice to make improvements.
He explained that assistant coach Sammie Henson has been on the mat with the wrestlers, focusing on riding, turning and being able to get away from opponents.
Wrestling action hits Mott Gym on Dec. 8 when the Mustangs take on No. 1 Minnesota, last year’s national champion.
“Obviously it’s gonna be tough to beat them, but we’re hoping to battle them and get some upsets,” Azevedo said.
Although Azevedo said he won’t focus on the Golden Gophers until after the Fullerton meet, he said that people have already called him in anticipation of the event.
“At this time of year, we want to keep making improvements,” he said in hopes that those changes will lead to the Pac-10 Tournament and then nationals.