GLENDALE, Ariz. - The Arizona Christian University men's wrestling program (5-2; 1-0 Cascade) continues its season Friday by hosting Vanguard University and Simpson University for Cascade Collegiate Conference duals.
Fan Info:
Tickets are not being sold for the duals. Only spectators listed on each team's pass list in advance of the duals will be permitted entrance.
To watch the duals live, please CLICK HERE.
Dual Preview:
Life Pacific, another member of the CCC, pulled out of the duals earlier this week due to team concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
ACU is 1-0 all-time against Vanguard, scoring a 27-23 team victory against the Lions last season on a neutral mat. The Firestorm have had even better success against Simpson, boasting a 2-0 all-time record, including a 28-21 team victory over the Red Hawks in Las Vegas earlier this season.
The Firestorm enter this weekend ranked No. 18 nationally, the highest ranking in program history. As well as the team ranking, four ACU wrestlers are ranked as individuals - Eli Gonzales ranked No. 5 in the 125 weight class, Chris Kelly ranked No. 8 in the 141 weight class, Austin Roman ranked No. 13 in the 285 weight class, and Andrew Torres ranked No. 15 in the 165 weight class.
Both Vanguard and Simpson enter the weekend receiving votes. Vanguard currently matches ACU with four nationally-ranked individuals, while Simpson enters the weekend with three.
Potential Matchups to Watch:
141: No. 8 Chris Kelly (ACU) vs. No. 14 Gabriel Cortez (Vanguard)
157: Alex Newberry (ACU) vs. Conrado Lopez (Simpson)
165: No. 15 Andrew Torres (ACU) vs. No. 8 Frederick Padilla (Vanguard)
174: Jacob Viera (ACU) vs. No. 4 Armon Fayyazi (Vanguard)
Thoughts from Coach:
When asked about his team's upcoming duals, Head Coach Travis Patrick commented, "It is great to be back home for a dual after a long stretch on the road. Vanguard and Simpson are both quality teams so we are prepared for a battle. We have the benefit of having a few more matches under our belt this season, but we will be down a few key guys due to injuries and illness. Regardless of the team score our guys are ready to scrap, and I expect to see some fireworks at the duals."
ACU Projected Lineup:
125: None
133: Bryce Bernard (Vanguard) and Evan Janson (Simpson)
141: No. 8 Chris Kelly (Vanguard) and Tannor Calloway (Simpson)
149: Jack Latimer
157: Alex Newberry
165: No. 15 Andrew Torres (Vanguard) and Carlo Castagnaro (Simpson)
174: Jacob Viera and Josiah Opp
184: VA Ili
197: Korben Shuler (Vanguard) and Connor Rosane (Simpson)
285: Caleb Baker
