Grand Canyon University Athletics
Lopes host ASU in big time wrestling dual
12/31/2008 10:29:37 AM | Wrestling
Grand Canyon wrestling will elevate itself to a higher stage Saturday when the Antelopes host Arizona State University in a marquee local match.
It is the biggest name opponent, not to mention cross-town wrestling companion, GCU will have brought into Antelope Gym. Wrestling begins at 5 p.m. Saturday.
"We are excited to host ASU at our gym," Grand Canyon coach R.C. LaHaye said. "They are a Division I powerhouse, and it is a tremendous opportunity for our guys to get to compete against them at home."
The matches can be seen via the Internet by visiting http://b2tv.com/partner_members.asp?id=78. Live scoring is also expected to be carried on the National Wrestling Coaches Association's www.intermatwrestle.com site.
Arizona State (3-2) is coming off a 19th place finish in the Midlands Tournament in Evanston, Ill. The Sun Devils feature a couple of the top wrestlers in the nation in No. 8 125-pound sophomore Anthony Robles (Mesa) and No. 5 141-pound Chris Drouin.
"ASU has a squad full of Blue Chip recruits," LaHaye, a former college All-American, said. "They are solid at every weight. They always have a few contenders for DI All-American status every year."
Grand Canyon's top wrestlers, 174-pound Victor Carazo (13-4, 4 pins) and 165-pound Stephen Towne (8-3) are not scheduled to be in the starting lineup. Towne is expected to use this year as a redshirt year. Carazo is waiting eligibility clearance. Grand Canyon's 184-pound Ryan Becerra (6-2, 1 pin) is also waiting to become eligible.
GCU's 165 Jack Porter (9-7, 1 pin) and 125 Alex Contreras (7-6) will be in the starting lineup. Porter (pictured main page) is expected to wrestle Tucson product Kyle DeBerry. Contreras(pictured), could have a rematch with Ben Ashmore, whom the Lopes 125-pounder lost to 15-0 earlier in the season, or Robles in a marquee match.
ASU was consistently a top 25-ranked team, but is not on the elite national radar this year as a team.
"This will be the first big home dual in GCU wrestling history," LaHaye said. "We are excited for the big event."
