Grand Canyon University Athletics
GCU Wins Three of Seven Matches Against No. 20 ASU
11/29/2009 12:02:25 PM | Wrestling
The Grand Canyon University wrestling team, fresh off its 21-15 win against NAIA No. 12 Embry-Riddle Saturday, won three of seven matches against Division I No. 20 Arizona State at Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe Sunday.
It was ASU's home opener. The Antelopes fell to 1-1 in dual meets, while the Sun Devils improved to 3-2.
Redshirt senior Stephen Towne (Phoenix, Ariz./Menlo College) won by fall at 4:18 over ASU's Michael Swigart at 165 pounds.
Redshirt sophomore Victor Carazo (Modesto, Calif./Modesto Junior College) won by fall over Eric Starks at 174 pounds. Carazo caught Starks on the edge of the mat and pinned him in 1:43.
"Victor is wrestling very tough," said GCU coach R.C. LaHaye. "The kid he pinned today was one of ASU's best kids and is a returning Pac-10 runner-up. This was a great win for Victor."
Sophomore 184-pounder Kevin Treft (pictured, Sierra Vista, Ariz./Buena), who won by major decision the night before at ERAU, won by major decision (16-4) over Anthony Pike.
"Kevin had a great weekend," LaHaye said. "He is starting to believe in his ability and is wrestling very well right now."
Junior Todd Wilcox (Sacramento, Calif./Sierra College), suffered his first loss of the season, in the 133-class, to ASU's Ben Ashmore 6-3.
Wilcox, who was GCU's first-ever RMAC Wrestler of the Week, trailed just 4-3 in the third period when Ashmore earned an escape and added a point for total riding time.
"I am very proud of our team effort tonight," added LaHaye. "Although we have some illnesses and injuries right now causing us to forfeit a few weights, I am proud of the guys that went out and battled. To win three of seven matches against a Top 20 Division I program like ASU is quite a statement for the direction our program is headed."
(Photos by Tim Koors)
