Grand Canyon University Athletics
GCU blanked by No. 8 Western State
11/28/2007 9:56:53 AM | Wrestling
PAYSON, Ariz. -- Grand Canyon wanted this to test itself against some of the best. Well, the Antelopes saw what it's like to be near the top.
Western State College beat Grand Canyon 52-0 Wednesday night in a Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference wrestling dual meet at Payson High School in front of 400-plus fans.
"We needed to wrestle this team," GCU coach R.C. LaHaye said. "They're just a complete team. They've had great tradition there for 80-90 years. For our guys to wrestle them, it shows what they need to do to get there."
GCU's Jack Porter (pictured) battled No. 1 nationally-ranked Larry Wilbanks before falling 5-1 at 174. Western State's Neil Samples defeated Stephen Towne 3-1 at 157 in another close match.
"He kept it close. He just needs to work on his offense," LaHaye said of Porter. "He's on the verge of being competitive every match. The same goes for Stephen Towne."
Grand Canyon's Tony Covert lost by major decision, 12-1, to Eddie Lopez at 125. WSC (3-1) won by fall at 133 and 285. GCU (0-5) was forced to forfeit five bouts due to ineligibility issues.
"I just wish we could've brought a full team," said LaHaye, a Payson native. "It was great to bring the community together."
Grand Canyon will host Oklahoma City University 2 p.m. Dec. 8 in Antelope Gym.
Results
Western State College 52, Grand Canyon 0
125 -- Eddie Lopez maj. dec. Tony Covert 12-1
133 -- Jesse Cruz p. Daniel Caraveo 5:45
141 -- Kyle Francis won by forfeit
149 -- Camille DuPont won by forfeit
157 -- Neil Samples d. Stephen Towne 3-1
165 -- Zach Lee won by forfeit
174 -- Larry Wilbanks d. Jack Porter 5-1
184 -- Sky Wells won by forfeit
197 -- Donovan McMahill won by forfeit
HWT -- Andrew Skinner p. Michael Najera 2:48
