Wrestling Falls to ASU

Saturday, November 13

GCU

1:00 p.m.

Grand Canyon

Arizona State

Juan Carlos Maynes

11/13/2010 2:47:09 PM | Wrestling

By: Mike McNally

The Grand Canyon University wrestling team fell to Arizona State University, 29-8, in front of an enthusiastic crowd of 1,021 at Antelope Gymnasium on the GCU campus this afternoon.

“We knew coming in today that the key for us would be winning the close matches,” said head coach R.C. LaHaye. “Besides Victor, we were unable to do that. That was the difference in the outcome.”

While unable to put away the close matches today, Todd Wilcox (Sacramento, CA, Folsom, Sierra College) won his match at 133 in dominate fashion. He led 4-1 after the first period and extended his lead to 9-1 after two periods. After missing a near fall in the third period, Wilcox finished with a 16-1 major decision victory, to get GCU on the scoreboard.

ASU was able to win the next four matches, but it was the match at 157 that electrified the crowd. GCU’s Juan Carlos Maynes (Silver City, NM, Silver ) drew a tough assignment in squaring off against the Sun Devils’ Bubba Jenkins, the #3-ranked wrestler in Division I. Maynes fell behind early and trailed 7-3, before mounting a rally that tied the match at 7-7 and brought the crowd to its feet. With 1:11 remaining in the third period, Jenkins was forced to use an injury timeout. When the wrestlers returned to the mat, Jenkins was able to eke out an 11-8 win.

“Juan Carlos is a fighter,” said LaHaye. “He pushed the #3-ranked wrestler in the country to his limit. He is not the flashiest, but he will fight you to the end and he did that today.”

Returning All-American Victor Carazo (Modesto, CA, Grace M. Davis, Modesto College) collected a 3-2 win at 174 pounds against ASU’s Eric Starks. Trailing 1-0 entering the third period, Carazo was able to score two points on a takedown with 1:01 left in the match, to earn the victory.

Today’s match was the highlight of a great day for GCU wrestling. The day began with a wrestling clinic and a barbeque, before the crowd filed inside Antelope Gymnasium.

“We were pumped up for this match today,” said senior Todd Wilcox. “This is the first time we have had a crowd like this and we were excited to perform for them. We hope to see our fans come back out again next time.”

GCU returns to action on Nov. 20 at the Cal State Fullerton Open in Fullerton, Calif.

Full results can be viewed here.

Photo gallery can also be viewed here.