Feb. 17, 1998
On Tap: The Arizona State wrestling team, ranked fifth in the nation, is back at home this weekend to host the last dual meet of the 1997-98 season. The Devils take on Fresno State University at 3 p.m. in the University Activity Center.
Last Week: The Devils had their version of the Valentine's Day massacre, beating Pac-10 foe Cal-State Bakersfield 29-8. The Devils now are perfect on the season in the Pac-10 at 4-0, and have an overall record of 13-6 in duals. In the match against the Roadrunners, eight devils recorded vctories, including major decisions by Shawn Ford, Steve Blackford, and Casey Strand. Senior Matt Suter also recorded his first technical fall of the season, defeating Ian Nelms. Senior Aaron Simpson also improved his dual record to a perfect 19-0 with a 5-1 decision over Rafael Davis.
About the Bulldogs: Fresno State has a record this season of 7-6, after coming off a thrilling victory over Stanford on Friday night, 19-16. The Bulldogs trailed 16-7, and came back to capture the victory winning the final three matches. Fresno State wrestled Cal State Bakersfield on Sunday, and defeated the 22nd-ranked Roadrunners 22-19. FSU is lead by freshman Stephen Abas (118), who is ranked second in the nation with a 30-1 record on the season. Abas's only loss this season came against third-ranked Teague Moore of Oklahoma State. Also leading the Bulldogs is junior Stan Greene at 126 pounds. Greene is ranked 14th in the nation, and has a record of 15-6 on the year. This match also closes out the season for FSU, as they head to the WAC Championships next.
ASU Seniors: This is the final home match for six ASU seniors this season. ASU seniors Shawn Ford (126), Tracy Brown (142), Matt Suter (158), Aaron Simpson (177), Jake Harman (190), and Joe Micela (HWT) will wrestle in their final home match at the University Activity Center. Four seniors are members of head coach Lee Roy Smith's first recruiting class at ASU: Ford, Brown, Suter and Simpson.
Up Next: The Devils next head to Fullerton, Calif., on the campus of Cal-State Fullerton for the Pac-10 Championships where the Devils look to repeat as Pac-10 champions in 1998. The championships will run from February 28th to March 1st, and will go all day. Individually seniors Aaron Simpson, Matt Suter and junior Casey Strand will defend their Pac-10 titles.