(Photo: Travis David V Whittaker/WCSN)
When the No. 4 ASU wrestling team heads west this weekend to face Cal Poly and Cal state Bakersfield, it figures to be business as usual for a red hot squad that is 12-1 for the first time in 30 years.
Duals on Saturday night and Sunday afternoon in San Luis Obispo and Bakersfield will round out PAC-12 play for the so far dominant Sun Devil squad.
In addition to their already well established names, younger wrestlers like Brandon Courtney 125-lb. and Jacori Teemer 157- lb. have boasted dominant numbers in their respective breakout seasons. As the calendar creeps towards March and the PAC-12 and NCAA postseason, these two along with their teammates will look to improve their stock during the California road trip.
Other than 197-lb. senior Tom Lane, the Cal Poly Mustangs offer few threats to a nationally respected ASU lineup. Saturday night will likely serve as an opportunity for the Sun Devils to sharpen their lower weight game, as they have struggled there outside of Courtney’s 125-lb. dominance.
Look for Josh Kramer, Cory Crooks and Josh Maruca to have strong showings Saturday and Sunday as they attempt to cement their roles for a postseason run.
While ASU holds a more dominant historical advantage over CSU Bakersfield (28-10-1), the Roadrunners seem to be a more formidable foe this season. At 5-5, they have logged impressive wins over both Fresno State, and PAC-12 foe Oregon State. HWT Jarrod Snyder will be a challenge for ASU star Tanner Hall, as 149-lb Russell Rohlfing will likely take on Sun Devil senior Josh Maruca.
Following this weekend of action, ASU will head to No. 9 Lehigh next week, and then will finish the regular season on Sunday, February 23 at No. 8 North Carolina.
