There's a reason why St. Louis is known as the city of blues.
The Eastern-most city of Missouri has historically been the home to certain downtrodden members of society singing their heart-felt songs of despair.
Sophomore Ryan Bader hopes he and the rest of the ASU wrestlers heading to St. Louis next weekend won't be singing those songs on the plane ride back to Tempe.
"I don't like the blues," said Bader.
Bader, along with five other ASU grapplers, will head to St. Louis to compete in the NCAA Championships beginning March 18th.
"This is what it's all about," Bader said. "It's everyone's main goal at the beginning of the season to go to Nationals and be an All-American."
The trip is Bader's second in as many years of eligibility as a collegiate wrestler. Last year, Bader came close to fulfilling his All-American dreams, making this trip even more significant.
"It's a ton more (important)," he said. "I knew I had what it took to win last year, and this year I'm expecting to do better."
If there is one underdog to look out for next weekend, it's junior Clifford Starks. Qualifying for Nationals is a first for Starks, and a pleasant surprise for the team, considering he's on the team's second string.
"I wasn't expected to go," said Starks. "Hopefully I'll shock some people.
"Everyone thought I'd lose in the Pac-10's, but I didn't. Now everyone thinks I don't have a chance in Nationals. Hopefully, I'll be the dark horse again."
The other Sun Devils going to St. Louis will be red shirt freshman Christian Staylor, junior Patrick Williams, and seniors Nick Frost and Ron Renzi, who will appear as an alternate selection.
The weekend will no doubt prove to be a memorable experience for the six competing next weekend.
"Since you get out of high school, you hope that you can experience nationals," said Williams. "I'm very grateful."
Reach the reporter at vic.vela@asu.edu
