Although it may not have shown up statistically speaking, the ASU wrestling team gained significant experience by taking part in the 2004 Sunkist Kids/Arizona State International Open on Friday and Saturday at Wells Fargo Arena.
While the team's best individual finish was fourth place by junior Cain Velasquez, the Sun Devils' most important gain was that of competing against some of the world's best wrestlers.
"They get to see these elite wrestlers, and they learn that they have a long ways to go," ASU wrestling coach Thom Ortiz said. "After they go to college a lot of these guys have Olympic aspirations, and they have to be here to see it."
The best showing by someone incorporated with ASU was not by a current wrestler, but former wrestler and current assistant coach Eric Larkin. Larkin, who was a 2003 NCAA Champion for ASU, finished in second place in the 66kg division. He lost a 1-0, 3-1 decision to Chris Bono in the finals in one of his first times back competing at Wells Fargo since graduation.
"It feels awesome (to be back)," Larkin said. "It feels like home."
New rules changes in the freestyle format of the competition seemed to effect Larkin in his championship match.
"This was the first tournament in the state where they've had the new rules, so it's kind of a tester," he said. "So far I haven't really been liking them."
Larkin won his first four matches before his loss to Bono.
As far as current Sun Devils, Velasquez's performance was one of the few bright spots on the mats over the weekend. Velasquez started off with a first round bye, and then defeated Steve Sniders 4-0, 7-0 in the quarterfinals. Velasquez lost a close match in the semifinals before rebounding for a consolation semifinals victory.
However, Velasquez came up with an injury and could not wrestle for third place, leaving him with the fourth place finish.
Junior Jeremy Mendoza advanced to the semifinals as well, but lost to Matt Azevedo 1-0, 3-0. Mendoza then lost in the consolation semis 6-0, 4-2 to Enrhtur Badamsaikham.
Returning All-American junior Ryan Bader did not fare too well in the competition, falling in both matches he wrestled in. Bader lost to David Zilberman 2-3, 4-2, 3-1 in the first round and lost to Josh Pearce in the consolation first round to knock him out of the tournament.
The tournament was the unofficial start to the season for the wrestling team. Although it doesn't count in the standings, the open was the first real action of the year for the Sun Devils.
"We're a little raw," Ortiz said. "I think we're in shape, we just have to work on our skills and our technique. This was our first tournament so it's typical to be a little low on those."
The Sun Devils will get the collegiate season underway with the Cal State Fullerton Open in Fullerton, Calif., on Nov. 20.
Reach the reporter at kyle.odegard@asu.edu.
