The ASU wrestling team returned from its Pennsylvania road trip this weekend with a better idea of what it needs to improve to compete with the country's elite programs.
The Sun Devils were minus four starters in their 29-7 loss to No. 8 Lehigh on Thursday but worked out its weaknesses in the East Stroudsburg Open on Saturday.
Three ASU wrestlers placed in the tournament, which did not count toward team scores
"This was just about getting matches and working on the basic fundamentals," coach Thom Ortiz said. "A lot of guys are used to wrestling any way they want, but against quality competition they can't do it anymore."
ASU's Cain Velasquez won the championship at the heavyweight division, going a perfect 5-0. Velasquez won three bouts by major decision and another by fall before defeating Shippensburg's Jake Lininger by an injury default.
"Cain looked really good," Ortiz said. "I think the guy he wrestled in the finals realized he had a whole lot of work to do and didn't want any part of him."
Two other ASU wrestlers placed at East Stroudsburg. Patrick Pitsch won four matches to reach the finals at 165 pounds and Ryan Bader, 197 pounds, placed sixth.
Bader won his first two matches by fall and decision before forfeiting his final three bouts because of injury. Pitsch also took a medical forfeit in the championship bout to finish second.
"We decided to let them rest," Ortiz said. "They're OK, but we have four starters out right now and didn't want to take any chances before our match with Iowa."
Reach the reporter at derrik.miller@asu.edu.
