When the ASU wrestling team arrived home from the Pac-10 Tournament as champions, the mood was light. Practice went on as scheduled, and coach Thom Ortiz gathered his wrestlers together to congratulate the Sun Devils on their victory.
But after that brief moment passed, it was back to business.
"That's over," Ortiz said. "That's behind us. Now, we have to think about nationals."
Ortiz shifted from his usual light-hearted-but-firm mood to a more focused and aggressive air.
"Trust me. I've been going to the NCAA [championships] since eighth grade," he said. "I've been to over 20 and I'm speaking from experience."
The NCAA Wrestling Championships will be held from March 16-18 in Oklahoma City. Making the cut this year for ASU are Brian Stith and Jeremy Mendoza, as well as Pac-10 champions Pat Pitsch, Ryan Bader and heavyweight Cain Velasquez.
After finishing fourth at nationals two years ago, Bader is looking to claim an NCAA title in his senior year. For Velasquez, the NCAA title is the sole honor that has eluded him.
Former wrestler Tom Daniel made an appearance at the wrestling facility to congratulate the team and gave a few encouraging words. Daniel was on the 1956 ASU wrestling team and has been to all but one home match in the past 25 years. He drives nearly 200 miles to and from Yuma to support his beloved wrestling team.
For 30 years, Daniel coached wrestling at Yuma High School.
He explained how he got into wrestling.
"My brother antagonized me that I wasn't as tough as I thought I was," Daniel said. "So I tried out and really liked it," Daniel said.
He plans on attending this year's National Championships.
After his speech, Ortiz reminded his veteran wrestlers what they need to do this year.
"Seniors, it's your last hurrah," he said. "You've got to go out with a bang."
Reach the reporter at kalea.yoshida@asu.edu
