Bulldogs Face NAIA and NCAA Competition in Costa Mesa
COSTA MESA, Calif. — December 5-6, 2024
The Fresno State Wrestling Club traveled south to Costa Mesa on December 5-6 for a challenging weekend of dual competition against Westcliff University, Vanguard University, and Menlo College.
The event provided the Bulldogs an opportunity to test themselves against varsity-level competition. While Westcliff competes at the NAIA level, both Vanguard and Menlo are in the process of transitioning from NAIA to NCAA Division II. Because transitioning programs are ineligible for NCAA postseason competition, both schools elected to compete in the NCWA postseason during their transition period, making them potential championship-season opponents for Fresno State.
Fresno State entered the weekend with several openings in its lineup, but the Bulldogs remained committed to maximizing competition opportunities. Before the opening dual, coaches from both teams worked together to create as many contested matches as possible. Staying true to the program's "Anyone, Anytime, Anywhere" mindset, Fresno State bumped several wrestlers up in weight throughout the weekend rather than conceding forfeits, ensuring the Bulldogs gained valuable experience against varsity competition whenever possible.
The duals did not go the Bulldogs' way on the scoreboard, but they provided valuable experience against some of the strongest competition Fresno State would face during the 2024-25 season. Facing varsity programs across three consecutive duals gave the Bulldogs a firsthand look at the level required to compete with some of the top teams on the West Coast.
Women's Recap
The Bulldogs' women opened the weekend Friday evening with exhibition competition against Westcliff and Vanguard.
Competing at 138 pounds, Ebony Cardenas wrestled matches against opponents from both schools. While the results did not fall in her favor, the experience provided valuable mat time against varsity competition.
At 180 pounds, Gabriela Ruacho continued her strong season by defeating her Vanguard opponent before an injury prevented her from competing in her scheduled exhibition match against Westcliff.
Men's Recap
Fresno State competed in three duals on Saturday against Westcliff University, Vanguard University, and Menlo College. The Bulldogs moved several wrestlers up in weight throughout the day to create additional match opportunities, with Owen Krieger recording Fresno State's only victories at 197 pounds.
Westcliff 36, Fresno State 6
125 lbs – Both Open
133 lbs – Jesus Brecamontes (WC) def. Gabriel Martinez (FS), Fall
141 lbs – Anthony Tamay (WC) def. Christian Saldana (FS), Fall
149 lbs – Santiago Pacheco (WC) def. William Wareham (FS), Fall
157 lbs – Both Open
165 lbs – Thomas Venezia (WC) def. Damian Galvan (FS), Fall
174 lbs – Both Open
184 lbs – Darin Ito (WC) def. Jason Briseño (FS), Fall
197 lbs – Owen Krieger (FS) def. Caiman Garcia (WC), Fall
285 lbs – Gabriel Rangel (WC) def. Michael Brent (FS), Fall
Vanguard 45, Fresno State 6
125 lbs – Open
133 lbs – Robert Villegas (VU) def. Gabriel Martinez (FS)
141 lbs – Fernando Barreto (VU) def. Christian Saldana (FS)
149 lbs – Malikhi Espiritu (VU) def. William Wareham (FS), Technical Fall
157 lbs – Rafa Marquez (VU) def. Damian Galvan (FS)
165 lbs – Mason Hernandez (VU) won by forfeit
174 lbs – Marquize Brown (VU) won by forfeit
184 lbs – Keagen Kroeger (VU) def. Jason Briseño (FS)
197 lbs – Owen Krieger (FS) won by forfeit
285 lbs – Roman Torres (VU) def. Michael Brent (FS), Major Decision
Menlo College 58, Fresno State 0
125 lbs – Elijah Valencia (MC) def. Gabriel Martinez (FS)
133 lbs – Menlo won by forfeit
141 lbs – Jeremiah Steele (MC) def. Christian Saldana (FS)
149 lbs – Noah Elliot (MC) def. William Wareham (FS)
157 lbs – Ezekial Lara (MC) def. Damian Galvan (FS)
165 lbs – Menlo won by forfeit
174 lbs – Menlo won by forfeit
184 lbs – Scott Beadles (MC) def. Jason Briseño (FS)
197 lbs – Diego Morales (MC) def. Owen Krieger (FS)
285 lbs – Emit Mercado (MC) def. Michael Brent (FS)
Next Up
Fresno State returns to action on January 5, 2025, when the Bulldogs travel to McMinnville, Oregon, for the Mat Cat Open.
