Seniors Return to Action at Bill Musick Open to Kick Off 2016-17 Season
FRESNO, Calif. — November 5, 2016
The Fresno State Wrestling Club kicked off the 2016–17 season at the Bill Musick Open in Fresno, Calif., with a pair of senior veterans leading the charge. For both Jovany Gonzalez (157 lbs) and Davit Gevorgyan (174 lbs), the tournament marked their first competition in over a year. While the results didn’t tell the whole story, the return to the mat was meaningful for two wrestlers entering their final season in a Bulldog singlet.
Gonzalez, who served as the women’s head assistant coach during his medical redshirt season in 2015–16, made his long-awaited return from shoulder surgery and knee rehabilitation. Facing #2 seed Kevin James of Cerritos in his first match, Gonzalez struggled to shake off the hesitation that comes with returning from injury, falling by technical fall. He rebounded in the consolation bracket with a strong start, taking his Sacramento City opponent to his back early. However, as the match wore on, fatigue set in, and Gonzalez was ultimately pinned in the second round.
“I was definitely disappointed in my performance,” Gonzalez said after the tournament. “I was more afraid of getting hurt than I was about competing. It's definitely a mental block I'll have to work through. It’s still early in the season, so I’m glad I at least got the first competition out of the way. I know I’m still recovering from my shoulder issues, but it’s my last year—I want to experience being a Fresno State wrestler.”
Gonzalez, the founding president of the wrestling club, originally tore his shoulder during the 2014–15 season and fought through it for the team, ultimately stepping aside before the postseason. Now a senior, his return marks a full-circle moment for the club's early leadership.
At 174 lbs, senior Davit Gevorgyan returned from a year off focused on academics. Despite not competing last season, Gevorgyan remained involved with the team as an assistant coach. He opened the tournament with a win over Jerrin Dean (Fresno City), and followed it with a close semifinal loss to NCAA Division II opponent Austin Klient (Cal Baptist). Gevorgyan responded with a victory over Angelo Westmacott (Sacramento City) in the consolation round, setting up a rematch with Dean for third place—where he once again came out on top.
“I’m just happy to compete and test myself,” Gevorgyan said.
With a pair of seniors leading the way and the first tournament of the season under their belts, the Bulldogs will now set their sights on their home opener.
Next Up
Fresno State hosts UC Santa Barbara in dual meet action at the South Gym on November 12. It will be the Bulldogs’ first home event of the season and a chance to compete in front of the home crowd. The team is looking to build momentum for the season ahead.
