Wrestling to host wrestle-offs

Fans will have their first opportunity of the 2011-12 athletic campaign to witness the Arizona State University wrestling team in action on Friday as the team hosts its annual Maroon & Gold Wrestle-Offs at the Riches Wrestling Complex in Tempe, beginning at 6:30 p.m. 

The annual intrasquad dual gives the student-athletes their first taste of action in a competitive atmosphere.  Each weight class will feature two wrestlers essentially battling it out for their spot on the starting roster, making Friday’s bouts a bit more important than one might find typical of an intrasquad scrimmage.   Fans are encouraged to come out to the competition and get a taste of the action up close and personal on Friday evening.

The Sun Devils team features several student-athletes already receiving some preseason recognition from some of the early season polls.  InterMat has returning All-American heavyweight Levi Cooper ranked seventh in its preseason rankings, with Luke Macchiaroli at No. 18 at 197 pounds and Eric Starks at No. 19 at 174 pounds. 

Friday’s bouts will be as follows:

125 – David Prado vs. Josh Sandoval

133 – Kalin Goodsite vs. Cameron Carlberg


141 – Nathan Hoffer vs. Alex Schmersal

149 – Joel Smith vs. Victor De Jesus

157 – Hans Rasmusson vs. Kory DeBerry

165 – Kyle DeBerry vs. Derek Felton

174 - Eric Starks vs. Blake Stauffer

184/197 – Tommy Burriel vs. Bobby Bowman

HWT - Levi Cooper vs. Michael Hawkins

Fans are welcome to come enjoy the action.  There will be a $5 entry charge at the door for a night’s worth of action.  All proceeds go to the continued support of the ASU wrestling program. 

The season is set to officially begin the following weekend as the team will travel way north to Ypsilanti, Mich., on Nov. 5 to take part in the Eastern Michigan Open.