The Fresno State Wrestling team starts the 2019-2020 season Friday in San Diego on a historic aircraft carrier.
The Bulldogs are taking part in the 3rd Annual Battle of the Midway. Matches will be held atop the flight deck.
It’s the first time the Battle of the Midway has featured twin duals. Fresno State and Army West Point will be the opening match, followed by the University of Wisconsin facing Naval Academy.
“This is such a boost for the entire sport of wrestling to be able to have such a unique event like this on one of the most famous aircraft carriers ever commissioned,” said Bulldog head coach Troy Steiner. “We’re honored to have been invited to compete in the first two Battles on the Midway and we’re looking forward to facing Army at this year’s event.”
Fresno State reinstated the wrestling program in 2017 after dropping it in 2006. The Central Valley has deep ties to wrestling and removing the program for financial reasons was an unpopular decision.
Since returning to the mat, the Dogs have ranked in the top 10 nationally in attendance. Fans will have eight chances to watch the Bulldogs at the Save Mart Center this season. The home opener is November 15th against Rutgers.
The Scarlet Knights are coming off a ninth-place finish at the 2019 NCAA Championships. Nick Suriano is part of their team, he was the 2019 NCAA champion at 133 pounds and he’s also a two-time All-American.
In addition to hosting Rutgers, the Bulldogs will welcome Northern Colorado, Cal Poly, Utah Valley, Iowa State, Air Force, CSU Bakersfield and Duke to the Save Mart Center.
“We are excited to keep growing and building the program this season and there are many opportunities to come see the Bulldogs in action,” said Steiner.
Fresno State should have a strong season. They are returning all five NCAA Championship qualifiers from a year ago. Those Bulldogs to keep an eye on are senior Josh Hokit (who is also a member of the Fresno State Football team), junior AJ Nevills, redshirt senior Khristian Olivas, and redshirt sophomores Gary Joint and Jackson Hemauer.
Both WIN Magazine and FloWrestling had those Bulldogs ranked in their preseason polls. For more information, including how to get tickets to upcoming matches, visit GoBulldogs.com
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