EOU Men’s Wrestling Ranked No. 8 in National Preseason Poll
By Garrett Christensen on Wednesday, October 26th, 2022 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
LA GRANDE – (Release from Eastern Oregon University) The NAIA announced the results of the 2022-23 Preseason Men’s Wrestling Coaches’ Top 20 Poll on Thursday, Oct. 20. Fresh off a conference championship and 13th place finish at the national tournament in the 2021-22 season, the Mountaineers have garnered even more respect in the national polls rising to No. 8 in the country. Along with the team ranking, Eastern had nine wrestlers earn individual national rankings.
“It’s exciting to be in the single digits for rankings,” Coach Dustyn Azure said. “It’s a long season and we still have a lot of growing to do.”
Following back-to-back Coach of the Year awards and a CCC Championship, the No. 8 rank is another milestone for Azure as it is the highest rank any of his teams have earned and is the highest rank EOU Men’s Wrestling has had since it’s resurgence in 2016-17.
Along with the team rank, EOU also had nine individuals earn top-25 ranks in their weight classes. Those individuals and their ranks are listed below.
Luciano Fasulo: 125 lbs | Ranked No. 21
Zach Mauras: 133 lbs | Ranked No. 16
Hunter Sparks: 133 lbs | Ranked No. 20
Jaxon Morlan: 141 lbs | Ranked No. 7
Keegan Mulhill: 74 lbs | Ranked No. 9
Kyle Knudtson: 184 lbs | Ranked No. 4
Marco Retano: 197 lbs | Ranked No. 8
Jay Smith: 197 lbs | Ranked No. 9
Noel Orozco: 285 lbs | Ranked No. 4
The Mountaineers will start their season with their annual Blue and Gold Wrestle-Offs on Thursday, Oct. 27. First match is set for 6:30 p.m.
“We are eager to get on the mat and show we have been working hard to earn those acknowledgments,” Azure said. “Please come show support and watch us during our Blue and Gold Wrestle-Offs next Thursday!”
