Portland State wrestling heads into the winter break with a tough test. The first match for the Vikings is against the No. 15 ranked Arizona State Sun Devils in Tempe, Ariz.
The last scheduled regular season match-up between the Vikings and the Sun Devils was more than 10 years ago when the Sun Devils got the better of the Viks, 32-13. Portland State is 1-5 in its meetings with Arizona State.
This season, the PSU grapplers are trying to stay healthy and stay in the lineup, especially with such shallow depth at many of the weight classes.
“We’re fighting sickness more than anything right now,” head coach Marlin Grahn said.
Against ASU, the Vikings look to match up well. At 125 pounds, the Viks have two outstanding wresters, Zac Enoch and Casey Kotter. At 133, freshman Eddie Dahlen is ready to start his college career. Dahlen was the Washington State champion last year.
At 141 pounds, junior transfer Carlos Adamy will look to help the Viks in the middle weights. Adamy placed third at the 2002 NJCC’s at 141 pounds.
The Vikings are a little beat up, with injuries and sickness to conquer before they conquer the mats.
The Vikings will then travel to Las Vegas for the Cliff Keen Invitational on Friday. Last season, the Vikings did not place at the tournament, except for former Vik Jeremy Wislon.