The Portland State wrestling squad hosts two matches this week, including one against Pac-10 opponent Cal State Bakersfield. The Vikings will play host to Cal State on Thursday and Fresno State on Sunday. Both teams have defeated Portland State on their respective home turfs.
The Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners pummeled the Viks last season 29-13, winning seven of 10 matches. This season the Vikings seem to match up well with the Roadrunners. The Viks have the potential to take six or seven of the matches, as Cal State did to them last year.
“We have a good opportunity. We need to step up to the plate and make this happen,” head coach Marlin Grahn said.
The Frenso State matches this Sunday should be close as well. Last season the Bulldogs out-wrestled the Vikings 32-15. The Bulldogs have four tough wrestlers, one being a two-time NCAA champion. At 125 pounds for Fresno State is two-time conference champ, who also competed in the World Championships and lost 7-6 to the eventual World Champion. The Vikings’ 125 pounders, Casey Kotter or Zac Enoch, will have their work cut out for them.
The lineup is not certain for the Vikings this early in the week, but injuries at 141 and 157 pounds may hurt them. PSU will make a decision later in the week as to the extent of the injuries.
Vikings will hit the mat against Cal State Fullerton at 7 p.m. in the Stott Center. Sunday’s meet against Fresno State is also at 7 p.m. in the Stott Center.