2021 NCAA All-American Bernie Truax with the Cal Poly staff (Photo/Tony Rotundo; WrestlersAreWarriors.com)Cal Poly Mustangs
"We have several student-athletes that are beginning to hit their stride and make an impact on a national scale. It is gratifying to be part of a program that has high expectations and a commitment to excellence." --Head Coach Jon Sioredas
After climbing to tenure-high peaks at the 2021 NCAA tournament, Coach Jon Sioredas and his preseason-ranked #20 (tournament) Mustangs are set to continue their ascendence on the national scene powered by returning nationally-proven talents as well as a star transfer. The Mustangs have enjoyed "a fruitful preseason," explained Sioredas. "Our primary focus is to continue to fine-tune our student-athletes and to prepare them tactically and strategically for our upcoming tournament competition this quarter."
A high-powered and high-point scoring team must be put to the test against quality competition, and that is exactly what Sioredas and his staff have in mind for their wrestlers this season. The Mustangs will be tested, early and often, this season, before dialing in during the last half of the year with their focus on the ultimate goal. Sioredas was candid regarding his early-tournament season approach: "We designed our schedule solely to prepare us for the NCAA Championships. We have three major events in the first quarter: MSU Open, Cliff Keen Las Vegas, and Midlands. We will have the opportunity to compete against many of the top-ranked opponents right out of the gate and will be provided instant feedback."
"We focus on continued growth and improvement."
TOP RETURNERS
The two-man army from 2021 that horsed their team to a top-25 NCAA finish, composed of NCAA Top-16, #13 Legend Lamer (149) and NCAA 4th-place, #6 Bernie Truax (184), will ride again for Cal Poly. (Truax is set to move up from 174lbs.) Also returning and ranked is #32 Lawrence Saenz (141), an NCAA qualifier in 2020 for Fresno State.
TOP NEWCOMERs
#3 Evan Wick (165) made headlines when it was announced that he was to transfer from Wisconsin and return to California to join his younger brother, Luka Wick, at Cal Poly. A 3x All-American returning to the collegiate mat after narrowly missing the Senior National team during an Olympic Redshirt, Evan Wick is an immediate title-contender in a conference that already boasts a national champion and another All-American.
WRESTLER TO WATCH
A young Mustang returning to the line-up is Trent Tracy, who was the starter at 184lbs in 2020, but was off the mat during 2021. Back to training, Tracy has progressed to the satisfaction of Coach Sioredas. "Outside of our four nationally ranked student-athletes, we have had several stand out this summer and fall. Though, Trent Tracy, our 197-pound redshirt freshman, has stood out and is now completely healthy and training at a high level. We cannot wait to watch him compete."
POTENTIAL LINEUP
125: Antonio Lorenzo
133: Abe Hinrichsen
141: #32 Lawrence Saenz, NCAA Qualifier (2020)
149: #13 Legend Lamer, Pac-12 runner-up (2021), NCAA Qualifier (2021)
157: Brawley Lamer
165: #3 Evan Wick, NCAA All-American (2018, 2019, 2020)
174: Adam Kemp
184: #6 Bernie Truax, Pac-12 Champion (2021), NCAA All-American (2021)
197: Trent Tracy
285: Sam Aguilar
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