Monday, September 27, 2021

2022: The Preseason: Cal State Bakersfield

 One of the few California schools that has managed to stay on, even though they've twice had administrations that have tried to get rid of them, Cal State Bakersfield continues their tradition of consistently sending wrestlers to the NCAA championships that compete for high honors in both the nation & within the conference of the PAC-12.  This season, look for 3 Road Runners to make the national tournament. 

133
Chance Rich
Sophomore
Record: 26-24
NCAA: 21'R12
PAC 12: 20'4th, 21'2nd 

The "Upset Kid" Chance Rich has consistently improved ever since arriving in Bakersfield back in the 2018-2019 season.  He first showed the wrestling world his capabilities when he stuck Southern Scuffle champion Sammy Alvarez of Rutgers in 6:50.  Then last season he upset All American Michael McGee of Arizona State in route to a PAC-12 runner-up finish.  Among his other notable victories a 5-3 decision over Jarrett Trombley of North Carolina State, a 4-3 decision over Ryan Sullivan (Still trying to figure out where he's at now) & two victories 7-5 & 9-3 over Little Rock's Paul Bianchi.   

One obstacle that Rich needs to figure out if he wants to be a PAC-12 champion this season is Devan Turner.  The two have met four times thus far, and Turner has escaped each time with a 2 point victory.  A R12 wrestler last season, it'll be by nothing less than overcoming wrestlers seeded above him, but that's sorta what Rich is known for.  Darkhorse All American. 

141
Angelo Martinoni
Sophomore
Record: 33-21
NCAA: 21'NQ
PAC 12: 21'3rd
SOUTHERN SCUFFLE: 20'6th 

He's 0-1 Vs Real Woods of Stanford & 0-2 Vs Grant Willits of Oregon State 0-2. He's also 0-2 Vs Lawrence Saenz of Cal Poly, although he did have him pinned at the PAC-12's last season before it was called off, and ruled out of bounds.  Therefore I think we're looking at a 3rd or 4th place finish out of Martinoni at the PAC-12's this season.  

184
Josh Loomer
Junior
Record: 30-33
NCAA: 20'NQ
PAC 12: 20'1st 

After a season at 197, Loomer is moving back down to 184 where he won a PAC-12 title back in 2020.  While I don't see a repeat of his championship performance, I do see Loomer finishing a strong 3rd at the PAC-12's this season.   I don't see him defeating Bernie Truax of Cal Poly and Tanner Harvey of Oregon State will be difficult to overcome as well. 

==== 

125 - DNQ
133 - Dark Horse All American
141 - NQ
149 - DNQ
157 - DNQ
165 - DNQ
174 - DNQ
184 - NQ
197 - DNQ
HWT - DNQ 


Bakersfield hasn't had an All American since 2014 & if Rich can make the award stand this season that would be a great boost for the program. 








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