Oct. 27, 2007
Stanford, Calif. - The Stanford wrestling team kicked off the 2007-08 season today at Burnham Pavilion, hosting wrestle-offs to determine the team's starting line-up for its Nov. 9 season-opener. In addition to hosting bouts for the starting spots in seven weight classes, Cardinal wrestlers competed in three exhibition matches.
At 125 pounds, two-time All-American Tanner Gardner defended his starting spot against true freshman Blair Matsuura. The redshirt senior pinned Matsuura in the first period for a decisive victory.
At 133 pounds, redshirt freshman Justin Paulsen battled true freshman Porfirio Madrigal in one of the afternoon's most exciting matches. Paulsen earned an 11-10 decision, and claimed the starting role.
At 141 pounds, returning starter Matt Kim successfully defended his place in the line-up, scoring a 7-5 decision over freshman Max Rosefigura in overtime.
At 149 pounds, redshirt freshman Lucas Espericueta came out on top, topping redshirt sophomore Eric Minnick, 7-4.
At 157 pounds, freshman Nick Amuchastegui pinned fellow freshman Murdoch Miller in the first period.
At 165 pounds, redshirt sophomore Peter Miller earned a place in the line-up, topping freshman Kyle Barrett, 11-7.
Heavyweights Phillip Doerner and Mark Shughart battled for the starting role, and Doerner, the senior captain, successfully defended his spot, 3-2.
Additionally, Cardinal wrestlers competed in three exhibition matches. Freshman Marcus Henderson earned a decision over freshman Trevor Stevens, while sophomore Cameron Teitelman picked up a decision over Kenny White. Returning 184-pound NCAA qualifier Zack Giesen also squared off with 197-pounder Jake Johnson, with Giesen scoring a 5-3 win.
Stanford begins the season in Tecumseh, Kans. on Nov. 9, taking on Fort Hays State in its first dual meet of the year.
Based on today's results, the probable starting line-up for that match will be:
125 - Tanner Gardner, RS Sr.
133 - Justin Paulsen, RS Fr.
141 - Matt Kim, RS So.
149 - Lucas Espericueta, RS Fr.
157 - Josh Zupancic, RS Sr.
165 - Peter Miller, RS So.
174 - Luke Feist, RS Jr.
184 - Zack Giesen, So.
197 - Jake Johnson, So.
HWT - Phillip Doerner, RS Sr.