This story was originally published on February 5, 2023.
The 10th-ranked Sun Devils were at home at Mullet Arena against unranked Little Rock and extended its dual winning streak to three with a milestone-filled 31-6 win.
Starting off in the 125-pound weight class was eighth-ranked Brandon Courtney against Jeremiah Reno. Courtney started off early with a takedown, and continued his momentum throughout the duel with a four point near fall. Courtney won by major decision 17-9, reaching his 100th career win.
“I didn’t even realize I was at 100 until they announced it yesterday,” Courtney said. “I just want to be that guy that always has a smile on his face.”
There has been a battle in the 125 weight class for the Sun Devils having two top-10 wrestlers in Brandon Courtney and Richard Figeroua.
“We’re very blessed and grateful,” ASU coach Zeke Jones said about the battle. “We’re gonna just keep working it out week by week.”
Next up in the 133-pound weight class was No. 4 Michael McGee against Josh Sarpy. McGee had back to back near falls at the end of the second period securing the technical fall win 17-1. McGee hit his 125th career win as well as 9th duel victory this season.
Much like Courtney, McGee was not aware of his milestone.
“It feels good man, honestly, just to be able to come out here and still be able to compete on this level with my team,” McGee said.
Following McGee at the 141-pound weight class was No. 20 Jesse Vasquez against Jayden Gomez. Vasquez totaled eight takedowns by the end, winning by major decision 19-6 with over three minutes of riding time.
Ending strong for the lightweights at the 149-pound weight class was fifth-ranked Kyle Parco against Joey Bianchi. Parco had three near falls in his technical fall victory with a score of 20-2. Parco hit his 10th career technical fall as well as his 9th duel victory of the season, putting the Sun Devils up 18-0.
There has been a long discussion around the Sun Devils and the strength of the lightweights. In their most previous loss against Cal Poly, the Sun Devils were up 15-0 before entering the heavy weights where they would be outscored 19-3 ending in a loss.
“I think every time I go out there I put pressure on myself to score points,” Parco said. “So, it’s not too much of an expectation to put a cushion there for everyone.”
Max Wilner narrowly fell in the 157-pound weight class against Matty Bianchi. Wilner was up 3-2 in the final period, but a takedown by Bianchi sealed the win for Little Rock. Tony Negron also fell by decision in the 165-pound weight class to Tyler Brennan putting Little Rock on the board, but ASU was still leading 18-6.
Cael Valencia was up next coming off back to back wins in the 174-pound weight class. Valencia ended up beating Triston Wills by decision, marking his third win in a row.
Following Valencia was #21 ranked Anthony Montalvo in the 184-pound weight class against Mson Diel. Montalvo had not wrestled since their Princeton matchup on Jan. 15th. Montalvo had three takedowns and a near fall in the 13-3 major decision win. With two back-to-back wins, the Sun Devils were up 25-6 going into the final two matchups.
Josh Nummer jumped up from his usual 174-pound weight class to 194 to go up against 6-foot-7-inch Matthew Weinart. The size difference was easily seen by both teams, but Nummer did not let it get to him as he picked up Weinart for a takedown. Nummer won by decision,marking a major win for him.
“Every week when we call Nummer he’s there for us,” Jones said. “He was there for us tonight in more ways than one.”
Ending out the night for the Sun Devils in heavyweight was fifth-ranked Cohlton Schultz. Schultz was back in the lineup after attending the Team USA Greco Roman Training Camp. Schultz went up against Josiah Hall for a 4-2 win by decision marking the end of the match.
ASU had a 25-point margin of victory, the highest of the season. They also marked their third win in a row, the longest streak this season.
The Sun Devils are on the road next heading to Corvallis, Oregon to go up against No. 20 Oregon State on Sunday.
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