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Teem feels 1980-81 AWC wrestlers can repeat state championshipBy JIM FREDERIKSON Sun Sports EditorLast season, the Arizona Western College wrestling team won its first conference title since 1973. And frankly, head coach Jim Teem won’t be satisfied if he has to wait another seven years for the next one to roll around.Teem, now in his fourth year at AWC, liked what he saw last season. This year he plans on a similar show — only one with a longer running and more staring roles. The team’s preview is 7:00 p.m. Tuesday at the AWC gym when the Matadors host Northern Arizona University — a squad which will be represented by six varsity and four junior varsity performers.Potentially, I think we have themakings tor the finest wrestling team in the school’s history,’’ Teem says. I think we have six or seven guys who can place in the nationals in this line-up.Last year the Matadors had six wrestlers in the junior college nationals, but only Otis Calvin and Craig Noble placed Calvin has graduated to Arizona State University and two-year star Kelly Patterson, Tony Abou-Gamin. Kim Standefer and Abe Martinez have also graduated. But Noble returns, as does Otis’ younger brother Anthony — another national qualifier. According to Teem, they’ll be the hub of this year’s club which also features some other solid returners as well as a talented and enthusiastic crop of newcomers.Likely starters for AWC in each weight class and wrestling back ground is as follows:118 — Mike Provenzana, freshman. Huntington Beach, Cal. The California state runner-up champion last season when he compiled a 42-1 record. Termed by Teem as one of the most highly sought after 118 pounders in the country.”126 — Anthony Calvin, sophomore, Tempe; Compiled an 18-5 record at AWC last year and won the ACCAC and NJCAA Regional championships. Technique wise he’s much improved over last season and has the desire to become the national champion,” Teem savs134 — Boh Wadas, freshman, Johnstown, Col Third place finisher in the Colorado high school state tournament, compiling a 27-2 record his senior year.142 — Craig Wakefield, freshman. Phoenix. Arizona highschool state runner-up last tv*o years with an overall prep record of 56-6. Pound for pound, he could be the toughest wrestler I’ve ever coahced.' says Teem No one likes to wrestling him in practice — he hurts people.”150 — Craig Noble, sophomore, Phoenix. Recorded a 26-7-2 slate last season at AWC while claiming both the ACCAC and NJCAA Region 1 titles. Voted the team’s most improved wrestler last season and made it through four rounds of the nationals. Another kid with a lot of desire,’’ Teem says. Very physical.”158 — Craig Freeman, sophomore, Winslow Lost to Phoenix College’s Jim Schough — who went on to win the national title, in both the conference meet and the re-gionals. Compiled an 18-9 recordlast season and along with Noble and Calvin will serve as captain this year.167 Mark Nocia. sophmore. Las Vegas Nocia represents Teem s biggest find” this season. Last year as a semi-starter for UNLV’s varsity. Nocia impressed and fought University of Arizona Bill Musselman, the two-time Pac-10 champ to the wire before losing a 5-3 decision Nocia has won the Elite Greco-Roman World Championship three years in a row Teem says Nocia specializes in single and double-leg take downs.177 Mike Suits, freshman. Las Vegas Nevada high school runner-up past two years. Compiled a high school slate of 117-10-1.190 Jason Whitney, freshman. Woods Cross, Utah Brigham Young University wanted him badly, but AWC won out W'hitneywon state titles in both his junior and senior year Last year he was unbeaten in 25 matches Of those 25 wins. 21 came by pinsHWT Stephen Blackwell, freshman. Anderson, Ind Finished second in the state last season while compiling a 21-3 record. A member of the Matador football team, Blackwell has yet to work out with the wrestlers.Others likely to see action this season include Craig Labistre, a freshman from Kofa who went 22-2-1 last year; Mike Felix, a freshman from Yuma with a 22-4 slate his senior year; Brian Green, freshman, Las Vegas, 40-9-2; Art Aguirre, freshman, Cerritos. Cal.. 28-3; Scott Wegge, freshman. Phoenix. 14-5-2; Mike Suits, freshman. Las Vegas. 45-3; and John Christensen, freshman. Yuma. 19-6-2.
Newspaper Details
Yuma Sun
Yuma, Arizona, US
Sun, Nov 23, 1980
Page 25
Full Page
Clipped by
Jenny J.
USA 28 Jan 2025
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