"Wrestle-offs are exciting for everyone because they mark the start of our season," said Purdue junior 141-pounder Juan Archuleta. "It's our first opportunity to see the results of the off-season's hard work and see how much we've all improved."
The team will weigh-in approximately one hour before wrestling begins, getting a three-pound allowance from their coaches. The team will have two matches going at all times, starting at noon, and they'll have two/three certified officials in attendance to preside over competition. The matches are open to the public and can be viewed free of charge, but in the case of high attendance the Blake Wrestling Center's fire code will be observed.
Among the several highly competitive battles scheduled for the room on Saturday will be decisive positional battles at 125 and 149 pounds. With junior Akif Eren bumping up to 133 pounds, the starting nod at 125 pounds is up for grabs between sophomore Matt Fields and true freshmen Cashé Quiroga and Camden Eppert. With Eppert scheduled to redshirt his inaugural season, the action will most likely boil down to Fields and Quiroga as Saturday will be the first of several deciding factors in that slot.
The positional order at 149 pounds will be hotly contested as well with a trio of redshirt seniors lined up for matches. Matt Redmond is the team's lone returner at 149, while classmates Nick Bertucci and Sam Patacsil have dropped from 157 to vie for starting action. All three have impressive credentials, have started for the Boilermakers at one point in their careers and should have success throughout the year, regardless of the depth chart.
"This is a great problem to have," said assistant coach Glen Lanham. "We're going into the season with three guys who we all know can do a great job at this weight and will be very competitive. These three will battle all season and should have a lot of success in the starting lineup and open tournaments."
Other highlights of Saturday will include the debut of several Boilermakers at new weights. Eren is set for his first season at 133 pounds, while sophomore Jake Fleckenstein has bumped up to 141 pounds, junior Luke Manuel jumped to 174 pounds, and senior Nick Corpe and junior David Pisarcik both moved to 184 pounds with Corpe moving up from 174 and Pisarcik dropping from 197.
A full recap and results of Saturday's action will be posted on PurdueSports.com after the conclusion of all the matches.
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