Wrestlers open conference play Friday

Not far from their practice facility in Assembly Hall, IU coach Duane Goldman and sophomore Angel Escobedo found themselves in an entirely different world, standing at midcourt during halftime of the men’s basketball game Wednesday night against Iowa.\n“I was nervous going out there in front of a bunch of people,” Escobedo said. “It was very different than the usual crowds we see.”\nDespite the recognition, Goldman and Escobedo’s attention was focused on the mat, where Friday night the No. 17 Hoosiers are set to battle against Big Ten rival No. 13 Wisconsin.\n“We are looking at individual matchups and trying to be more in control of our matches and wrestle up to our potential,” Goldman said. “It’s not really anything different from last year in particular.”\nLast season, the Hoosiers lost their dual match versus the Badgers in Madison, 21-13.\nThe recognition and media attention come during a monumental week for the Hoosiers. Goldman is going for the 200th win of his career. Freshman Kurt Kinser will aim to tie the school record with 20 pins in a season. Both milestones correspond with the Hoosiers first conference season on the Big Ten Network. \nAssistant coach Mike Mena said he is ignoring the hoopla.\n“Everyone is excited, it’s the Big Ten opener,” Mena said, “but the atmosphere around here is about nothing but us expecting to win.”\nGoldman appreciates the additional coverage, and expects his wrestlers’ performances to mirror that appreciation.\n“I hope we get a good turnout and a good crowd; it’s always nice to get exposure,” Goldman said. “We are thankful for the Big Ten Network by giving us this opportunity to wrestle in front of an even bigger crowd.”\nThe Hoosiers are ranked No. 9 in the Big Ten, according to intermatwrestle.com. The strength of the Big Ten reflects the tough road ahead for the Hoosiers. Over half of the schools represented in the top 18 are on the schedule for the Hoosiers the rest of the way.\n“The entire Big Ten schedule presents challenges in itself,” said Goldman. “We have to go out there and execute and get points.”\nFriday’s match starts at 7:00 p.m. at the University Gymnasium. Escobedo will try to set the pace for the Hoosiers in the 125-pound weight class, where he is ranked No. 2 in the nation.\n“I want to try and get as many points as possible,” Escobedo said. “I have to try and look for bonus points because I know our team is going to need it. As one of the team leaders I have to go out there and set the pace for the entire dual meet.”