IU wrestling will head to Annapolis, Maryland, to make its yearly appearance at the Navy Classic this Saturday.
The Hoosiers, 1-1, are coming off a solid 21-15 dual competition win at SIU Edwardsville last weekend. The Navy Classic will be the team’s second large competition of the year, following the Hokie Open during the season’s first weekend of action.
Last season, the Hoosiers placed fourth overall out of 17 teams at the all-day competition, and they’re hoping to take the next step toward sliding into that winning spot.
The team is loaded with wrestlers such as senior Bryce Martin, who has plenty of experience at the event from previous years. Last season, Martin was the runner-up at his weight, and he won the competition two years ago.
When things get tiring down the stretch, Martin hopes the improvements he’s made to his craft will help him find a similar level of success to his previous two showings at the Navy Classic.
“It’s the hand fight, and being able to ride things out when you need a breather,” Martin said. “I obviously want to come out on top again this year, so hopefully all the adjustments and conditioning will pay off.”
Adjustments and improvements have been a big part of what Coach Angel Escobedo has been focusing on with the team. He said the team has been in attack mode so far this season, and when that’s the case, his team has found success.
“I’ve really seen the guys come together to cheer each other on from a technical side of things.” Escobedo said. “Everyone’s done a great job of getting out there and attacking for some early points. It’s been huge for us.”
This will be IU’s last weekend spent out of town before its home opener Nov. 30. With some experience under their belts and some seasoned wrestlers at the Navy Classic, the Hoosiers will look to build some more momentum this weekend before finally heading home.
