Fullerton, CA - HIU Wrestling got a very good introduction to college wrestling this weekend in Prescott, AZ at the Mile High Open hosted by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Arizona. The competition was at a high level with multiple teams from the NAIA ranked in the top 25 and some NCAA D1 and Junior College teams competing as well.
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The young Royal squad gave their best effort and gained some valuable insight into the direction they need to go as individuals and as a group. Coach Shawn Contos was happy with the event overall, and is excited to get back to work. "For us the process won't change regardless of the outcome. We had three guys make it to the Blood Round in their first competition at this level, which is good. We know exactly what we need to do to get where we want to go, and that is really exciting for us as a program," coach Contos stated.

It was a very productive weekend for us from many standpoints. We established an aggressive style of wrestling, we showed that we are creating a culture focusing on the foundation of faith and keeping things in perspective, and other coaches were complimentary of how we conducted ourselves on and off the mat. It was a good start and gives us a good direction to go in moving forward," Contos said.

Jovanni Evangelista mad history with the first victory for HIU wrestling with a twenty five second pin in his first match. Evangelista, Marvin Morton, Joshua Padilla, Aiden Pacheco and David Baxter all notched wins on the day, and nearly all of the Royal mat men scored offensive points.

With the first event under their belt, the wrestlers will not be in action again until the second semester, so they will enter a training phase of the season. According to Coach Contos this will be integral to the growth and advancement of the team as a whole. "I am happy with the effort last weekend, and now we have some time to slow things down and spend some time getting better in our positions, working on areas that we maybe didn't perform as well in, and have fun getting stronger and in better shape. We will always give Glory to God, and our Savior Jesus Christ and we look forward to the next opportunity to do that!"

Watch for the Royals next competition in January as they travel to Forest Grove, OR to wrestle in the Boxer Open at Pacific University.