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--> --> Nov. 21: Raiders aiming high in 2002-03 By Chris Miller Ashland Daily Tidings Even though the Southern Oregon University wrestling team started the year off with a 23-9 loss to sixth-ranked Menlo College last Saturday, the third-ranked Raiders feel they will be right in the hunt for another NAIA title come March. They'll get their first chance to prove that in front of their home crowd Friday night, when fifth-ranked Embry-Riddle rolls into Ashland for a 7 p.m. dual meet. Against Menlo the Raiders sent out four freshmen to wrestle against more seasoned opponents. This four-freshmen start will continue until after Christmas break, so the student athletes with only one term of eligibility can compete. "I was not expecting to have to rely on freshmen this year, but things happen," said Raider head coach Mike Ritchey. Junior heavyweight Mike Whitehead said that although the Raiders got off to a rough start, they will contend when it matters. "We are going to be where we want to be at the right time - and that's all I care about," Whitehead said. Junior Wes Balensifer, who last year made All-American status at the 197-pound weight class, has moved up to heavyweight this season. Balensifer said that he too believes the loss to Menlo will not tell the tale of the Raiders' season. "We're tough. I think we'll be a good turnaround team. As the season progresses, we be a good team in the end," Balensifer said. Starting four freshmen early in the year gives Ritchey and the team a chance to see how the stars of tomorrow will do today. Ritchey said he is impressed by his young wrestlers. "I am excited about the way this recruiting class is coming together," he said. With over 50 wrestlers on SOU's squad, no starting position is safe. To start on match night, the Raiders have to prove themselves in practice against teammates who are hungry to steal a starting job. This constant intensity promotes camaraderie, and the Raiders feel this is what makes them one of the premier teams in the nation. "We're pretty close as a team," said 133-pound senior Nolan Harris. "We all have the same goals, and that's part of our success." Whitehead summed up his and the Raiders' goals for the season: "national champion." "It's just whether or not we bring it to the plate. We got the guys, we just got to use them," Whitehead said. "To be No. 1, and succeed at a sport that you love," Balensifer described his season goals. Returning junior All-American at 141 pounds, Colin Murphy put the Raiders' chances for another crown into perspective. "It is up to us, you get out what you put in," Murphy said. "Last year we finished in third place, and we gave a third-place effort. My biggest goal is to stay healthy and enjoy the season and wrestle to my full potential." The Raiders will return three All-American starters (Whitehead, Murphy and Brian Wilson at 165) to the mat Friday night. The Embry-Riddle match should provide excellent fanfare. Last season the Eagles knocked out the Raiders in the regional tournament, but SOU got the last laugh, finishing above the Eagles at the NAIA tournament. "I am looking forward to it," Whitehead said. "I want some of our guys that lost in the tournament to rematch and tear them apart." Email your... Technical questions & comments to: WebMaster Daily Tidings editorial comments & questions to: Editor Visit our other Oregon Newspapers... | Albany Democrat-Herald | Ashland Daily Tidings | Corvallis Gazette-Times | | Lebanon Express | Newport News-Times | Springfield News | Cottage Grove Sentinel | Ashland Daily Tidings 1661 Siskiyou Blvd. Ashland, OR 97520 Telephone 541-482-3456 © Copyright 2001 Lee Northwest Publishing