'Runners dominate Oregon

Tuesday, January 2nd, 2007 Bakersfield Californian news article

When talking about John Cardenas, T.J. Kerr said, "He just gets it."

Considering Cardenas is a freshman, and Kerr is in his 23rd season of evaluating talent as the Roadrunners head coach, that's high praise.

Cardenas beat out sophomore Thomas Kimbrell -- the No. 6 ranked wrestler in the Pac-10 at 133 pounds -- in a wrestle-off for a chance to compete against Oregon on Tuesday. He carried that momentum into his match against Ducks senior Joey Lucas, claiming a 7-3 decision and helping the 'Runners cruise to a 29-6 victory in their first Pac-10 home meet of the season at the Icardo Center.

"I'm just trying to do everything they tell me to do," the soft-spoken freshman said. "I think (Lucas, ranked No. 4 in the Pac-10 at 133) just gassed. He didn't have the gas tank and the energy. I just kept going, because we do a lot of conditioning here. The coaches do a good job of pushing us."

Cardenas gave up two points early on a takedown, but rallied for five straight points to get the win. Lucas appeared winded in the third period and Cardenas kept attacking.

"Except for the technical part and some positioning, he's doing what we want," Kerr said of Cardenas. "He's one of the best training guys on the team. He understands what we're trying to do and he's a goer."

For the most part, Bakersfield wrestlers proved they "get it."

The team's coaching staff stresses conditioning and the 'Runners delivered.

"Our conditioning showed up," Kerr said. "We've been getting better throughout December, and usually that doesn't happen. I'll take it."

Matt Schumm, 141, and Brandon Doyle, 149, followed Cardenas with victories helping Bakersfield build a big early lead.

But it was Jeremy Doyle who provided the most impressive match of the night.

With Daniel Alejandro out with an injury at 157, the 'Runners needed someone to fill in. Jeremy, who wrestles at 149 with his brother, Brandon, volunteered to step up. Kerr told him he could, but in doing so, Jeremy would have to weigh in at 149 pounds for the match at 157 pounds.

Kerr also added a bit of motivation.

"He's a very hard trainer, and he's deceivingly strong," Kerr said of Jeremy Doyle. "Although, there was a size mismatch, I don't think there was a strength mismatch.

"I kinda teased him a little bit. We have some freshmen at that weight. I said, 'I don't know if you're good enough.' I kind of threw that challenge out there for him."

Jeremy used the playful motivation, claiming a 10-5 decision against Kyle Bounds.

"He was just joking around," Jeremy said. "He didn't think I could do it, just messing with my mind a little bit. I was confident with being able to go out there and give it my best. As long as I gave it my best, I knew I'd be happy with that."

Overall, the 'Runners lost just two matches on the night, picking up some momentum for the next three home meets this weekend.

Brandon Halsey, a sophomore transfer from Fresno State, capped the night with a technical fall over Chris Robertson in the final match.