SJSU Wrestling Archives Season Outlook 1980-81                 Finishing the 1979-80 season with its best dual record in the school's history, the SJSU Wrestling Team will be looking to surpass that mark in what may very well be its most exciting season ever. Coach Kerr enters his ninth season at Sparta hoping that three returning PCAA champions and some outstanding freshman recruits can be tantamount to unequalled success. However, it's hard to predict for sure, according to Kerr. "But, we should be better than last year," Kerr is quick to add, "The 19-4 dual meet record and the PCAA Championship of a year ago may be tough to retain, but eight returning letter winners should ease the burden." "We have several good people who should really rise to the top for the NCAA Tournament at the end of the year." Based on past performances, the Spartan mentor lists junior Eddie Baza, senior David Brouhard, and junior Wayne Jones as porspects. "Jerry Morrison and Reggie Thompson both have the potential to do exceptionally well," states Kerr. Brouhard, last year's team captain and three-year letterman, will return to defend his PCAA title at 167-pounds. Baza will attempt to take his third PCAA crown in as many years when he takes to the mat. Just missing bringing home the gold from the 1980 PCAA Championships were Jones (118) and Thompson (150). Both wrestlers will move up a weight in 1981 and are looking for a different outcome to this season. Three redshirts round out the list of returnees. Letterman Guy Heath at heavyweight, Brian Strock at 142-pounds, and Billy Thomas at 177-pounds add depth and experience to the Spartan squad. As for recruits, one look at this year's crop shows that the Spartans will be reaping all the benefits. Coach Kerr says, "We've got some real quality young people, but it might take a while for them to get adjusted. It's hard to judge the new people without any collegiate competition." While all the newcomers will be pushing hard for a starting position, three, in particular, pose serious threats. Brad Gustafson (118), Arnold Perez (126), and Jay Slivkoff (150), all state place-winners will indeed be threatening to the veterans. Add these more state place-winners: Albert Perez (126), Cesar Escudero (142), John Torrise (177), Andy Tsarnas (177), and a talented brother combination in Corky and David Olmos and the Spartan's future looks exciting indeed. "Hell, this is the first time we've had two walkons stick it out and every recruited athelete, with the exception of one, has made it through our pre-seasons workouts. This is very unusual for us. Hopefully, it will be an indication of our season!" laughs Kerr. "We're facing a harder schedule this year but we definitely want to take the conference! Portland State consistently gets better, while Utah State had a banner recruiting year and they're always a threat. The double importance of the PCAA Tournament is the team title and NCAA qualifications are at stake. We want to be ready for both!" With the way things look, the Spartans will definitely be ready for an exciting year!