Wrestling returns to Fresno State University

Former Liberty Hawks standout wrestler Richie Brandt returns to the mat this season, but this time as a Fresno State Bulldog.

“It’s awesome,” he said. “I’ve been waiting since my sophomore year in high school when they said they’d come back. I was just super excited when I was at Utah Valley University when I heard they got the program back.”

Although Brandt has yet to wrestle for the ‘Dogs, some think his success is not a matter of if, but when.

“He, of all the wrestlers I’ve ever had and I’ve coached for years is one that is self-motivated, very tenacious and has been able to always set a goal and get to that place,” said former Liberty wrestling coach and Brandt’s former coach Jason Napier. “His work ethic is above most of any other kid I’ve worked with.”

Brandt graduated from Liberty in 2015. He was one of the top wrestlers in his weight class in 2014 where he CIF state finalist as a junior.

After he graduated, he committed to Utah Valley where he redshirted his first year. Brandt competed unattached, however and posted a 4-4 record at 197 pounds.

He later transferred to Fresno State after the program’s reinstatement.

His new coach, Troy Steiner only had positive words on his wrestler.

“He’s a great kid,” Steiner said. “He’s always here and willing to work, he’s kind of like a silent warrior.”

After the Bulldogs split two dual matches on Saturday, they open their home season Friday against No. 14 Illinois.

In a dual match with San Francisco State, Brandt recorded a pin just 1:20 into his 197-pound match to help the bulldogs to a 35-12 victory.

However, he lost by a 9-0 decision in a 19-17 loss to Nebraska-Kearney later in the day.