The Colorado Mesa University wrestling team has decided to try a new approach for their home match against the team’s rival Western State, on Nov. 8, in order to draw the attention of a larger fan base. Rather than hosting the event in Brownson Arena, like they typically would, it will be hosted at Suplizio Field. The event has been branded “Dual on the Diamond” and the competition will take place smack in the middle of home plate.
“The wrestling coaches between the two schools came up with the idea of the event,” CMU’s Sports Information Director Dave Jahnke said. “It is something different than the normal wrestling dual in a gym and will try to continue to grow the sport. Some people may never go to wrestling dual in the gym but now that it is outside at Suplizio Field, they might.”
Since the dual will be taking place on the brink of winter, facilitators have a backup, indoor area designated, in case of inclement weather.
“The elements may play a factor,” Jahnke said. “If any of those occur we will be forced to move the event inside.”
The only thing that will be different about this particular meet is the location, everything else will remain the same.
“I think the biggest goal is to continue to grow the sport of wrestling. We started the Battle in Brownson four years ago now and that was a huge success and we are hoping this can grow into something similar.” Jahnke said. “The University of Iowa and Oklahoma State did a similar event before a football game and drew close 45,000 people to the dual. The idea was kind of started off of that.”
The first ever Dual on the Diamond is set to be at 6 p.m. on Nov 8.
