Darrell Moody: State wrestling to be a 1-day affair

The NIAA State Wrestling Championship is scheduled for Feb. 9 at the Orleans Arena, and it will be a one-day affair.

It is only one day because there is a concert scheduled for the Orleans on that Saturday.

I’ve always felt state should be a one-day tourney. After all, you’re only dealing with a nine-person draw, at least in the 4A. You don’t need two days when you only have nine in the field. Sure it will be a long day, but what tournament isn’t.

Carson is hosting the 4A regional tournament the first weekend in February, and that will be a two-day affair.

The Senators have a shot to get up to seven wrestlers to state — Jesse Case, Brandon Macias, Alex Wells, Kyle Rudy, Luis Mayoral, Bryce Newhall and Ariel Vega.

Carson is 2-0 in dual meets thus far with meets against Wooster, Damonte Ranch and Douglas remaining.

•••

The basketball regionals are at Spanish Springs with Lawlor Events Center hosting the state tournament a week later.

I’m probably in the minority, but I wish state wasn’t so spread out so state could be expanded so that all games could be played at Lawlor Events Center. I know there are travel issues involved and missed class time. Just call it wishful thinking.

I hate seeing teams having to play at high schools. State is single-elimination, and it’s a big deal. I know kids would get a big thrill at playing in a college arena.

•••

Nevada has a good chance to be 6-0 in conference before starting the meaty part of its schedule.

Now 3-0, Nevada plays Air Force, Utah State and San Jose State in its next three games, and it will be favored to win all three despite the fact two of three are on the road.

With Air Force you have to battle the elevation (7,000 feet) and the fact the Falcons will likely take the air out of the ball. Utah State upset Fresno, and the Aggies have a couple of good guards. San Jose State took UNLV to overtime before losing.

•••

Nevada tried to play a stronger non-conference schedule, and for the most part it’s done that. I won’t lie, but the loss to USF was damaging. Nevada players feel they probably need to win the postseason tournament to get back to the NCAAs, and they’re probably right.

The Pack’s schedule is back weighted and has a couple of three-game swings that will be critical to its success.

The first is UNLV (home, Feb. 7), San Diego State (home, Feb.10) and Boise State (away, Feb. 14). The second is Colorado State (home, Feb. 25), UNLV (away, Feb. 27) and San Diego State (March 3).

•••

And, before I forget, the memorial service for former University of Nevada president Joe Crowley, who passed away late last year, is scheduled for Saturday at 2 p.m.

Crowley, a former president of the NCAA, was a true gentleman and you would always see him at athletic events even after he retired.

A kind man and a great man.