March 11, 2010
Fullerton, Calif. -
By Summer Mollo
Cal State Fullerton Media Relations Intern
Cal State Fullerton junior Adin Duenas is about to perform on the biggest stage of his wrestling career but he can't help but focus some of his attention on the uncertain state of the Titans' budget-threatened program.
It's a major dilemma for him. He is one of three Fullerton wrestlers (along with heavyweight Kurt Klimek and 125-pounder Andre Gonzalez) who have qualified for the NCAA Championships which begin March 18 in Omaha, Nebraska. But if there is to be a Fullerton presence next year, it's dependent as much on finances as on athletic talent.
"It's disappointing that programs get dropped," said Duenas, who won the Pac-10 Championship two weeks ago at 141 pounds. "Kids can miss out on scholarships, and there is less opportunity."
Duenas grew up in the small city of Gilroy, which is a few miles south of San Jose. He enjoyed growing up there in a small town environment. His most fond memory was going to nationals his senior year at high school. He attended Gilroy High School and played football his freshman year along with wrestling all four years.
This is his fourth year at Cal State Fullerton (he redshirted one season) and he is studying criminal justice. He has a few dream jobs. He would like to be either a police officer or coach wrestling. He would prefer doing any of those jobs in a small town atmosphere.
He got to Cal State Fullerton through chance. He was set to go to San Jose State to wrestle when the program was dropped. He was offered to come to Cal State Fullerton with one of his former teammates (Armando Gonzalez) from high school and the rest is history.
Duenas placed third in the Pac-10 in 2009 and made his first trip to the NCAA championships as a longshot, going 0-2. This year he had a 20-8 overall record and carries far better credentials: Most Outstanding Wrestler of the Pac-10 Championships after going unbeaten against a field which included six wrestlers ranked in the national Top 25. For his efforts, he was selected ed the national wrestler of the week by TheMat.com.
Actually, he got one earlier unexpected moment in the spotlight. Scheduled to wrestle a local exhibition as a warmup at the National Wrestling Coaches Assn. All-Star Classic in Titan Gym on Nov. 22, he was thrust into the featured lineup when Nick Gallick of Iowa State missed his travel connection. Duenas lost, 8-0, to Alex Kron of Maryland but gained a lot of experience and exposure via the nationally televised event in front of an overflow crowd in Titan Gym.
His goal for this season is to win nationals, and keep improving every day. He mentions that what influences him to do well at school is that he gets a scholarship. That motivates him to do well in school and in wrestling.
When he is not wrestling he enjoys playing video games, "Call of Duty" being one of the favorites. He also likes eating, which is always an issue with wrestlers making weight.
When asked to describe himself in one word he said he was "competitive." His role model is Coach Dan Hicks, the Titans' head man.
Duenas' advice for people who want to get into collegiate athletics is simple: "Work hard and do the right thing."
