Former local standout wrestler Richie Brandt returned to the mat this season, this time as a Fresno State Bulldog.
Brandt graduated from Liberty High School in Madera Ranchos in 2015. He was one of the top wrestlers in his weight class in 2014 when he was a CIF state finalist as a junior.
After he graduated, Brandt attended Utah Valley University, where he redshirted his first year. Brandt competed independent to his school, however, and posted a 4-4 record at 197 pounds. He transferred to Fresno State after the program was reinstated.
“It’s awesome, I’ve been waiting since my sophomore year in high school when they said they’d come back,” Brandt said before a practice.