JohnMark Bentley didn't know exactly what kind of response he'd get when he offered a fan bus for his Appalachian State wrestling team's meet Sunday at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
On Tuesday he had his answer and sent out an email: "The fan bus traveling to UTC this Sunday sold out earlier today. There are no more seats available at this point. I appreciate the great response to this and look forward to the strong Appalachian crowd in Chattanooga."
It is somewhat unheard of, especially in Southern Conference wrestling, to arrange a fan bus, but Bentley did so with reason. It is likely that the Southern Conference regular-season championship, upon which UTC has a seven-year stronghold, will be decided Sunday when the Mocs (11-3, 4-0) host the Mountaineers (9-3, 3-0) at 2 p.m. at Maclellan Gym.
Mocs coach Heath Eslinger thought Bentley had a great idea.
"It puts something of a spotlight on wrestling in the conference and it shows the interest in the sport," he said. "I like the idea that people want to come see us wrestle."
That said, he has sent numerous emails and likely text messages to Chattanooga's wrestling community. He wants a good crowd and doesn't want his team to be shown up by an opponent's fan base in his home gym.
"We've called the high school coaches. We have put the match time on message boards, and that message has been getting a lot of views," Eslinger said. "A lot of people know how important this match is to us, and a lot of people are talking about it.
"I hope a lot of the local teams will get back in time Sunday from the state duals. That's one reason we wrestle on Fridays early in the season and then on Sunday after the new year -- to make it easier for the wrestling community to get here."
Johnson surgery good
The Mocs got some good news this week. Surgery on Bucky Johnson's knee went well, and the senior 125-pounder told the coaches he is going to apply for a medical hardship from the NCAA for one more season of eligibility.
The health of 197-pound Niko Brown remains an issue. Eslinger still is not sure about his status for Sunday.
Brown sprained a knee and was out of the lineup this past Sunday at The Citadel.