After high rankings and predictions in preseason polls, the Ohio wrestling team can prove its might, kicking off its 2004-05 season 10 a.m. Saturday at the Ashland Open.
An open tournament where grapplers can compete as part of their school's team or individually, the team is looking forward to more diverse opposition, coach Joel Greenlee said.
Obviously
I want to go (to Ashland) and have some success but we need the competition he said. We think we're pretty good because we wrestle each other every day. I want to see where we're at against other people
getting ready for different mat situations.
Jake Percival (157 pounds) said that the first match is always effective as a gauge for individual wrestlers' progress.
It's good to get back in the flow of regular matches
he said. This weekend will tell me and everyone else what we need to work on and how it compares to our opponents.
Tony DeAnna (165) said that he has also noticed the need to wrestle those outside of his teammates.
This weekend will be a nice change
DeAnna said. After so long
you become too familiar with guys on your own team and their individual strategies.
With no clear-cut starter at the 165-pound weight class for the Bobcats, DeAnna will be competing with his teammate and friend, Vinny DiGiovanni, for the starting spot.
Because it's for the starting spot
we're both pushing and wrestling each other harder than we usually would
DiGiovanni said. Tony and I are good friends off the mat
so whatever happens
happens.
A redshirt last year, Frank Brown will take over the starting position at 133 pounds, after the Bobcats lost two-time national qualifier Anthony Carrizales to graduation last spring.
Greenlee said the transition does not mean that the Bobcats will be weaker at 133.
Obviously
