The Ohio wrestling team will be looking to start its season off right this weekend when they travel to East Lansing to take part in the Michigan State Open on Sunday.
Ohio was picked to finish fifth out of six teams in the Mid-American Conference, and coach Joel Greenlee said his squad hopes to make some strides in its first meet.
The reason you go to these open tournaments is because you get a lot of matches
he said. Our guys will have an opportunity to get four five six matches in a day. That's how you learn. Along with that you hope to go have some success. Obviously we'd like to see a lot of guys place there; we'd like to knock off some ranked guys.
The open format of the match will allow the 'Cats to get everyone, even those who will be red-shirting this season, in on the action. This weekend, Caleb Metcalf will wrestle at 125 pounds; Matt Smith at 133; Clay Tucker at 149; Dan Fladda and Kent Smith at 157; Ryan Knapp and Jacob Ison at 165; Antione Love and Adam Faires at 174; Nick Terbay at 184; Larry Reichard at 197; and Marcus Adelman and Joe Ellwood at heavyweight. Several other Bobcats will be competing unattached.
Two Bobcats who won't be seeing any time for Ohio are 157-pound wrestler Jake Frerichs and 133-pound wrestler Terry Jackson, who both started last season. Frerichs recently underwent surgery on his meniscus and will miss a number of weeks, Greenlee explained. The loss will hurt the 'Cats, as Frerichs finished second in the MAC last year and was named Ohio's most valuable wrestler.
Jackson tore a tendon in his middle finger, requiring a rather large splint on his right hand. The injury will keep the man who was picked as the MAC's second-best wrestler at the 133-pound class off the mat for six weeks.
Jackson said not being able to compete is difficult both physically and mentally.
It's very frustrating
he said. I've been working up until now
and I'm definitely antsy to get going. I just can't wait to get back in action. All I can do is run
run
run. It's no fun
but you have got to get through that and work hard to stay in shape so I can be ready.Despite not having the sophomore tandem, Adelman said the 'Cats are ready to head into East Lansing.
I'm just ready
he said. It's getting kind of boring going against the same guys day in and day out. With the quarter winding down
it's just time to start wrestling.
