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Seth Morton has the talent to be a varsity wrestler. He just has to find his niche and settle into a weight class. The junior from Canal Winchester began the year in the 141-pound weight class, but a groin injury to Germane Lindsey thrust Morton into the starting position. Morton was a combined 12-8 wrestling in tournaments and in dual meets during Lindsey's absence. But when Lindsey - Ohio's only NCAA qualifier a year ago - returned to the mat, Morton was put in a predicament. He'd shown his talent as a part of the varsity lineup, but Lindsey is one of the best wrestlers on the team. The two wrestled off in practice before the dual with Michigan State. Lindsey won, 3-2, leaving Morton without a starting spot. But another opportunity presented itself to Morton. Kevin Christensen has been beat up physically at 149 pounds and struggled at times. He's 3-11 on the year. On Jan. 25, coach Joel Greenlee inserted Morton back in to the varsity lineup, but this time at 149 pounds. Morton lost the bout, 9-6, to Buffalo's Desmond Green, but he wrestled well. The wrestling is the same Morton said. The guys are just a little bigger not that big of a deal. I've run in to guys that outsize me and out-muscle me a little bit but I can deal with it. Green is 31-6 on the season, a stiff challenge for anyone, especially someone who has been training to compete eight pounds lighter than Green has. He does everything that he's supposed to do Greenlee said. He's pretty darn good in all three positions and he wins matches. Morton again wrestled at 149 pounds last weekend. This time, he won in convincing fashion, scoring an 8-0 major decision over North Carolina State's Sean Smith. Last season, Morton split time at 133 pounds with Quentin Keyes, the starter in that weight class this year. I think Seth stepped it up Keyes said. The weight transition wasn't that bad because with his particular frame he was able to bounce up to the next weight. Even with the success he's had, Morton isn't sure that he'll become the permanent 149-pound wrestler. I'm not really sure if I'll get a chance to wrestle-off for 149 Morton said. I'm just kind of taking it match by match. Greenlee left open the possibilities about Morton's future in the slot. I don't know if Seth might not be the varsity guy by the end of the year Greenlee said. |
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