In its second stab at Mid-American Conference competition, Ohio had no plans of falling to 0-2.
After losing to conference rival Kent State on Saturday, the Bobcats outworked Northern Illinois (6-4, 0-1 MAC) to a 29-7 victory, bolstering their record to 8-2.
Eight of 10 Bobcats earned wins in part because they out-hustled the Huskies.
I thought we looked great
coach Joel Greenlee said. We looked (like we were) in a little better shape than they did.
Ohio's energy was on display in several matches in which the Bobcats came back from deficits to win.
Redshirt freshman Gabe Ramos won 10-8 in overtime. Senior Kevin Christensen overcame a slow start and eventually pinned opponent John Odeen, earning cheers from the crowd and the bench.
Junior Germane Lindsey erased a 7-3 deficit to win a frenetic bout against Patrick McLemore, 10-8.
Germane was tired but that guy was exhausted Greenlee said.
One factor motivating the Bobcats (8-2, 1-1 MAC) was revenge. Lindsey and redshirt senior Clay Tucker faced opponents they had lost to in the past.
Tucker wrestled Bryan Deutsch, who beat Tucker in route to becoming last year's MAC champion.
With time winding down, the crowd wanted a stalling call on Deutsch, but time expired and Tucker lost 3-2.
Lindsey's troubles against McLemore started in high school, where he lost the first of three matches.
This was a big win for me
he said.
Overall, it did not hurt Ohio's cause that junior Erik Schuth opened the match with a dominating 11-2 win by major decision.
I put a good amount of points on the board
Schuth said. That's a good way to get the team going
get everybody pumped up.
Ohio will now prepare to face North Carolina State at home Sunday, where the Bobcats will look to bolster their case for sending wrestlers to the national tournament.
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Sports
Nathaniel Maund
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