After three weeks of inactivity, the Ohio wrestling team returned to action this past weekend as they began Mid-American Conference matches against Central Michigan and Eastern Michigan.
The Bobcats (0-2) dropped both of their first dual meets on the road, but battled back to remain close in each meet.
In the first of the two road duels, Ohio fell to No. 19 Central Michigan with a 17-15 decision despite battling back-and-forth all night as each team won five matches.
“We battled all night long, but just could not come up with some of the major points when we needed them.” Ohio coach Joel Greenlee said.
Central Michigan won the first two matches to take a 6-9 lead, but the Bobcat wrestlers battled back over the next five matches as they won four of them to take a 12-9 advantage.
Winning matches during Ohio’s comeback were Darrin Boin, Brad Squire, Harrison Hightower and Nick Purdue — who is ranked 15th nationally in the 174-pound weight class.
But Ohio could not keep its lead after losing the next two matches to the Chippewas. One loss came to Ben Bennett who is the No. 9 ranked wrestler in the 184-pound class and had just defeated the No. 2 ranked wrestler the previous evening against Minnesota.
In the final match of the evening, the Bobcats were victorious in a showdown of ranked opponents in the heavyweight class. Ohio wrestler Jeremy Johnson (No. 12) defeated Central Michigan’s Peter Sturgeon (No. 9) in the 5-0 match.
“I’m not surprised by Jeremy’s fast start,” Greenlee said. “He is the hardest worker we have and does every single thing right.”
On Sunday afternoon, the Bobcats returned to action at Eastern Michigan and lost again, 22-14. Greenlee said it was the same story of not getting points when needed.
Ohio was able to win matches in four different weight classes, but the Bobcats failed to get bonus points when needed and gave up too many to Eastern Michigan.
Winning matches for the Bobcats were Miles Chapman (171-pound), Nick Purdue (174-pound), Ryan Garringer (184-pound) and Jeremy Johnson (285-pound).
“We are pretty young and inexperienced, but that is not a very good excuse,” Greenlee said. “I’m not solely focused on the win or loss, but we need to battle hard and compete for seven minutes in every match.”
Ohio will not wrestle again until Saturday morning at 11 a.m. in their first home match of the season against Appalachian State.
Quick Stats:
• Bobcats had 21 days between matches before Central Michigan dual.
• Ohio wrestler Jeremy Johnson has won first 7 matches of the season.
• On Saturday, Ohio lost the meet despite both teams winning five matches each.
• First home meet of season will be on Saturday against Appalachian State.
cl027410@ohiou.edu
