Central Michigan is giving the nation a reason to respect Mid-American Conference wrestling teams.
Actually, it is giving the nation five reasons. The Chippewas are nationally ranked No. 20 by wrestlingmall.com and have five individuals in the top 20.
Jason Mester (No. 3, 141-pound weight class), Jordan Webster (No. 11, 133) and Kevin Carr (No. 15, 174), David Bolyard (No. 6, 165) and Bill Stouffer (No. 14, HWT) represent Central Michigan nationally as individuals.
Webster was named MAC Wrestler of the week after going 3-0 at the National Duels in Cleveland. By defeating Hofstra's Ricky LaForge, 3-1, Oklahoma's Mimi Miller, 10-8, in overtime and Michigan State's Tony Greathouse, 4-1, Webster improved his season record to 19-2.
Ohio wrestling coach Joel Greenlee said Webster is a formidable foe who must be taken seriously during a match.
He's the type who will hold on and beat you by a point
Greenlee said. After you wrestle him a few times you start to figure him out but you have to be careful since he is really powerful as well.
Greenlee said Central Michigan is one of the best wrestling teams in the nation. Central Michigan's success is but one of many aspects that helps the MAC, in Greenlee's eyes, be known as a conference with depth in wrestling.
Central Michigan is not the only MAC team making a dent in the polls. Ohio's Jake Percival (No. 2, 157) has had an excellent year so far for the Bobcats.
Greenlee said he likes how Percival and the rest of the Bobcats have performed so far this year. Jeremiah Beltran (HWT) is also ranked as high as No. 16 in some polls.
Northern Illinois wrestlers, Sam Hiatt (No. 10, 133) and Josh Wooton (No. 20, 149), add to the collection of MAC talent in the top 20.
Ohio and Ball State players take MAC Player of the Week honors
A pair of guards took home basketball Mid-American Conference Player of the Week Honors for both the East and West Divisions this week.
Ball State guard Matt McCollom and Ohio guard Jaivon Harris earned the honors. McCollum left behind a scoring slump in a big way, helping the Cardinals to big wins against Miami and Central Michigan.
McCollom averaged 18.0 points and 5.5 rebounds per game during the week. McCollom posted a season-high 21 points against Central Michigan, including 15 in the second half. The guard was perfect from three-point range as well, going five-of-five.
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