Ohio Wrestling (2-5 overall, 0-2 Mid-American Conference) will have two chances to earn its first conference dual victory of the season against Kent State and Cleveland State this weekend. The Bobcats will be on the road for both duals on Friday and Saturday after falling to conference opponent No. 21 Missouri on Jan. 10.
Here is the information for this weekend:
Opponents: Kent State (5-7, 1-2 MAC) | Cleveland State (6-1, 2-1 MAC)
Meet Locations: Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center | Wolstein Center
Meet Dates: Jan. 17 at 7 p.m. | Jan. 18 at 1 p.m.
What’s happened so far:
The Bobcats have seen disappointing results in both overall and conference records. They are currently ranked No. 10 in the MAC and have yet to beat a conference opponent after falling to Edinboro and Missouri.
Dual information:
Kent State and Cleveland State will be easier matchups compared to Ohio’s last two conference opponents. In the MAC, the Kent State Golden Flashes are ranked No. 12 and the Cleveland State Vikings are ranked No. 15, both of which are lower than the Bobcats.
While Kent State hasn’t had a great season so far, it does possess a few talented wrestlers that Ohio shouldn’t take lightly. Tim Rooney of the 133-pound weight class and Andrew McNally of the 174-pound weight class are ranked No. 3 and No. 4 in the MAC respectively. The only Bobcat ranked in either of those weight classes is No. 6 Mario Guillen in the 133-pound weight class.
Despite its record, Cleveland State is currently the lowest ranked team in the conference. The Vikings have only two ranked wrestlers in the MAC, Evan Cheek (141-pounds) and Ben Smith (197-pounds), who are both ranked fifth in their class. Ohio’s No. 6 Shakur Laney will likely be Cheek’s opponent. Both wrestlers have been one of the top performers on their teams this season.
After a disappointing start to MAC play, Kent State and Cleveland State will prove to be great opportunities for Ohio to earn its first conference victory.
