Happy Holidays

On behalf of Ohio State Wrestling we would like to wish each and everyone of you and all of your families and friends a very safe and joyous holiday season. We have so much to be grateful for!

 

Buckeyes Fight Off Fighting Scots

Edinboro – Many expected the showdown between Edinboro and Ohio State to be an outstanding dual meet – they were right. It was an action packed afternoon filled with dramatic match finishes, upsets and highly anticipated match ups. The match began at 125 pounds.

125 – Nikko Triggas gave up an early takedown and was not able to mount a victorious comeback. Early in the second period Nikko racked up two back points matching the score at 2-2. A flurry ensued and the Fighting Scot earned a very important escape point making the score 3-2. A late takedown and riding time secured the upset.

Ohio State 0 Edinboro 3.

133 – Reece Humphrey wrestled a familiar face in Ricky Duebel. Reece was 2-0 against Duebel last year, but it was not until this dual meet that Reece ever secured bonus points. Reece looked terrific with his mobility and athleticism. He scored early with two beautiful low level shots. Perhaps the most impressive feat of the evening was Reece’s aggression to secure the major decision with just 6 seconds left in the match.

Ohio State 4 Edinboro 3

141 – NCAA Champion J Jaggers is still adjusting to the early season as Edinboro claimed its second upset of the day. J held the lead for a large majority of the match, but late in the third period the Fighting Scot got the go ahead takedown. With time running down a very controversial position took place where it appeared J had the winning reversal or at the very minimum an escape. The point was not award and Edinboro reclaims the team score.

Ohio State 4 Edinboro 6

149 – Two time All-American Lance Palmer controlled the entire match displaying both great match pace and patience. Two early takedowns was the difference in this battle as the Fighting Scot played the defensive game most of the match.

Ohio State 7 Edinboro 6

157 – Jason Johnstone has had excellent year thus far and has made significant improvement with his wrestling the past few years. This is the third time in the past two years that Jason has faced former NCAA Champion Gregor Gillespie. It was apparent that Gregor was determined to ride and try to turn Jason. Gregor did get one turn for three points, but Jason fought hard and earned two escapes from one of the most dangerous top wrestlers in college wrestling.

Ohio State 7 Edinboro 9

165 – This was the most anticipated match of the evening and it lived up to its billing. Colt Sponseller downed the number 3 ranked wrestler in country 4-1. Colt is known for his aggressive style, but he is now combining patience and match strategy to an already dangerous arsenal. Defensively Colt was a machine as he did not allow the Fighting Scot on his legs one time during the 7 minute battle. This was a huge win for the Buckeyes at a very important time in the dual meet.

Ohio State 10 Edinboro 9

174 – Sean Nemec bumped up two weight classes and wrestled in place of the injured Dave Rella. Sean wrestled incredible defeating Paul Paddock, older brother of one of our newest signed Buckeyes Ian Paddock, in impressive fashion. Sean wrestled Paul last year at 165 pounds at an open tournament and was victorious there as well. With the match on the line Sean used some beautiful single leg attacks to increase his lead.

Ohio State 13 Edinboro 9

184 – NCAA Champion Mike Pucillo rose to the challenge as he stepped on the mat and competed for the first time this year. Mike was “on call” for this dual meet and we were going to use him if the team score was in jeopardy and with Edinboro considered favorites at 197 and heavyweight we needed him. With a lot of air dyne(stationary bike) workouts and limited live practice time Mike took the mat and performed like an animal. He increased his lead and pushed through the match against the 10th ranked wrestler in the United States. Mike earned an 8-1 decision and added 3 more team points for the Buckeyes.

Ohio State 16 Edinboro 9

197 – Cody Gardner, a Buckeye freshman, fought hard against nationally ranked Patrick Bradshaw. In this match Gardner was unable to use his motion and athleticism to his advantage. After a late first period takedown the action was limited and Bradshaw walked away with a 3-0 decision closing the gap on the team score.

Ohio State 16 Edinboro 12

Hwt – This was one match many wrestling fans were looking forward to. Corey Morrison, a red-shirt Junior, versus top 10 ranked and the very dangerous Joey Fendone. Ohio State is up by four with the final match out on the mat. There is one problem in the minds of Buckeye fans. Fendone is 13-0, that part of the equation is one thing, but the other more important part of the equation that had fans squirming was 11  of the 13 wins are by pin. Corey did an outstanding job! He got two very impressive takedowns and used his conditioning to take steam away from Fendone. In the second period Fendone chose top, we all held our breath, but Corey pinched his knees, held a solid base and methodically worked his way to his feet – it was textbook. Great win for Corey. Great win for the Buckeyes!

Ohio State 19 Edinboro 12

 For more about the Edinboro match please CLICK HERE

 

Colt Sponseller – TheMat.Com Wrestler of Week

Congratulations to Colt on a well deserved honor. Since the All-Star Meet Colt has wrestled the number 1,2,6,7,9, and 18th ranked wrestlers in the country (this is from the most current rankings – at the time 6,7, and 9 were all ranked in the top 6). Every match has been competitive, but Colt has defeated 6, 7, 9, and 18. Currently Colt is ranked fourth in the country and is getting better with each and every match. For more information about this honor please CLICK HERE.

 

Corey Morrison – Ohio State Athlete of The Week

Congratulations to Corey for being recognized by the Ohio State Athletic Department as the athlete of the week. Corey had a great win sealing the Edinboro victory against the 10th ranked heavyweight in the country. For more information please CLICK HERE 

News And Updates

 

NCAA Rankings – To check out the newest rankings please CLICK HERE

 

Summer Camp Information – Plan on getting better! Plan on Ohio State summer wrestling camps! For more information please CLICK HERE

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