Warriors show a lighter side

by Eric Pfahler
Staff Writer

During their four years at Ohio, wrestlers Ryan Smith (157 pound weight class) and Luke Moore (174) have practiced countless hours and endured a heavyweight’s amount of pressure while wrestling their way into the national spotlight.

The two friends have developed into solid wrestlers. They have been drill partners since their red-shirt freshman year and both qualified for the 2001 NCAA Tournament. Smith holds a 15-9 record this season, while Moore is 16-10.

But the relationship does not end on the mat, where Moore and Smith wrestle each other into the floor dozens of times a practice. The two developed a friendship tighter than a full nelson.

Moore, who graduated from Shawnee High School, said he met Smith during high school scrimmages. Smith went to Miamisburg High School, which is about 40 minutes from Shawnee.

Moore said he recalled a positive first impression of Smith.

“(Smith) was probably the nicest guy I met in my whole life,” Moore said. “You’re wondering how a guy like this can get fired up and beat up a guy for seven minutes.”

Smith, however, said when the two take to the mat during practice he has no problem trying to pin Moore.

“When we wrestle it’s just like two kids who want to beat the hell out of each other,” Smith said. “We both get nervous with each other because we know each other so well, and we know every movement the other is going to make. But he’s so hard headed, and I’m so hard headed, it makes me better, and I hope it makes him better.

Smith said Moore’s work ethic, leadership and companionship helped him become a ranked wrestler.

“Luke is just the hardest worker I’ve probably ever seen in my life,” Smith said. “He’s just an all around great kid when it comes to wrestling, when it comes to personality and that right there makes him successful. He’s a great leader, and he’s my best friend too.”

Moore said Smith’s ability to loosen up the team has been as crucial as an engine for a car.

“(Smith is) just a guy who always keeps the guys light before the matches,” Moore said. “He creates a mood for us where the guys aren’t going to get nervous before the match.”

Ohio coach Joel Greenlee said Moore and Smith’s wrestling techniques are as different as peanut butter and jelly.

“I’d say Luke Moore is definitely more of a conventional wrestler,” Greenlee said. “On the other hand, (Smith) is more of a defensive wrestler. Ryan will take his shots, but the guys on the bench will kind of smile when some guy has his legs because Ryan will do a somersault and the guy won’t know where he is.”

Smith and Moore take to the mat this weekend against West Virginia and Kent State.