Bobcats look to rebound against Eastern Michigan

by Joe Arnold
Staff Writer

After splitting a pair of matches last weekend against quality opponents, the Ohio wrestling team hopes to rebound from Sunday's loss to Central Michigan when it travels to Eastern Michigan tonight.

The Eagles (9-8-2) have two quality wrestlers in Mike Feeney and Dane Bonnigson. Feeney is undefeated in Mid-American Conference duals and 29-2 overall. Bonnigson is 2-1 in MAC competition and 17-12 overall.

Heading into Ypsilanti, Mich., Ohio (7-4) plans on using Sunday's loss as a motivating factor against the Eagles. Ohio coach Joel Greenlee said he expects the Bobcats to respond well.

"(The loss to Central Michigan) left us hungry," he said. "We need to work harder, and I know our guys want to go up there and get something done. Our guys realized 'Hey, we let one slip away,' and we're going to work hard in the areas that we need to before the MAC tournament."

Ohio wrestler Anthony Carrizales also said the Bobcats have the potential to rebound against Eastern Michigan.

"We're a tough team, but we just need to bring it together," he said. "Eastern (Michigan) and Northern Illinois are both tough teams too. I think we're better than them, but we need to go out there and get the job done."

Ohio's Luke Moore faces Feeney for the second straight year at 174 lbs. Feeney scored a major decision against Moore 11-1 last year.

"(Feeney) put it to me a couple times last year, but I'm looking forward to wrestling him again," Moore said. "I think I can go out there and wrestle with him. We've had some close matches."

The loss to Central Michigan was a wake-up call to the Bobcats, and they are using tonight's match and Friday's match at Northern Illinois as warm-ups for the MAC Tournament, Moore said.

Ohio defeated the Eagles 30-13 last January, winning seven of the first eight matches. Greenlee, however, said he expects Eastern Michigan to give the Bobcats a good match.

"They're an improved team, and they seem to be doing alright now," he said.

The Bobcats take to the mat at 7 tonight in Ypsilanti.