Bobcats pancake Hokies

By Eric Pfahler
Staff Writer
Eric.Pfahler@ohio.edu

The Ohio wrestling team manhandled Virginia Tech 36-7 in its first dual meet of the New Year. The Bobcats elevated their record to 4-1, while the Hokies dropped to 0-3.

"I like how we're looking," said Luke Moore, who earned a 10-0 major decision against Mike Cox in the 165-pound weight class.

"We've got a really good record going into the New Year," he said. "This year we don't really have a weak spot."   

Ohio wrestlers Jake Percival (149), Ed Willis (174) and Erik Jones (HWT) all recorded technical falls to widen the margin of victory.   

"That was a fun wrestling match for us," Ohio coach Joel Greenlee said. "We need to realize that 'Hey, that's fun, and our training is paying off.'"

The Ohio wrestlers match-up against teammates close to or in their weight class in practice. Willis said the depth of Ohio's team helps the unit as a whole get better.   

"It's contagious to have people in the room working hard," Willis said. "It makes the whole team better."

The win pushed Willis' record to 24-7. In the Beast of the East Collegiate Wrestling Tournament, Willis won three matches, making him the first Ohio wrestler to record 20 wins this season.   

Moore said Willis is one of many guys who the team now expects to win.    

"Guys can't really compete with him because he's so physical and in such great shape," Moore said.   

Another member of the team who has the team believing he's an automatic win is Percival, who is ranked No. 4 in the nation and carries a 56-4 record in two seasons with the Bobcats. He has earned three individual titles in tournaments this season, including the Beast of the East Tournament.

The Bobcats also saw Paul Hodermarsky (141) fill in for injured Jon Spires and earn a victory. Anthony Carrizales (133) and Joel Weimer (197) both won their matches by decision.

Mark Shrout (184) won by forfeit to complete the Ohio scoring.    

"This is probably the best winter break that we've ever had," Greenlee said.

The Bobcats open Mid-American Conference and their home schedule against Eastern Michigan at 7 p.m. Friday in The Convo.

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