Football schedule changed

by Eric Pfahler
For The Post

Ohio Director of Athletics Tom Boeh announced the decision to move the date of two Ohio football games for the upcoming season. The changes will move the road games against Akron and North Carolina State to Thursday nights.

The opening game against N.C. State is now scheduled for Sept. 13. Ohio will now play Akron in the season opener on Aug. 30. The game originally was slated for Sept. 29.

Ohio quarterback Dontrell Jackson said the change will not affect Ohio's performance.

"It really doesn't matter," Jackson said. "We'll be prepared whether it's on Saturday or Thursday."

The Bobcats will face a tough non-conference schedule, travelling to North Carolina State and West Virginia and playing host to Iowa State. All three teams won bowl games last season. The Cyclones are the first Big 12 school ever to visit Peden Stadium.

Possible regional television coverage was one of the main reasons for the change.

Jackson said the possibility of playing in televised games would not become a distraction for the Bobcats.

"We have the right mentality," Jackson said. "I'm sure we're going to play very well."

Ohio honors athletes for academics

Wrestler Dan Bednar and swimmer Emily Bresser were honored as Ohio's male and female athletes of the year, the top awards given at the 39th Annual Green and White Senior Athletics Recognition Banquet. In all, 74 seniors were commended for their academic and athletic achievements.

Swimming and diving coach Greg Werner said Bresser showed all the qualities desired by Ohio athletics.

"Emily is the complete student-athlete," Werner said.

Wrestling coach Joel Greenlee said he was impressed with his wrestler's accomplishments both on and off the mat.

"It's hard to say enough good things about Dan," Greenlee said. "He's one guy you never had to worry about."

Wrestler headed to Europe

Ohio wrestler Luke Moore has been named a member of the National Wrestling Coaches Association 2001 European Wrestling Tour. He will travel and compete in Bulgaria and France with several other wrestlers.

The team will train for two weeks and participate in local activities before the European trip that spans from May 29 to June 10.

Buffalo head coach Sean Gibbs will lead the team, while Greenlee will act as an assistant.

Greenlee said the competition would help Moore to further improve his skills.

"It's just a great opportunity for him to get some experience," Greenlee said.

Moore won the 174-pound weight class in the 2001 Mid-American Conference Championship, helping the Bobcats to a conference title.

Ohio radio station adds affiliate

The Ohio Sports Network will now broadcast football and men's basketball games on WZIO-FM, which is stationed in Wheelersburg, W.Va.

OSN is the broadcasting sector for Ohio athletics. WZIO, which can be found at 94.9, is looking to increase sports coverage with the addition. On Monday nights, the station plans to play the Bobcat Coaches Shows for both teams.

Ohio's visit to Akron on Aug. 30 to kick off the football season will be the first broadcast on the station.