Wrestlers take two of three

by Eric Pfahler
Staff Writer

The Ohio wrestling team took two of three competitions Saturday at the Avalon Fighting Scot Duals in Edinboro, Penn.

The Bobcats (2-1) dominated Slippery Rock 36-3 and Findlay 42-3, but lost to No. 14 Edinboro 23-10.

"That dual (against Edinboro) was a lot closer than the score indicated," Ohio coach Joel Greenlee said.

The Bobcats lost their first three matches by less than five points, including a 5-3 loss by Ohio wrestler Ed Willis (174-pound weight class) to Edinboro wrestler Nate Yetzer.

"(Willis) should have won that match, but it was a great learning experience for him," Greenlee said. "I can't fault (Willis). He was wrestling, he was going hard, but he made a mistake."

Ohio wrestler Erik Jones (heavyweight) continued to perform well, winning all three of his matches one week after placing seventh at the Michigan State Open. The three wins pushed his overall record to 10-4.

Jones' three wins included a 10-4 overtime win against Edinboro wrestler Joe Hennis, who beat Jones at the Michigan State Open.

"It shows that I've improved a lot," Jones said. "I've gotten into better shape, and I'm starting to work my shots.

"It was good that I won all my matches, but I was kind of hoping the team would win all three too."

Ohio wrestler Jake Percival (149), who is ranked No. 3 in the country in his weight class, defeated all three of his opponents as well.

The Bobcats also swept the 157-pound weight class with two wins by Alex Cooper and one win from Robert Lyons.

"It's a good problem to have," Greenlee said about having multiple options at the weight class.

Percival, who is 8-0, said the team is excited about its chances this season.

"We think we're better than last year," Percival said. "Everyone thinks they can go out and win. Everyone's starting to expect more of themselves."

Once again, the Bobcats wrestled at less than full strength. Anthony Carrizales (133) could not compete due to a shoulder injury. He is probable for next weekend, Greenlee said. Mark Shrout (184) wrestled two matches, but Greenlee said he held Shrout out against Edinboro in order to ease back into wrestling following off-season shoulder surgery.

The Bobcats take the mat again next weekend at the Mat Town Tournament in Lock Haven, Penn.