CMU wrestling team improves to 4-2 in conference play with win at Kent State
Wrestling sealed a win at Kent State 21-12 on Sunday after splitting a pair of dual matches last weekend against two ranked conference opponents.
CMU improved to 4-2 in Mid-American Conference play with the win.
Head coach Tom Borrelli said maintaining a "healthy mindset" is key at such an important juncture during the season.
“I think we're getting better,” Borrelli said. “We’re really focusing on trying to improve and anytime you can stay on the positive side, the guys are motivated. That is why it was such a good win for us. We try to keep things positive so our guys can continue to move forward."
Central Michigan won six of the first seven matches, giving the team a 21-3 advantage with three matches left.
Freshman Corey Keener started the afternoon with an 8-3 decision at 125 pounds.
He was followed by three consecutive decisions to help grow CMU's lead. Senior Joe Roth won by a 3-1 decision at 133 pounds, followed by Zach Horan's 5-1 victory at 141 pounds. Senior Scott Mattingly finished with an 11-6 win at 149 pounds.
“It’s important to win those close matches,” Borrelli said. “ We don’t necessarily like those close matches. We like to distance ourselves from the competition a little bit but you have to take what you can get.”
An injury default at 157 pounds gave sophomore Lucas Smith the 6-0 win, pushing the lead to 15-3.
Smith said the team is starting to come together at the right time as a group and it’s showing on the mat.
“Coach has just been really emphasizing working hard and staying motivated while continuing to do what we’ve been doing,” Smith said. “I think, finally, everyone is getting on the same page and going out there and wrestling our style. We’re doing well.”
Freshman Nick Becker secured a 3-1 win at 165 pounds, while junior Mike Ottinger won by decision at 174 pounds, giving CMU a commanding 21-3 lead with three matches left.
Kent State made a late surge in the upper weight classes.
The Eagles won by decision at 184, 197 and heavyweight to close out the dual, tallying nine straight points.
Borrelli said in order to move forward and be prepared for the postseason in the next few weeks, the team has to continue to believe in their own ability.
“It’s important that our guys continue to feel like they are improving,” Borrelli said. “All the hard work that they’re doing is going to pay off and that’s really important. They start believing in themselves. We have to have that attitude moving forward in order to get ready for the postseason.”
CMU will take on Old Dominion at 1 p.m. on Sunday in Virginia.
