Wrestling earns first MAC victory against young Ohio team
After a 16-15 win over Ohio in last seasons dual meet, the 14th ranked Central Michigan wrestling team defeated the Bobcats 22-12 with four of six wins by major decision in its Mid-American Conference dual opener in Athens.
“We’ve been working on extending our leads and conditioning,” said head coach Tom Borrelli. “It paid off in those four matches. Our guys were working hard late in the matches. That’s what we want.”
Senior 133-pound Corey Keener scored the first of the major decisions.
“I went out there from the start and scored points,” said Keener. “I had a big third period, had a seven-point lead. I had two minutes of riding time, I was staying on my path, getting (Hayden Lee) tired and opening him up so I can score.”
Junior Jordan Ellingwood (184), sophomore Justin Oliver (149) and redshirt junior CJ Brucki (171) also won by major decision.
Junior Colin Heffernan (157) and senior Austin Severn (197) also scored wins for the Chippewas.
Ohio now sits 2-2 in MAC play, falling previously to fifth ranked Missouri. The Bobcats are currently relying on starting eight underclassmen in their rotation.
“It could affect (Ohio) a little bit,” said senior Austin Severn (197). “We usually don’t get hung up on the age. It’s not something we would get hung up on, they wouldn’t either.”
Sunday's victory keeps CMU at an undefeated 2-0 dual record (1-0 MAC).
“It starts our season strong” said Keener. “Important that we keep getting better throughout the season through the season. Focus less on wins and losses and more on improving for the MAC Tournament in March.”
The Chippewas will be back in action for their second MAC dual meet against Northern Iowa at 2 p.m. next Sunday at McGuirk.
“We know Northern Iowa will be a tough task” said Borrelli. “They are a good dual meet team and they wrestle hard. It should be a really exciting match, very entertaining.”
