Wrestling wins sixth straight against Kent State in home finale


In the last dual meet at McGuirk Arena on Senior Day, the No. 15 ranked Central Michigan wrestling team beat Kent state by a score of 40-3.

"It is a pretty good way to end the (Mid-American Conference) regular season," said head coach Tom Borrelli. "I'm pretty happy with the way our guys wrestled today. We know Kent (State) doesn't have a really good dual meet team, but they do have some good individuals."

CMU improves to 9-2 overall and 6-2 in the MAC. With this result, the Chippewas will finish 3rd in the MAC at the end of the regular season behind Missouri and Northern Iowa. This is the sixth consecutive win for the Chippewas.

"I think we are coming together as a team and everyone is on the same path," said senior Austin Severn. "The bond of the team this year has been awesome. With this group, it feels a little different this year, probably because I am a senior."

Nine of ten wrestlers won their individual matches against Kent State opponents. 

CMU's sophomore Justin Oliver improved his record to 25-5 in dominating fashion. Oliver had multiple early takedowns then went on to pin his opponent, Tim Rooney, in the first period. Oliver had a win by technical fall on Thursday against Eastern Michigan and is nominated for Athlete of the Week by Central Michigan Life Sports on Twitter. 

Seniors Corey Keener, Severn, Mitch Hrnyak and Jordan Wohlfert were thanked by CMU Wrestling in a ceremony before the matches started. 

Keener and Severn both won their individual matches on Senior Day. Keener won his match by default, but did not get to wrestle on Senior Night. Severn wrestled a close fought match until he pinned his opponent, Steven Suglio, in the second period.

"That (pin) was really important and special to me," Severn said. "I am happy that a lot of friends and family were out here tonight for that. That is what made it the most special for me."

CMU's only lost came from sophomore Tyrus Kemp who was wrestling at the heavyweight matchup. 

The Chippewas end the regular season in Madison, Wisconsin as they take on No. 18 Wisconsin. The MAC Tournament takes place on March 4-5.

"We've got to train really hard for the next two weeks," Borrelli said. "We have a real good match on Sunday against Wisconsin. Wisconsin will help us a lot, we will have an opportunity to see what we have to sharpen up on before the MAC Tournament." 

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