Sports
Ohio Wrestling: Bobcats fall to Kent State in First Home Match of Season
By: Chloe Workman
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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) — The Ohio wrestling team (1-7, 0-4 MAC) have faced its fair share of struggles this season.
With the team being particularly young as well as plagued with injuries, a lot of freshman had
to step up to make things happen.
Kent State jumped out to an early lead with six quick points. Kyran Haegan put the Bobcats on the board for the first time. Haegan, a redshirt junior has dealt with his fair share of setbacks. He was not able to compete in the 2020 season due to an ACL tear. Due to different Covid restrictions, this was the first time Haegan was able to step onto the mat.
“He really needed it,” Ohio head coach Joel Greenlee said. “I think we found out he’s pretty dang good.”
The Golden Flashes tacked on three more points before freshman Jordan Slivka pulled out a 5-3 decision. This left the squads just two points apart.
Another freshman, John Mark Williams scored next for the Bobcats in a tight 4-3 race. In the final seconds of the third period, Williams recorded a takedown and was able to hang on and take the lead.
Kent State couldn’t be stopped after this.
With the score at 15-10, the Bobcats had the chance to pull through with the win but the
Golden Flashes proved themselves to be tough and outscored the last two wrestlers and
eventually they came out on top 22-10.
This was the Bobcats first home match of the season. They turn right back around and take on
Cleveland State Sunday, Feb. 14 at the Convocation Center.