Wrestling: Olivet has 1-2 record at Wendy’s Duals
The Olivet College wrestling team posted a 1-2 record today at the 2015 Wendy’s Mid-Atlantic Duals. The Comets defeated West Liberty (20-16), but fell to East Stroudsburg (21-20) and Ashland (21-17).
ASHLAND, Ohio – The Olivet College wrestling team posted a 1-2 record today at the 2015 Wendy's Mid-Atlantic Duals, hosted by Ashland (Ohio) University. The Comets defeated West Liberty (W.Va.) University (20-16), but fell to East Stroudsburg (Pa.) University (21-20) and the host Eagles (21-17).
After the 10 matches, East Stroudsburg and Olivet were tied at 20-20, with the Warriors given one team point on criteria to earn the win. Sophomore Michael Schmidt put the Comets ahead 3-0 with a 2-0 shutout win at 125 pounds. ESU went ahead 15-3 with three straight wins.
Olivet responded with three consecutive wins – 6-3 by sophomore Kevin Papak at 157 pounds, 6-1 by senior Dan Fleet at 165 pounds and a pin by junior Nicholas Africano at 174 pounds. The Warriors grabbed an 18-15 lead with a minor decision at 184 pounds.
Junior Thomas Hall gave the lead back to the Comets with a 28-13 technical fall win at 197 pounds. The Warriors were penalized one team point after the match to make the score 20-17. Olivet lost a 4-0 decision at 285 pounds to create the tie.
A forfeit win for senior Nick Allen at 174 pounds was the difference in the match against West Liberty. Junior Matthew Watson tied the match at 3-3 with a 2-0 win at 133 pounds. The Hilltoppers surged ahead 10-3 before senior Jacob Gould made the score 10-7 with a 10-1 major decision at 157 pounds.
After a 7-1 Comet loss at 165 pounds, Allen's forfeit victory tied the match at 13-13. Sophomore Rodney Harvey put Olivet ahead for good with a 9-1 major decision at 184 pounds. Hall then won 2-1 to stretch the Comets' lead to 20-13.
Ashland won six-of-10 matches against Olivet. Picking-up wins for the Comets were Schmidt (forfeit) at 125 pounds, senior Kyle Witgen (5-2) at 157 pounds, Allen (15-0) at 174 pounds and Judge (2-0) at 285 pounds.
Olivet will next compete Friday and Saturday, Jan. 9-10, at the 2015 National Wrestling Coaches Association National Duals. The event is taking place at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum in Fort Wayne, Indiana.