COLUMBUS, Ohio — The No. 2 Ohio State wrestling team kept its perfect season alive with a 26-10 victory over No. 9 NC State at the Covelli Center.
Match Highlights
Here’s a quick recap of how each match played out:
125 lbs: Vincent Robinson (NC State) defeated Brendan McCrone (Ohio State) by major decision, 12-3. After scoring early with a takedown, Robinson extended his lead throughout the match.
133 lbs: Ben Davino (Ohio State) won against Zach Redding (NC State), 7-1. Davino secured an early takedown and maintained control, finishing strong.
141 lbs: Jesse Mendez (Ohio State) dominated Ryan Jack (NC State) with a technical fall, 21-6. Mendez showcased his speed and skill, racking up multiple takedowns.
149 lbs: Ethan Stiles (Ohio State) edged Koy Buesgens (NC State) 4-3 in a closely contested match. Stiles’ late takedown was pivotal, as he fought off a late challenge from Buesgens.
157 lbs: Brandon Cannon (Ohio State) faced Jackson Arrington (NC State) and won with a major decision, 9-1. Cannon took the lead early and never looked back.
165 lbs: Will Denny (NC State) defeated Paddy Gallagher (Ohio State) in sudden victory, 6-5. This match was tightly contested, showcasing skill from both sides.
174 lbs: Carson Kharchla (Ohio State) overcame Matthew Singleton (NC State) by decision, 8-4, after a scoreless first period.
184 lbs: Dylan Fishback (Ohio State) defeated Don Cates (NC State) with a major decision, 12-1. Fishback’s aggressive style paid off well.
197 lbs: Luke Geog (Ohio State) achieved a major decision over Cason Howle (NC State), 17-4. Geog was quick and strategic, leading throughout the match.
Heavyweight: Isaac Trumble (NC State) bested Nick Feldman (Ohio State), 5-1. Trumble’s early scores set the tone for this match.
Attendance and Atmosphere
The excitement in the arena was palpable, with an attendance of 3,895 fans. Their support undoubtedly fired up the Buckeyes, contributing to their strong performance.
Insights
The win against NC State marks a significant moment for Ohio State. Historically, Ohio State’s wrestling program has seen ups and downs. However, in recent years, they’ve consistently been a powerhouse, blending newcomers with seasoned wrestlers. A recent survey by the NCAA revealed that wrestling, as a sport, continues to grow in popularity, particularly among younger athletes.
Experts believe that the program’s success can be attributed to strong recruitment and coaching strategies. As head coach Tom Ryan stated, “It’s about building character and skills, not just for wrestling, but for life.” This philosophy resonates with the team and fans, emphasizing the broader impact of sports.
What’s Next?
Ohio State is set to compete at the 2025 Collegiate Duals on December 21 in Nashville. They’ll face Little Rock and the formidable No. 3 Iowa State team, which will test their continued excellence.
For more details, check out the NCAA’s official wrestling page here.
This match not only showcased wrestling talent but also reflected the enduring spirit of competition that defines college sports.
