Ada, Ohio—On Tuesday, January 4 the Mount St. Joseph University Wrestling Program traveled to the campus of Ohio Northern University. This Dual proved to be very competitive, pitting some of the best wrestlers in the Central Region against eachother. The Lions fell short as a team, by a final score of 29-19, but had several strong performances.
The Lions earned their first win of the evening, in the 133 class, as Jake Cotsonas won in a (6-2) decision.
The 141 weight class proved to be one of the most competitive matches of the evening. The Lions Desmond Diggs, who is ranked sixth in the central region, faced off with Ohio Northern's Jacob Reed. Reed, is currently ranked third in the central region, while ranking fourteenth in the nation. When the dust settled in this match, Diggs fell short by Decision (4-0).
Starting at the 174 class the Lions earned three straight individual wins. Cornell Beachum, the #1 ranked Wrestler in the 174 class, continued his impressive start to his season, pinning his opponent in the second period of action. Wrestling for the Lions in the 184 class was Antonio McCloud, McCloud was able to continue defending his #6 national ranking, earning an individual victory, by Major decision (15-3). To finish the Lions run, Cameron Sauerwein came away with a pin, at the halfway mark in the opening period. With the Lions dropping the 285 class, Ohio Northern was able to escape with the 29-19 victory.
The Lions additionally wrestled three "extra" matches, with Freshman Heavyweight Gary Powell, pinning his opponent in the first period.
Following the Ohio Northern Duals, the Lions have began preparation for the "NCAA National Duals." This event is scheduled for Thursday, January 6, through January 7. These Duals will take place in Louisville Kentucky at the Kentucky International Convention Center. For continued coverage of this upcoming event and all other MSJ athletics continue to follow msjlions.com
