Eric Boggs
The No. 5 Ohio State wrestling team continued its unbeaten streak in dual competition with a commanding 40-3 victory over Oregon State on Sunday at the Covelli Center. The Buckeyes now boast an 8-0 record, while the visiting Beavers dropped to 1-4. Highlighting the match was graduate wrestler Sammy Sasso, who notched his 100th career win in dramatic fashion at 165 pounds.
Midway through the dual, Sasso secured a hard-fought 1-0 decision over Oregon State’s Steele Starren. The match’s lone point came from Sasso’s escape in the second period. With relentless defense, Sasso preserved his narrow lead, achieving his century mark in career victories—a testament to his consistency and resilience.
125 pounds: No. 13 Maximo Renteria (ORE ST) def. No. 6 Brendan McCrone (OSU) | Decision, 6-5
Renteria opened with a takedown, setting the tone for a back-and-forth match. McCrone fought hard, registering reversals, but Renteria’s early escape in the third period proved decisive.
133 pounds: No. 9 Nic Bouzakis (OSU) def. Damion Elliott (ORE ST) | Major Decision, 11-3
Bouzakis dominated with multiple takedowns and a strong riding time advantage. His aggressive offense secured Ohio State’s first points of the match.
141 pounds: No. 2 Jesse Mendez (OSU) def. Krayle Stormer (ORE ST) | Technical Fall, 17-2
Mendez’s relentless attack, including takedowns and nearfalls, overwhelmed Stormer. The technical fall victory was sealed midway through the second period.
149 pounds: No. 12 Dylan D’Emilio (OSU) def. Ayden Garver (ORE ST) | Major Decision, 18-5
D’Emilio’s methodical approach, featuring multiple takedowns and a stalling penalty against Garver, earned the Buckeyes another major decision.
157 pounds: No. 9 Paddy Gallagher (OSU) def. Christopher Hamblin (ORE ST) | Decision, 6-4
Gallagher rebounded from an early deficit, using a quick escape and takedown to take control. A late escape by Hamblin wasn’t enough to overcome Gallagher’s lead.
165 pounds: No. 11 Sammy Sasso (OSU) def. Steele Starren (ORE ST) | Decision, 1-0
In a low-scoring battle, Sasso’s escape in the second period was the difference, earning him his 100th career victory and energizing the home crowd.
174 pounds: No. 11 Carson Kharchla (OSU) def. Sean Harman (ORE ST) | Major Decision, 14-4
Kharchla’s aggressive start yielded early takedowns and a commanding lead. He maintained control throughout, securing another major decision for the Buckeyes.
184 pounds: No. 14 Ryder Rogotzke (OSU) def. TJ McDonnell (ORE ST) | Fall, 3:51
After trailing early, Rogotzke turned the match around with a takedown and nearfall before pinning McDonnell in the second period.
197 pounds: Seth Shumate (OSU) def. Vaun Halstead (ORE ST) | Fall, 5:39
Shumate showcased dominance with takedowns and escapes, ultimately earning the fall in the third period to extend Ohio State’s lead.
Heavyweight: No. 7 Nick Feldman (OSU) def. No. 21 Brett Mower (ORE ST) | Technical Fall, 23-6
Feldman closed out the dual in style, utilizing a flurry of takedowns and nearfalls to secure a technical fall and cap Ohio State’s emphatic win.
The Buckeyes will shift focus to Big Ten competition, traveling to face Illinois in Champaign on January 10. The match is set for 8 p.m. and will be streamed live on B1G+.
