Eric Boggs
The Ohio State Buckeyes Wrestling team kicked off the 2024-25 season with an impressive performance at the Clarion Open on November 3, taking home seven individual titles and underscoring the team’s depth and talent. With dominant wins across multiple weight classes, Ohio State is primed for an exciting season, one that will feature the highly anticipated return of senior Sammy Sasso, also known as “The Savage.”
At the Clarion Open, Ohio State’s wrestlers demonstrated strength and control, setting a powerful tone for the months ahead. Brendan McCrone started the day with a hard-fought victory in the 125-pound final, defeating teammate Vincent Kilkeary with a close 5-3 decision. Freshman sensation Ben Davino claimed his first collegiate title in the 133-pound bracket, overcoming redshirt sophomore Nic Bouzakis in another 5-3 decision. For his 5-0 finish, Davino was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week, marking an early milestone in his promising career.
Defending NCAA and Big Ten Champion Jesse Mendez showcased his skill in the 141-pound weight class, securing a 14-3 major decision over Luke Stanich of Lehigh. Senior Dylan D’Emilio claimed the 149-pound title with a 5-1 decision over Kade Brown from Pittsburgh, while redshirt freshman Brock Herman delivered a stellar performance in the 157-pound class, winning his final match with a 13-5 major decision. Additional standout performances came from freshman e’Than Birden, who placed third at 165 pounds, and redshirt sophomore Luke Geog, who secured second in the 197-pound final.
The Buckeyes’ success was rounded off with Nick Feldman’s victory at heavyweight, where he defeated Lehigh’s Nathan Taylor with a 7-3 decision. Feldman, an All-American last season, looks poised for another impactful year as Ohio State eyes Big Ten and NCAA championships.
Now, the Buckeyes turn their focus to their November 14 season opener against the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, held at the Covelli Center in Columbus. The event will also celebrate Ohio State’s 2015 national championship team, making for an exciting start to the dual season.
A special highlight of the opener will be the return of Sammy Sasso, a four-time All-American and two-time Big Ten champion, whose comeback to wrestling has been nothing short of miraculous. On August 18, 2023, Sasso survived a gunshot wound near Ohio State’s campus, an incident that left him with severe nerve damage and required emergency surgery to reconstruct his colon. After months of intense physical therapy to relearn walking and then wrestling, Sasso will compete again in what is being hailed as a testament to his resilience and unwavering dedication to the sport.
“We didn’t know what to expect,” head coach Tom Ryan shared in a recent interview. “He had major surgeries on his intestines and back. The fact that he’s wrestling isn’t really a surprise because of his will and his love to wrestle. I know he told the surgeon, ‘If I have to wrestle with one leg, I’m gonna wrestle again.’ There’s a determination there that nothing will get in the way of.”
While Sasso previously competed at 149 pounds, he is now slated to start the season at 165 pounds, underscoring his remarkable physical recovery. Surrounding Sasso are several high-ranking teammates, including Brendan McCrone at 125 pounds, Nic Bouzakis at 133, Jesse Mendez at 141, Dylan D’Emilio at 149, Paddy Gallagher at 157, Bryce Hepner at 174, Ryder Rogotzke at 184, Luke Geog at 197, and Nick Feldman at heavyweight. Alongside Sasso, Ohio State’s roster features five other returning All-Americans: Mendez, D’Emilio, Feldman, Carson Kharchla, and Rocco Welsh.
Jesse Mendez, who captured Big Ten and NCAA titles last season at 141 pounds, will aim to defend his titles against strong competition, including Beau Bartlett (Penn State), Brock Hardy (Nebraska), and Vance Vombaur (Minnesota). Both Mendez and Feldman will also take part in the 2024 NWCA All-Star Classic on November 16 at Rec Hall in State College, Pennsylvania, facing high-ranking opponents in a showcase of top collegiate talent.
Ohio State wrestling is set for an electrifying season as it pursues Big Ten and NCAA success. With the lineup strengthened by Sasso’s inspiring comeback and the team’s powerful start, the Buckeyes are primed for another remarkable year.
