Eric Boggs
It was a banner weekend for Ohio State wrestling, as the Buckeyes rolled to a commanding 40-4 victory over Edinboro on Sunday afternoon and showcased top talent in the NWCA All-Star Classic on Saturday. From dominant bonus-point wins to a statement performance by defending NCAA champion Jesse Mendez, the Buckeyes left no doubt they are a force to be reckoned with this season.
Buckeyes Crush Edinboro in Dual Meet
Ohio State flexed its depth and dominance at Edinboro’s McComb Fieldhouse, winning eight of 10 matches, including a pin, three technical falls, and four major decisions. The win improved the Buckeyes to 2-0 on the season, while Edinboro dropped to 2-2.
The dual began with a bang at 125 pounds, where No. 11 Brendan McCrone delivered an 8-0 major decision over Chris Vargo, setting the tone for a dominant afternoon. Nic Bouzakis, ranked 18th nationally at 133 pounds, wasted no time adding to the lead, pinning Colton Camacho in just 2:05 to give Ohio State a 10-0 advantage.
At 141 pounds, Andre Gonzales continued the onslaught, earning a 15-0 technical fall in just under three minutes against Colin Roberts. Dylan D’Emilio followed with a 6-3 decision at 149 pounds before No. 10 Paddy Gallagher erupted for a 26-11 technical fall at 157 pounds, putting the Buckeyes up 23-0 at intermission.
After the break, Sammy Sasso, making his return at 165 pounds, battled to a 13-9 decision over Max Kirby to extend Ohio State’s lead to 26-0. Edinboro managed its lone win at 174 pounds, as Brody Evans defeated T.J. Schierl by a 12-0 major decision.
The Buckeyes closed the dual in style with dominant wins at 184, 197, and heavyweight. Gavin Bell’s 16-0 technical fall, No. 11 Luke Geog’s 18-3 technical fall, and Hogan Swenski’s 14-4 major decision secured Ohio State’s 40-4 victory.
Mendez Shines at All-Star Classic
The weekend also featured standout performances on the national stage, with No. 2 Jesse Mendez headlining Ohio State’s participation in the NWCA All-Star Classic in State College, Pennsylvania. The defending 141-pound Big Ten and NCAA champion faced a familiar foe in No. 3 Beau Bartlett of Penn State.
Mendez, known for his poise and precision, scored first with a takedown late in the opening period to take a 3-0 lead. Bartlett managed an escape in the second period, but Mendez added an escape of his own in the third, holding on for a 4-1 decision victory. The win reaffirmed Mendez’s position as one of the nation’s elite wrestlers.
In the heavyweight division, No. 3 Nick Feldman represented the Buckeyes but fell short against Campbell’s No. 8 Taye Ghadiali, 8-3.
Next Up for the Buckeyes
Ohio State will return to action next Sunday, Nov. 24, hosting Hofstra at noon in the Covelli Center. Fans can purchase tickets online or contact the Ohio State sales team at 1-800-GOBUCKS for group sales.
With performances like these, the Buckeyes continue to set a high standard for excellence as they chase another standout season. Go Bucks!
