Wrestlers place three at Division II-dominated Midwest Classic

By Tim Glon

| Results (.pdf) |

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — The Ohio Northern wrestling had a solid showing with three placers at the Midwest Classic Saturday and Sunday, at the University of Indianapolis.

The Polar Bears finished 14th out of 22 teams, which included 11 nationally ranked teams from Division II, III and NAIA.

Northern's 39 points were the most among the six NCAA Division III schools in attendance.

No. 2-seeded Luke Miller placed third at 157 pounds, posting a stellar 5-1 record. He is now 19-3 on the season and won by decision over the No. 3-seeded and No. 5-seeded wrestlers in the tournament.

Noi. 8-seeded Matt Alexander placed fifth at 184 pounds with a solid 4-2 record, which included a pair of major decisions. Alexander improves to 14-8 on the season.

Senior Drew Michel placed sevewnth at 197 pounds with a 3-2 mark, which included a 3-2 decision over No. 7 seeded Bobby Jablinski of Missouri Baptist. Michel is now 8-7 on the year.

No. 5-ranked (Div. II) Newberry (S.C.) won the team title with 149.5 points, No. 17 Wisconsin-Parkside was second with 118.5 points, #19 Ashland (DII) was third with 95.5 points and No. 4 (DII) Adams State (Colo.) was fourth with 90 points.

Ohio Northern finished higher than No. 16 (DII) Limestone (S.C.) and No. 16 (NAIA) Missouri Baptist in the team standings.

The Polar Bear will open Ohio Athletic Conference action Tuesday night with a road match at Wilmington at 7:30 pm.

Ohio Northern Results

141 - Joe Spooner (2-2)
dec. Andrew Dinda (Heidelberg), 10-7; lost by Maj. dec. to #7 Jay Sherer (Augustana, SD) 11-3; dec. Zane Sary (Carson Newman), 11-9; lost by decision to Jason Wenger (Mesa State), 11-7
149 - #4 Mick Letcher (1-2)
pinned Dave Lopez (Indy), 1:38; lost by dec. to #5 Kayne Melko (W. Liberty St), 8-3; lost by dec. to Chism Fink (Augustana), 3-2
157 - #2 Luke Miller (5-1), 3rd Place
Dec. Michael Lybarger (Findlay), 2-0; lost by dec. to #7 Matt Collum (Mo. Baptist), 7-2; maj. dec. Corey Fornal (Indy), 15-2; dec. #3 Mitch Smith (W. Liberty St.), 8-7; dec. #5 Brandon Morin (Gannon), 1-0; dec. Michael Lybarger (Findlay), 2-1
165 - Billy Painter (1-0)
dec. Chris Becker (Manchester), 14-10; withdrew from tournament by medical default
184 - #8 Matt Alexander (4-2), 5th Place
dec. Derek Garris (NC-Pembroke), 6-3; lost by dec. to #1 Kyle Sand (Adams St), 3-1; maj. dec. Marcus Lopez (Carson Newman), 11-3; maj. dec.Mitch Lunning (Augustana), 12-1; lost by dec. to #4 Jacob Tazzi (Gannon), 4-0; dec. #1 Kyle Sand (Adams St.), 4-2.
197 - Drew Michel (3-2), 7th Place
Lost by fall to #1 Josh Ohl (Ashland), :28; dec. Jordan Cox (Manchester), 8-5; dec. #7 Bobby Jablonski (Mo. Baptist), 3-2; lost by maj. dec. to #6 Frank Morgan (King), 12-3; dec. James Breidel (Mesa St), 12-10
285 - #6 Joe Fisher (1-2)
dec. Thomas Taylor (Mt St Joe), 6-4; lost by maj. dec to #3 Trey Moss (Limestone), 11-2; lost by dec. to Brandon Hayes (Cent. Mo.), 6-2