ATHENS, Ohio – The Ohio Bobcats wrestling team recognized its seniors on Tuesday night, but fell to the Buffalo Bulls 22-16 at the Convocation Center. Despite a spirited effort and several individual victories, Ohio (4-7, 1-6 Mid-American Conference) couldn’t overcome a strong Buffalo squad (4-11, 3-5 MAC), marking the sixth consecutive dual meet where the Bobcats failed to reach the 20-point mark.
The evening was designed to honor seven graduating wrestlers, a fact not lost on head coach Joel Greenlee. “It was Senior Night,” Greenlee said. “We had seven guys approach out for this evening, and I think it was special for them and their families.” While not every senior secured a win, Greenlee emphasized the effort displayed by all those recognized.
A bright spot for the Bobcats came from freshman Brayden Teunissen, who earned a 6-2 decision victory over Buffalo’s Zachary Belverio. This early win provided a boost, but the Bulls quickly responded. Junior Ryan Meek faced a tough challenge in the 133 lb. Weight class, falling to Max Elton by a 5-2 decision after Elton secured takedowns in the first period and escapes in the second and third.
Sophomore Prestyn Parks, making a varsity start at 141 lbs., showed initial promise with a takedown against Tyler Roark. Still, Roark quickly turned the tables, securing a pin with 1:19 remaining in the first period. This shift in momentum contributed to Buffalo building an early lead. Teamwise, Ohio tallied just 3 points to Buffalo’s 9 after the initial matches.
Redshirt junior Paul Woo, one of the Bobcats’ seniors, engaged in a back-and-forth battle with Sam Ewing at 157 lbs. The two wrestlers traded takedowns and escapes, but Ewing ultimately prevailed with an 8-6 decision. Redshirt junior Derek Raike then energized the crowd with a 7-3 decision win over Kaleb Burgess, expertly managing the clock and capitalizing on opportune attacks.
However, Buffalo continued to build its advantage. Redshirt junior Jack Lledo struggled against Kelin Laffey, falling 9-3. A significant upset occurred when ranked redshirt senior Garrett Thompson lost a close 4-2 decision to unranked Rafael Knapp. “I will say he didn’t wrestle his best tonight,” Greenlee acknowledged. “He looked a little slow, but I think it might have been a great eye-opener.”
The standout performance of the night came from redshirt senior Sal Perrine, who delivered a dominant 19-4 technical fall. This victory narrowed the deficit, bringing Ohio within nine points of Buffalo. “He (Perrine) goes out there like an animal every time,” Greenlee said. “He was all over the guy tonight, and that’s the way he wrestles.”
Redshirt senior Zayne Lehman further closed the gap with a technical fall of his own against Connor Jacobs in the 197 lb. Weight class. With Buffalo leading by only two points, the final match of the night would determine the outcome. Unfortunately for Ohio, sophomore Wyatt Schmitt was overwhelmed in the heavyweight bout, losing by a 9-0 major decision, sealing the 22-16 victory for the Bulls.
Ohio will now prepare to travel to Buffalo for the Mid-American Conference Tournament, scheduled to begin on March 6 and conclude on March 7. Buffalo Closes Regular Season with Win at Ohio
The Bobcats will look to regroup and improve their performance as they head into the conference tournament. The team’s performance at the MAC Tournament will be crucial as they aim to finish the season strong and build momentum for future competitions.
What are your thoughts on Ohio’s wrestling team’s performance this season? Share your opinions in the comments below!
