ATHENS, Ohio – Clarion won four bouts, including major decision by Sam Sherlock (Jr. West Mifflin) at 133, but #26 ranked Ohio University rallied in the final two weight classes to defeat Clarion 21-16 on Saturday afternoon in NCAA Division I wrestling.
Held at the Convocation Center at Ohio University, Clarion’s record dipped to 8-12 overall, while Ohio U. raised its record to 10-3.
A dual meet that started at 184, Clarion took its final lead of the day when Austin Matthews (Fr. Greenville/Reynolds) notched an impressive 14-8 decision at 157 over Spartak Chino and the Golden Eagles led 16-14 after 8 matches. Trailing 6-5 in the third, Matthews scored two escapes, two takedowns, reversal and riding time to win and up his season record to 18-5.
Ohio U’s Harrison Hightower won an 8-0 major over Michael Pavasko (Fr. Munhall/Steel Valley) at 165 and #9 Cody Walters won 5-2 over Ryan Darch at 174 to give the Bobcats the win.
Clarion’s Dustin Conti (Fr. Jefferson) opened the dual with a 9-5 win over Ryan Garringer and Clarion led 3-0.
The Bobcats answered with #7 Phil Wellington getting an 11-3 major over Daniel Sutherland (Jr. North Bellmore, N.Y.) and #11 Jeremy Johnson majored Evan Daley (Fr. Erie/Fort LeBoeuf) 11-3 at 285 to jump in front 8-3.
Clarion’s Hunter Jones (FR. New Rochelle, N.Y.) won by forfeit at 125, and Sam Sherlock posted a 10-1 major decision over Kagan Squire at 133 to put Clarion ahead 13-8. After a scoreless first period Sherlock escaped and took Squire down to his back for a four-point move and a 5-0 lead. An escape after Squire’s injury timeout saw Sherlock take the Bobcat to his back again for a 10-1 lead and the win. Sherlock raised his record to 17-11.
After Tyler Bedelyon (Sr. Lewistown/Indian Valley) lost 5-3 to Noah Forrider at 141, the Eagles looked to freshman to try and upset #8 ranked Tywan Claxton at 149. With Claxton leading 4-1 in the second, Arthur reversed Claxton and rode him out in the second to narrow the score to 4-3. Midway through the third Claxton was able to score a critical takedown after a great exchange – and Claxton eventually won 9-4. Arthur’s record is now 23-8.
Clarion returns home on Sunday to host Cleveland State at 2pm on SENIOR DAY. The Eagles will honor seniors Bedelyon, Brandon Contreras and Nick Milano in pre-match ceremonies.
184- Dustin Conti (CL) dec. Ryan Garringer (OU) 9-5
197- #7 Phil Wellington (OU) maj. dec. Daniel Sutherland (CL) 11-3
285- #11 Jeremy Johnson (OU) maj. dec. Evan Daley (CL) 11-3
125- Hunter Jones (CL) win by forfeit
133- Sam Sherlock (CL) maj. dec. Kagan Squire (OU) 10-1
141- Noah Forrider (OU) dec. Tyler Bedelyon (CL) 5-3
149- #8 Tywan Claxton (OU) dec. Justin Arthur (CL) 9-4
157- Austin Matthews (CL) dec. Spartak Chino (OU) 14-8
165- Harrison Hightower (OU) maj. dec. Michael Pavasko (CL) 8-0
174- #9 Cody Walters (OU) dec. Ryan Darch (CL) 5-2
CLARION: 8-12
OHIO U. 10-3