Eagles Drop Home Opener to Cleveland State

YPSILANTI, Mich. – The Eastern Michigan University wrestling team dropped it’s home opener to Cleveland State University, 18-15, here Saturday afternoon at the Convocation Center. Falling behind early, the Eagles fought throughout the match to catch up to the Vikings, with the Eagles needing a pin in the final frame to tie the match.

With the setback, Eastern drops to 3-4 on the season while Cleveland State moves to 4-2.

In the heavyweight match, senior Charlie Walker (Washington, Mich.-Romeo) was pinned at the 3:39 mark of the opening match by Rashaad Goff, giving the Vikings the early 6-0 advantage. The Vikings would also take the second match from the Eagles, as Ryan Riggs defeated red-shirt freshman Jack Cassady (Dearborn, Mich.-Dearborn) in the 125 lbs. class 5-1, increasing the Vikings lead to 9-0.

In the 133 lbs. match, Chris Jenkins (Tecumseh, Mich.-Tecumseh) was able to put the Eagles on the board as he defeated David Armstrong, 9-4. The Vikings countered back, as Mike Hurley took an early first period lead and cruised to a 10-4 decision over Zach Donofrio (Monroe, Mich.-Monroe), bringing the score to 12-3 for the Vikings.

Senior Jermain Thompson (Akron, Ohio-Kenmore), who is ranked No. 19 in the country in the latest NWCA rankings, controlled the 149 lbs. match from the beginning, taking a 2-0 lead seconds into the first period with a takedown. With the score at 5-1 heading into the final period, Ryan Hurley was able to earn a point for an escape to cut the deficit to 5-2, but was unable to overcome Thompson. The win for Thompson cut the score to 12-6 in favor of the Vikings.

The 157 lbs. match saw Cory Mancuso (Brockway, Penn.-Brockway Area) fight back from a 5-2 deficit at the start of the third period to even the score at 5-5 with a takedown with less then eight seconds remaining in the match. The decision would go to Victer Crenshw based on riding time during the match. With the Vikings leading 15-6, senior Nick Conklin (Milton, Wisc.-Milton) found himself down 6-5 in the 165 lbs. match heading into the third period. A flurry of scoring in the final minute of the match led to a 12-8 victory for Conklin as he was able to earn two points for a takedown with less than five seconds remaining.

The Vikings would go on to take the 174 lbs. match, 6-4, before sophomore John McClure (Holland, Mich.-West Ottawa) would go on to take the 184 lbs. contest, 12-9, over David Gilkey. Needing a pin to tie the Vikings, senior Tony Lyssiotis (Oxford, Mich.-Oxford) took to the mat in the 197 lbs. match, but was unable to score a pin as he defeated Chris Hahn 9-2, giving the Vikings the 18-15 victory.

The Eagles are next in action Wednesday night when Kent State invades Warner Gym at 7 p.m. The match was moved from Bowen Field House due to the ongoing construction in the facility.

Cleveland State 18, EMU 15

Wt Class Wrestlers Score
125 Ryan Riggs (CSU) dec. Jack Cassady (EMU) 5-1
133 Chris Jenkins (EMU) dec. David Armstrong (CSU) 9-4
141 Mike Hurley (CSU) dec. Zach Donofrio (EMU) 10-4
149 #19 Jermain Thompson (EMU) dec. Ryan Hurley (CSU) 5-2
157 Victer Crenshaw (CSU) dec. Cory Mancuso (EMU) 6-5
165 Nick Conklin (EMU) dec. Marcus Effner (CSU) 12-8
174 Nate Metz (CSU) dec. Josh Lewis (EMU) 6-4
184 John McClure (EMU) dec. David Gilkey (CSU) 12-9
197 Tony Lyssiotis (EMU) dec. Chris Hahn (CSU) 9-2
HWT Rashaad Goff (CSU) pinned Charlie Walker (EMU) 3:39

Eastern Michigan Athletics

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