Eastern Michigan Athletics
Eagles Open up Mid-American Conference Action Against Ohio
12/3/2007 4:14:04 PM | Wrestling
Will face three teams ranked in the top-15 nationally in month of December
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YPSILANTI, Mich.- The Eastern Michigan University wrestling team will open up dual match action Thursday, Dec. 6, after nearly three weeks off. The Green and White host Mid-American Conference Rival Ohio University, with match time set for 7 p.m. EMU will compete in 10 dual matches in the month of December, including facing three opponents ranked in the top-15 in the latest NWCA rankings.
DECEMBER TO REMEMBER: After nearly a month off, the Eagles face a daunting December schedule, including three matches against teams ranked in the top-15 nationally. After hosting Ohio on Thursday, Dec. 6, the Eagles will travel to Campbellsville, Ky., where they will face Campebellsville, Liberty and Appalachian State.
They remain on the road, traveling to Edinboro, Pa., to take part in "The War on the Shore" Dec. 14, facing the No. 15 ranked Fighting Scots. Two days later EMU welcomes No. 5 Northwestern to Bowen Field House. After a Dec. 20 dual against Olivet, the Eagles wrap up the month traveling just down the road to the University of Michigan. There, they will face No. 10 Michigan, Lehigh and conference rival Buffalo.
BACK IN THE SADDLE: After having the past three weeks off from competition, the Eagles will pick up action this week with their first dual match of the season. The Ohio University Bobcats will make their way to Bowen Field House Thursday, December 6, with a start time slated for 7 p.m.
BUDDING RIVALRY: Last year’s match with the Bobcats saw the teams even at 15-15 heading into the final match of the night. Redshirt sophomore Josh Lewis would put forth a valiant effort, but came up just short in the 7-6 decision.
ROOKIE NO MORE: Head Coach Derek DelPorto begins his second season at the helm of the Green and White wrestling program. Last season, DelPorto lead the Eagles to a 1-4 record in MAC competition. The lone win, against Buffalo (Feb. 3), was the first in conference competition for EMU since the 2005 season. DelPorto also improved the team’s finish at the season-ending conference tournament, registering a fifth place finish.
STRONG START: Redshirt sophomore and No. 19 ranked Sean Clair has gotten off to a strong start this season. He is the lone Eagle wrestler to place at both opens this season. At the EMU Open he posted a 4-1 record and collected third place honors in the 133 lbs. weight class. At Michigan State he went 4-2 on the day and took home fifth place honors. Clair’s 8-3 mark on the year is tops for Green and White wrestlers.
SIX PLACE AT MSU: The Eastern Michigan University wrestling team had six wrestlers place at the MSU Open. Finishing in fifth place on the day were Wes Schroeder, Jake Wood, Josh Lewis and Sean Clair. Finishing sixth were Jacob Fairchild and Mike Maguire. The one day tournament attracted more than 300 wrestlers from around the country.
R & R UNTIL DECEMBER: EMU’s wrestling team will enjoy a three week break from competition after competing in the MSU Open this past weekend. The Green and White will start dual meet and conference action December 6 as they host the Ohio Bobcats in a Thursday night meet at Bowen Field House. Match start time is set for 7 p.m.
TWO FOR THE SHOW: Two EMU wrestlers enjoyed place finishes at the EMU Open. No. 19 ranked redshirt sophomore Sean Clair posted a 4-1 record on the day and finished third in the 133 lbs. weight class. Redshirt freshman David Wade tallied a 4-2 mark and finished in fifth place in the heavyweight class.
FIRST TIME OUT: Six Eagle freshman recorded two or more wins in their first collegiate competition. Derek Foore (165 lbs.), Justin Joseph (149 lbs.), Jordan McGuire (125 lbs.), and Wes Schroeder (285 lbs.) all posted 2-2 marks on the day. Corey Phillips (149 lbs.) tallied a 3-2 record and J.J. Johnson (149 lbs.) posted a rookie best, 6-2 mark.
AHEAD OF THE REST: Head Coach Derek DelPorto stayed busy during the recruiting period, signing 13 wrestlers to this year’s squad. The 2007 class, DelPorto’s first here at EMU, was ranked 23rd in the nation by InterMat Wrestling. This marks the first recruiting class to be nationally ranked in EMU wrestling history.
CLAIR NATIONALLY RANKED: Redshirt sophomore Sean Clair is ranked No.19 in the 133 lbs. weight class of the pre-season NWCA Divison I national rankings. Clair posted a 28-11 overall record and a 11-3 dual meet record during his freshman year for the Green and White.
TOUGH SCHEDULE: To be the best, you need to beat the best, and EMU will certainly have its chances this season. The Green and White will wrestle against four of the top 20 teams in the nation in No. 5 Michigan, No. 6 Northwestern, No. 10 Central Michigan and No. 16 Edinboro. Also recieving votes for the top 25 and on the EMU schedule this year is Lehigh.
