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When Nathan Tomasello and Bo Jordan committed to Coach Tom Ryan and the Ohio State Buckeyes last year, they represented two potential cornerstones of the program moving forward. Jordan, the son of wrestling icon and Graham head coach Jeff Jordan, was a four-time OHSAA state champion. So dominant was Jordan that he won his final state title by pinfall less than 1:30 into the first period. Tomasello also has four state titles to go along with his three junior freestyle wrestling national championships. Both are expected to do big things in Columbus, and this Sunday each took his first step toward living up to the hype.
Tomasello and Jordan joined Hunter Stieber and Nick Heflin as champions of the season-opening Clarion Open tournament. The Clarion Open is one of several early season "open" events that allow schools to enter multiple wrestlers at a single weight class. It also allows wrestlers who will be sitting out 2014 to compete "unattached" without burning their redshirt. Three of the four Ohio State champs (Jordan, Tomasello, and Stieber) will redshirt this season.
Of the Buckeye champions, Jordan was particularly dominant, recording two pins, a major decision, and two technical falls. The final technical fall came in the tournament finals over Cody Wiercioch of Pittsburgh. Tomasello also recorded two technical falls to go along with two major decisions before earning a 10-7 win in the tournament finals.
Also placing for the Buckeyes were Randy Languis and Kenny Courts (2nd); and Nick Roberts, Johnni DiJulius, Mark Martin, and Nick Tavanello (3rd).
The Buckeyes' next competition comes this weekend at the Michigan State Open. It will likely be the last time you see Jordan, Tomasello, and Hunter Stieber this season, so be sure to follow @_VestDJ_ on Twitter for updates.