The Ohio State wrestling team is a few weeks away from kicking off one of the most anticipated seasons in the program’s history. Storylines abound; Logan Stieber is vying to become the fourth ever wrestler to win four NCAA titles, the team is expected to be in the thick of the national title race, and a trio of hyped freshmen are waiting to make their debut. With that in mind, let’s take a look what’s going on with the program in the weeks leading up to the season.
After a hard workout the team voted for team captains! @_LogieBear_ @Snyder_man45 @Bobo_Jordan @Franchise_Nate #WT3 pic.twitter.com/WKRprlcZUR
— Ohio State Wrestling (@wrestlingbucks) October 10, 2014
The Ohio State wrestling team announced its captains for the 2014 season and fans might be surprised who made the cut. The one that we all saw coming is Logan Stieber, a three-time national champion and an unquestioned leader on the team. Joining Stieber are Bo Jordan, Nathan Tomasello, and Kyle Snyder -- three wrestlers who have never competed for the Buckeyes. Jordan and Tomasello are redshirt freshmen and Kyle Snyder is a true freshman.
That being said, all three are expected to be major point scorers this year. Both Jordan and Tomasello went undefeated in open competition last season and Snyder is a freestyle world champion. While the three are all incredibly talented, it is unprecedented to have 75 percent of the team’s leadership made up of freshmen athletes. It also speaks volumes about the level of respect that their teammates have for these three young athletes. Buckeye fans should be very excited about the future.
Who's ready for varsity wrestle offs this Thursday! Match ups will be posted later this week. #d1wrestle
— Ohio State Wrestling (@wrestlingbucks) October 13, 2014
In what is the surest sign that the wrestling season is just around the corner, the Ohio State Buckeyes will be holding wrestle-offs this Thursday to determine its starters for the 2014-2015 season. The event is open to the public and will be held at 8:00 p.m. at the French Field house. Potential matchups to watch include Freshman Micah Jordan versus returning NCAA qualifier Josh Demas at 157 and Freshman Thomas Haines versus redshirt Sophomore Nick Tavanello at heavyweight.
Mark your calendars! Oct 18 @ Noon the Bucks will be practicing outside south side of St. John Arena on before the Rutgers game. #wt3
— Ohio State Wrestling (@wrestlingbucks) October 11, 2014
Interested in seeing even more of the team before the season kicks off? Head to St. John Arena at noon this Saturday to check out a rare outdoor practice. It will offer the public a rare glance at the level of work that goes into being a top-level college wrestler.
Join head coach Tom Ryan (@Buckeye158) for a Twitter chat tomorrow at 10 a.m. Send your questions to #AskCoachRyan. #GoBucks #WT3
— Ohio State Wrestling (@wrestlingbucks) October 14, 2014
Have questions for Buckeye head coach Tom Ryan? Now’s your chance to get answers. Just tweet him between now and tomorrow at 10 a.m. (@buckeye158)