The Ashland University Wrestling team made their 2015-2016 debut this weekend at the Michigan State Open on Sunday.  The No. 10 ranked Eagles had some impressive performances over the weekend and is looking forward to another competitive season under third year coach Josh Hutchens.

Junior Brent Fickel won the opening round of his match 6-3 over Josh Pennell from Michigan State. Fickle proceeded to lose his second match, although came back to win back-to-back consolation matches. 

Fickel lost his last match of the day to Eastern Michigan’s Ben Griffin, although was able to defeat teammate, senior Nolan Dilts prior to his fall to Griffin.

Brandon O’Neill placed eighth in the 197-pound weight-class. Despite losing his first match of the day, O’Neill was able to advance four rounds in the consolation bracket

Freshman Bret Romanzak dominated in his 157-pould-weight class coming out on top amongst three Division I NCAA athletes from Notre Dame, Kent State and Missouri.  

Romanzak eventually fell in the fourth round of consolations to Jonathan Carrera from Navy 3-0. Since this was an open meet, Romanzak was allowed to compete despite being a red shirt freshman. His scores will not be affiliated with AU this season.

Another freshman showed a great performance for the Eagles finishing in sixth place in his first ever meet for AU.  Chandler Minnard moved down to the consolation bracket, although won the consolation semi-match, allowing him to move up and eventually place fifth overall in his weight class. He fell in the match for fifth place to Angel Velasquez from Northern Illinois. 

Along with the success of the underclassmen, Ashland’s team also began their season with numerous familiar faces, one of which is senior Joe Brant.

The national title contender, who also finished fifth in the 2013-2014 season, is a big returner for the Eagles.  After redshirting the 2014-2015 season, the senior returns ranked first in the 197-pound weight class. 

Brant did not compete at the Michigan State Open, but did find success at the meet at Eastern Michigan placing fourth for the Eagles.

Along with Brant, redshirt junior Brent Fickel, ranked sixth in the preseason in the 149-weight class is a returning All-American and looks to return to the national stage this season.

Having successful 2014-2015 seasons, both senior Michael Labry and Junior Luke Cramer are redshirting this season. 

Last season, Labry went 42-2 and was the national runner-up. Cramer finished 19-11 and also made a national appearance. 

The Eagles added two new assistant coaches to their staff this summer.

Tony Guerra wrestled collegiately at the University of Findlay and comes to Ashland after spending six seasons coaching at Toledo Central High School. While at Findlay, he was named two-time national champion and graduated in 2008.

An AU grad, Ryan Kirst was a four time national qualifier for the Eagles and graduated in 2007.

AU Wrestling will continue their season at the Findlay pen on Nov. 21 before hosting their home opener against Pitt-Johnstown on December 10.