The Eagles spent the past week working hard and getting mentally focused on their match against Findlay. AShland University beat Findlay 28-10.

A rivalry match, senior night, and a brand new locker room dedication all took place on Saturday.

Before the start of the match, AU unveiled the brand new locker room for the wrestling team. This was donated by former wrestlers Dr. Edwin A. Hissa and named in honor of Chris Ford, former Ashland College head wrestling coach. 

“I was busy preparing for the match so my time with the alumni was limited,” said AU Head Coach Josh Hutchens. “While I was there, they seemed to be having a great time. Many of them had commented that it was their first time back to campus in a very long time.”

Ford was the first full-time head coach at Ashland College in 1966, and has a record of 95-55-5. 

Following the dedication, it was time for senior night. The team recognized three seniors, Michael Hummer (165), Gavin Shannon (165), and Josh Hunter (141). 

“None of our three seniors competed in the dual on Saturday,” said Hutchens. 

This is Hutchens’ second year with AU. 

“In that short time, I have found that they are all great guys,” said Hutchens. “They each bring something different to the team from the practice room to deep philosophicall discussions.”

The athletes were getting very anxious as the senior recognitions came to a close, and soon enough, the dual was underway. 

The talk of the evening revolved around freshman Trae Coopwood (125). This was Coopwood’s first collegiate start. He had originally planned on enrolling in the fall of 2014, but decided to wait until spring of 2015. 

“We had been forfeiting that weight all year and lost some close duals because of it,” Hutchens said. “We would not have won this dual without him.” 

Although Coopwood lost his match, 10-0, that only gave Findlay four team points instead of the six points that would come with a forfeit. 

The first win of the night came from junior Michael Labry (133) with a pin in 6:21. 

“We always count on Michael for a win, and are relying on him more and more for bonus points,” said Hutchens. 

After the first win, it became contagious for the other athletes. Junior Zeb Beam (165), ranked seventh, defeated the second –ranked wrestler in the region, 2-1.

“We had worked on a specific strategy and Zeb wrestled it exactly as we planned,” said Hutchens. “I was very excited for him because that win could put him in a great position at the regional tournament.”

Following Beam’s performance, the Eagles were feeling strong with a close score. Later in the evening, Ashland was able to walk away with a few more wins.

“Luke Cramer (174) dominated his opponent from the start of the match and ended with 10 takedowns,” said Hutchens.

Cramer won by technical fall, which is determined by a 15-point difference in the score. 

Junior Kurt Schaefer (184) and sophomore Brandon O’Neil (197) wanted to get in on the winning action as well

Schaefer defeated his opponent 8-1, while O’Neil improved his record with a 5-1 victory. Neither win was given bonus points.

To wrap up the evening, Tyler Shank (heavyweight) took to the mat with everyone on the edge of their seats. 

“He gave me a good scare when he took a change with 15 seconds left in the match and got thrown to his back,” said Hutchens. “He fought off quickly and we came away with the win.”

The Regional tournament is coming up at the end of this month, on February 27 in North Carolina.

“I was very happy to come away with a win against a good team,” said Hutchens. “I think this win could help build momentum into our regional tournament.”

Ashland’s next home match is the Ashland Open on February 14 at 10 a.m. in Kates Gymnasium.