The Ashland University wrestling team is currently 3-4 in dual meets for the season. To begin their season, the team experienced some unfortunate circumstances. 

“We lost our 125 [weight class] in the second tournament of the season so we forfeited that weight in six duals,” said Head Coach Josh Hutchens. “That starts the competition at 6-0 for the other team.”

In the past two meets, AU has fallen to both opponents, 27-10 against 15th ranked Lake Erie and 38-6 against 2nd ranked Notre Dame.

As injury has taken over some of the athletes, Hutchens was not expecting this type of season, and not in the best of way. 

“They [injuries] vary in severity, but we have guys in the lineup that we were not anticipating at the beginning of the season,” said Hutchens.

Although their dual record does not say a lot, the work of individual athletes continues to make Hutchens proud.

Against Lake Erie, junior Michael Labry (133) earned a major decision win 10-1. Labry is ranked 2nd in the country.

“He has not missed a match and his only loss was in double OT to Ohio State in the first tournament of the year,” Hutchens said of Labry. “He is of great inspiration to the team.”

The next match against Notre Dame, Labry recorded his 100th match at AU (92-8), and reached this milestone in style with a 10-3 victory. He stands at 26-1 so far this season.

“I don’t really feel any pressure when I wrestle, especially at this point in the season where a loss isn’t much of a big deal,” said Labry. “I just always try the stay relaxed and wrestle to the best of my ability every time I go out on the mat.”

Another standout for Ashland is junior Zeb Beam (157) with a record of 8-8 after a very close win over Lake Erie, 11-10. 

“Beam has come on strong lately and won his 4th match in a row last Saturday in Painesville,” Hutchens said.

Other wrestlers who are key to this Eagles team are sophomore Luke Cramer (174), red-shirt junior Kurt Schaefer (184), and sophomore Brandon O’Neil (197). All three are ranked in the top five of their respective classes. 

One unfortunate loss to the Eagles was senior Joe Brandt (197).      The three-time All American is redshirting this season due to injury. 

As the season wraps up, the team has their eyes set on the regional and national tournament. 

“We continue to train hard during the weeks leading up to our duals even if it wears us down a little,” said Coach Josh Hutchens. 

Labry and Beam are both excited to work hard in order to make their place in the tournament. 

“It has been a goal of mine to win nationals for a long time and until I get a national title, the will to win that title and be one of the best wrestlers in the country is all I need to stay focused,” said Labry. 

“I look forward to regionals. I’m hoping I can make my first burst to nationals,” said Beam.

AU will attend the Region II Duals on Saturday and Sunday (Jan. 31-Feb. 1) at Tiffin. The next home meet will be against Findlay at Kate’s Gymnasium on February 7 at 7pm.