Eagles Streak Past Comets, 34-6, at Bowen
EMU continues MAC action Friday, Jan. 18, at Buffalo
YPSILANTI, Mich. -- The Eastern Michigan University wrestling team defeated Olivet College, 34-6, Wednesday evening, Jan. 16, at Bowen Field House in its final tune-up before Mid-American Conference action resumes. The Eagles (6-9; 0-1 MAC) toppled their Division III foe for a sixth straight time dating back to the 2005-06 season.
EMU took eight matches on the evening and jumped out to a 14-0 lead before the Comets (5-7) got on the scoreboard at 149 lbs. In five matches, the Green and White registered bonus points by recording a major decision or better.
After the Eagles were awarded six team points due to an Olivet forfeit at 125 lbs., redshirt sophomore Jake Byers improved to 4-1 in the regular season when he shutout Michael Gancer, 9-0, at 133 lbs. for a 10-0 EMU edge. Redshirt freshman Michael Shaw notched the Eagles' second straight major decision by an 11-2 tally over Kenneth Richmond at 141 lbs.
Redshirt senior Aaron Sulzer posted the only pin of the evening at 157 lbs. when he took down Kyle Witgen at the 1:49 mark. Sulzer's fall came between a pair of Olivet victories at 149 lbs. and 165 lbs. to put the Eagles at a 20-6 advantage with four matches to decide.
Each of the final four bouts went to the Eagles, with freshman Jacob Davis (174 lbs.) and redshirt junior Khodor Hoballah (heavyweight) winning by decision, and redshirt juniors Phillip Joseph (184 lbs.) and Nick Whitenburg (197 lbs.) claiming major decisions.
The Eagles head on the road for their second-of-five MAC regular-season bouts Friday, Jan. 18, when they battle the University at Buffalo in Buffalo, N.Y. The match is slated for a 7 p.m. start.
EASTERN MICHIGAN 34 OLIVET 6
125: Alexander Calandrino (EMU) forfeit, EMU 6 OC 0
133: Jake Byers (EMU) maj. dec Micheal Gancer (OC), 9-0 EMU 10 OC 0
141: Michael Shaw (EMU) maj. dec. Kenneth Richmond (OC), 11-2. EMU 14 OC 0
149: Gage Pederson (OC) dec. Chris Rau (EMU), 5-3 EMU 14 OC 3
157: Aaron Sulzer (EMU) fall Kyle Witgen (OC) 1:49 EMU 20 OC 3
165: James Myers (OC) dec Jaylyn Bohl (EMU), 9-3 EMU 20 OC 6
174: Jacob Davis (EMU) dec. Nicholas Allen (OC), 4-1 EMU 23 OC 6
184: Phillip Joseph (EMU) maj. dec. Jeff Holm (OC), 10-2 EMU 27 OC 6
197 Nick Whitenburg (EMU) maj. dec. Logan Renas (Olivet), 12-2 EMU 31 OC 6
285 Khodar Hoballah (EMU) dec. Jack Griggs (OC), 6-0 EMU 34 OC 6