Wrestling defeats No. 24 Heidelberg 18-16 to take over sole possession of first place in the OAC

By Steve Green

TIFFIN - The Ohio Northern wrestling team defeated No. 24-ranked Heidelberg 18-16, and moved into sole possession of first place atop the Ohio Athletic Conference Tuesday night at Sieberling Gymnasium.

With the win the Polar Bears improve to 14-10 overall and 4-0 in the OAC, while the Student Princes fall to 7-7 and 4-1 in the OAC.

A win in either of its final two OAC duals will give Ohio Northern at least a share of the OAC Regular Season Championship.

A battle at 157 saw No. 2-ranked All-American Luke Miller taking on No. 4-ranked Zach Mizer. Miller defeated Mizer by a 2-0 decision to remain undefeated in the OAC at 4-0 (3-0 at 157, 1-0 at 165).

OAC Wrestler of the Week and No. 4-ranked Kyle Kwiat earned his 30th win of the season on the night to help the Polar Bear cause.

Freshman Jeremy Jones got Northern started, going the distance as he posted a 12-10 decision over Tony Lawler.  Jones improves to 4-0 in the OAC this season.

Mick Letcher improved to 3-0 in the OAC at 149 as he was able to gain the 8-3 decision over Andrew Johnson.

At 174, Kwiat extended his winning streak to 14 matches in a row as he dispatched Dan Jonhenry by a 10-6 decision.

Kwiat's win brought Northern within one point of Heidelberg at 13-12.

Matt Alexander gave the Polar Bears their first lead of the night with a 5-2 decision over Ed Bizorik at 184.

Heidelberg took the lead back, going up 16-15 heading into the heavyweight match.

Justin Southwick posted a 4-2 decision over Jerry Knapp, giving the Polar Bears the 18-16 win.

Northern returns to action this weekend as they travel to Wheaton (Ill.) to compete in the Wheaton Invitational, Northern's first match is at 1 pm.

ONU will then look to clinch a share of the OAC Regular Season crown in a dual meet against Baldwin-Wallace on Tuesday on Senior Night at 7:30 pm at the ONU Sports Center.

Ohio Northern 18, Heidelberg 16

125 – Delian Schneider (HU) wins by forfeit
133 – Jeremy Jones (ONU) dec. Tony Lawler, 12-10
141 – Sam Delpra (HU) maj. dec. Ken Henault, 10-0
149 – Mick Letcher (ONU) dec. Andrew Johnson, 8-3
157 – Luke Miller (ONU) dec. Zach Mizer, 2-0
165 – Matt Curley (HU) dec. Billy Painter, 12-6
174 – Kyle Kwiat (ONU) dec. Dan Jonhenry, 10-6
184 – Matt Alexander (ONU) dec. Ed Bizorik, 5-2
197 – Brad Rice (HU) dec. David Jones, 9-5
285 – Justin Southwick (ONU) dec. Jerry Knapp, 4-2