Four still alive for Wrestling after Day 1 of Wheaton (Ill.) Invitational

By Tim Glon

WHEATON, Ill. — The Ohio Northern wrestling team had a solid first day of the Wheaton (Ill.) Pete Willson Invitational on Friday at King Arena.

Four of the Polar Bears' seven wrestlers are still alive and six of the seven posted two or more victories after the first day of competition.

Fifth-seeded sophomore Nate Barcaskey (Moon Area) led Ohio Northern with a 3-0 record and is in the semifinals in the 285-pound weight class.

Three other ONU wrestlers are in the consolation fourth round.

Senior Gavin Nelson (Oregon/Clay) and junior Clayton Davidson (Kirtland), who are seeded fourth at 157 and 174, respectively, joined freshman Schuyler Caprella (Harrod/Allen East) at 149 pounds among the wrestlers still alive in the double-elimination tournament.

Davidson is 2-1 at 174, while Nelson and Caprella each went 3-1. All three have advanced to the consolation quarterfinals of their respective weight classes.

Senior Seth Meyer (Defiance) went 2-2 at 165 and freshman Cash Thompson (Lake Odessa, Mich./Lakewood) was 2-2 at 184 pounds before beind eliminated on Friday.

In all, Ohio Northern's seven wrestlers posted a combined 12-9 record on the day against a very strong field.

The Polar Bears are 10th of 35 teams with 38 points in the team standings.

Wrestling will continue on Saturday at 11 am (CST).