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ANNAPOLIS, Md.
– The Ohio wrestling team, holding a record of 1-1, made the journey to Annapolis, Maryland, on Saturday, November 23, for the highly competitive Navy Classic. In a field of 12 teams, the Bobcats managed to secure an overall eighth-place finish, showcasing remarkable individual performances, including one wrestler who achieved a commendable third-place podium finish.
The initial victory of the tournament was claimed by redshirt sophomore Logan Cravatas from Medina, Ohio. He showcased his skills in the 149-pound weight class, decisively defeating his Bucknell opponent with an impressive decision score of 11-4. Cravatas continued to demonstrate his prowess by outmaneuvering a Kent State competitor, winning that match with a score of 7-4.
Among the competitors, redshirt junior Garrett Thompson from Murrysville, Pennsylvania, emerged as Ohio’s standout wrestler in the contest, capturing a coveted third-place finish in the fiercely contested 174-pound weight class. Thompson’s path to the podium began with two compelling victories, first securing a 9-3 decision and then a 7-3 decision, which propelled him forward. Although he faced a setback in the quarterfinal round, Thompson resiliently rebounded to clinch the bronze medal by achieving a sudden victory against another Bucknell wrestler.
Redshirt sophomore Austin Starr from Indian Creek, Ohio, truly lived up to his name, dominating his initial two opponents with remarkable falls; he dispatched his adversary from Cleveland State in just 1:28 and followed that up with a stunning victory in 1:37 against The Citadel. Furthermore, redshirt sophomore Pierce Taylor from Cincinnati, Ohio, also showcased his grappling skills by pinning his opponent from American in the 141-pound class at an impressive 1:44.
Even though redshirt junior Dan Segura, hailing from Columbus, Ohio, faced defeats in both his opening and concluding matches at 165 pounds, he demonstrated exceptional grit against formidable competitors in his second and third matches. Segura managed a narrow 5-4 decision victory against an Oregon State wrestler and subsequently imposed his will on a Cleveland State opponent, earning over three minutes of ride time and achieving an impressive 11-point shutout. Another notable performance came from redshirt junior Bobby Gaylord from Chicago, Illinois, who illustrated his dominance in the 165-pound division by overpowering his Bucknell opponent with a staggering score of 19-3.
The Bobcats are scheduled to return to action at the prestigious Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational, set to take place on December 6th and 7th in the vibrant city of Las Vegas.
#OUohyeah
What aspects of individual wrestlers’ performances at the Navy Classic do you believe will contribute to the team’s success for the remainder of the season?
**Interview with Ohio Wrestling Coach on the Bobcats’ Performance at the Navy Classic**
**Editor**: Joining us today is Coach of the Ohio wrestling team, who just returned from the Navy Classic in Annapolis, Maryland. Coach, thanks for being here!
**Coach**: Thank you for having me!
**Editor**: You brought your team to a competitive field of 12 teams and finished eighth overall. What are your thoughts on the team’s performance?
**Coach**: I’m proud of how our team performed, especially since it’s still early in the season and we currently hold a record of 1-1. Competing against such strong opponents at the Navy Classic provides invaluable experience. We saw some impressive individual performances that really showcased our wrestlers’ skills.
**Editor**: Speaking of individual performances, redshirt sophomore Logan Cravatas had a standout showing in the 149-pound weight class. Can you tell us more about his matches?
**Coach**: Absolutely. Logan really stepped up in his matches. He secured a decisive victory over Bucknell with a score of 11-4 and followed that up with another solid win against Kent State, finishing that match 7-4. His ability to stay composed and execute his game plan was commendable.
**Editor**: Garrett Thompson also made a significant impact, capturing a third-place finish in the 174-pound category. What did you think about his journey through the tournament?
**Coach**: Garrett’s performance was exceptional. He started strong with two convincing victories, one by 9-3 and then another at 7-3. His resilience and determination throughout the tournament were key factors in him reaching the podium. It’s encouraging to see our wrestlers stepping up in challenging environments.
**Editor**: With the season just starting, what are your goals moving forward for the team?
**Coach**: Our main goal is to keep building on the momentum from this tournament. We want to continue developing our athletes and refining their techniques. The competition we faced will help us as we prepare for the rest of the season. Focusing on both individual growth and team dynamics is crucial as we head into future matches.
**Editor**: It sounds like you’ve got a solid plan in place. Thanks for sharing your insights, Coach, and best of luck as the season progresses!
**Coach**: Thank you! I appreciate the support and look forward to what lies ahead for the Bobcats.