Division II's No. 3-ranked Ashland University wrestling team beat Division III's No. 10 Mount Union, 24-10, on Wednesday (Jan. 10) at Kates Gymnasium.
The Eagles (3-3) sent six of their eight nationally-ranked wrestlers to the mat to hand the Purple Raiders (8-1) their first dual loss of the season.
"Facing a D-III team that's nationally ranked is a good test for us at this time of the season to see where we are," senior Luke Cramer said. "It felt good as a team being in the home gym and putting up some good matches and working on moves that we've been practicing for the last few weeks."
AU senior Bob Mason (7-3, ranked No. 9 at 141 pounds), sophomore Bret Romanzak (24-3, No. 3 at 165) and senior Jordan Murphy (8-0, No. 4 at 184) all won by decision against opponents that are ranked in D-III.
Murphy and Cramer (9-0, No. 1 at 197) are the lone Eagles that remain undefeated this season. Cramer beat a Mount Union sophomore, 10-2.
"(Being undefeated) is always in the back of my mind," Cramer said. "That's primarily the goal."
The other wins for Ashland came from junior Lawrance Dudgeon (12-8, No. 10 at 133), sophomore Christian Price (15-7, No. 9 at 174) and junior Deaken McCoy (10-8, 285).
"It's good to get a win against a quality team," Ashland head coach Josh Hutchens said. "(Mount Union) knew we were the team to beat. We want a team coming after us like that."
In the first college dual action of his career, freshman Sid Ohl (7-4, 157) lost, 8-5, in a tight match. Ashland High School's career wins leader drew a large crowd, as the Arrows competed in a dual at Kates Gymnasium prior to the collegiate action.
"Hearing that roar from the crowd was fun," Hutchens said. "It was a great energy for the whole team."
A tough test lies ahead for the Eagles at Massillon Senior High School, as they'll travel there to take on No. 8 Notre Dame (Ohio). AU lost to NDC, 25-12, on Jan. 4.
AU
WR/KK
