The four All-Americans from last spring – J Jaggers, Lance Palmer, Mike Pucillo and J.D. Bergman - came out strong, recording three pins and a technical fall.
The sixth-ranked Jaggers, who wrestled at 141 pounds, downed Brett Freeman in 2:03. At 184 pounds, No. 4 Pucillo completed his match in 2:36 after pinning Cory Braden. Up a weight class to heavyweight this season, Bergman dropped No. 6 Nick Terifaj in 1:27. Third-ranked Lance Palmer scored 18 points against No. 6 Nate Spencer to win by a technical fall.
"Our four All-Americans dominated like we expected them to," Tom Ryan, head coach, said. "But I give credit to Frank Romano for approaching our program and asking us to compete. Notre Dame College will win some titles in the NAIA if they keep grabbing some of the top players in the state of Ohio."
The wrestling program at Notre Dame College is a member of the American Mideast Conference and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). It is in its second year of existence and former Buckeye Frank Romano (1968-1970) serves as head coach.
At 125 pounds, freshman Nikko Triggas earned a 5-2 victory against Tyler Savage to give the Buckeyes their first three points of the day. Sophomore Reece Humphrey followed with an 8-3 decision over Dante Rini at 133 pounds to extend the lead to 6-0. After missing last season because of injury, senior Alex Picazo returned to action at 174 pounds and posted a 9-2 decision over Paul Kordich. Sophomore Zack Weinrich garnered the final win for Ohio State when he beat Matt Kuti, 14-3, for the major decision.
"This was a good event," Ryan said. "The crowd was great and it is proof why Northeast Ohio has some of the greatest wrestling in the country. As a team, it is a great start, but we still have plenty to work on."
Freshman Robel Campbell wrestled at 165 pounds and lost, 6-4, to Mike Mahon and at 157 pounds, Jason Johnstone dropped a close 8-7 decision against Victor Crenshaw.
Ohio State will travel to Chattanooga, Tenn., for the Chattanooga Duals Nov. 10 at Maclellan Gym. The event will begin at 1 p.m. Other teams scheduled to compete are Anderson and Cumberland Universities.
The Buckeyes' first home dual is at 7 p.m. Nov. 26 vs. Rutgers in St. John Arena. Tickets are $8 for the general public and $5 for students.
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