Heidelberg Wins Battle of National Powers
In a battle of national caliber wrestling programs, NCAA Division III Heidelberg University traveled to Division II Ashland University and topped the host Eagles 17-15.
Heidelberg, ranked 11th in the nation, and no. 17 Ashland each won five weight classes, with the difference coming at 133 pounds. The turning point of the dual was Tony Lawler’s (West Jefferson, Ohio / West Jefferson) fall in 1:14. Lawler was down 4-2 and regrouped to give the Berg six points.
Earning a 6-2 decision at 141 pounds was Boomer Fechko (Brunswick, Ohio / Brunswick). Reaching the 30-win plateau was Zach Mizer (Canton, Ohio / Perry). Mizer had a 3-0 decision at 157 pounds and is now 30-9 on the year. Following suit was Matt Curley (Brecksville, Ohio / Lakewood) at 165 pounds. He ended the bout with a 9-7 decision.
Rounding out the points for the Berg was Ed Bizorik (Bellevue, Ohio / Bellevue) at 184 pounds. Bizorik had a 8-3 decision.
Heidelberg is fresh off its third Ohio Athletic Conference Regular Season Championship in four years and will strive to win its fourth-consecutive OAC Tournament Title on Feb. 21 at Muskingum College. A year ago, the Berg qualified a program-best five wrestlers for the NCAA Tournament.
No. 11 Heidelberg 17, No. 17 Ashland 15 (Division II)
125 – Dan Mandara (AU) dec. Jerrad Hoxie, 11-4
133 – Tony Lawler (H) pins Jacob Bartley, 1:14
141 – Boomer Fechko (H) dec. Scott Meyer, 6-2
149 – Tommy Graszl (AU) dec. Josh Levy, 5-4
157 – Zach Mizer (H) dec. Nic Albaugh, 3-0
165 – Matt Curley (H) dec. Tony Bradberry, 9-7
174 – Justin Ferguson (AU) dec. Mac Henry, 14-7
184 – Ed Bizorik (H) dec. Tom Kerrigan, 8-3
197 – Josh Ohl (AU) dec. Brad Rice, 5-4
285 – Jacob Southwick (AU) dec. Robbie Brubeck, 7-3
Heidelberg deducted one point from team score