CINCINNATI—The Heidelberg University wrestling team closed tonight’s dual match against The College of Mount St. Joseph with straight wins, but the Student Princes could not complete a comeback and fell to the Lions, 21-19, in a non-conference dual match at the Harrington Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. Despite the loss, five Student Princes recorded wins.
Sophomore 125-pounder Delian Schneider (Tiffin/Columbian) put Heidelberg ahead, 4-0, with a match-opening major decision (20-7) over William Bryant.
Sophomore 141-pounder Chris Osborne (McComb) defeated Wayne Black, 8-2, to increase the ‘Berg lead to 7-3.
The Lions took a 9-7 lead in the 149-pound match as Joseph Conrad pinned senior Dustin Powell (Findlay) in 6:45.
MSJ won three straight matches to extend its lead to 21-7.
The Student Princes mounted a strong comeback, closing the match with three straight wins, but could not pull off a pin in the 285-pound weight class to earn the victory.
Sophomore 184-pounder Jason Russell (Columbus/West) defeated Billy Malicote, 10-4, closing the score to 21-10, and junior 197-pounder Andy Lovins (Clinton Township, Mich./Lake Shore) pinned Nathan Islamovsky in 5:55, sending the Berg into its final match of the evening looking at 21-16 deficit.
Needing a pin from senior 285-pounder Jerry Knapp (Columbia Station/Olmsted Falls) for the victory, the Berg fell short, but Knapp still recorded a 4-2 decision over Robert Grogan.
Heidelberg will enjoy a two-week break before traveling to Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. to compete in the Citrus Open on Dec. 29-30. The Student Princes open 2012 and Ohio Athletic Conference action on Jan. 10 against John Carroll University.
