It's tournament time
March Madness hasn’t arrived yet, but two Heidelberg teams have tournament fever. This weekend, the wrestling team will defend their OAC Tournament title and go for a three-peat. Next week, the men’s basketball team will host the first conference tournament game since 2002.
The wrestlers, under the direction of two-time OAC Coach of the Year Jason Miller, will travel to host John Carroll University Saturday with a strong chance to send several wrestlers to the Division III National Tournament. The team won the regular-season OAC crown with a perfect 6-0 dual OAC record and stands at 11-2 overall.At stake – in addition to the OAC Tournament championship – are bids to the national championship March 7-8 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Individual in each of 10 weight classes, plus one-at large selection, automatically qualify for the national tournament.
Fans can follow the tournament and get regular updates at http://jcusports.com/Sports/wrestling/2008/2008OACWrestlingChamps.asp.
On Wednesday, Feb. 27, the men’s basketball team, under the guidance of Duane Sheldon, will host a first-round OAC Tournament game at Seiberling Gymnasium. The Berg currently holds a firm grip on second place in the OAC, with the top eight seeds advancing to the tournament. Two regular-season games remain, including a road game vs. No. 1-ranked Capital tonight.This year marks the Berg’s second consecutive appearance in the postseason tournament. The Berg may have a home court advantage, having won its last six home OAC tournament games dating back to 1989.
The women’s basketball team and Coach Karen McConnell are still in the hunt to make the OAC Tournament, based on results of two remaining home games Wednesday and Saturday. The first quarter-final games of the women’s tournament are Tuesday.
Posted on Feb. 20, 2008