With eight of the squad’s 18 scheduled meets in the rearview mirror, the Ohio wrestling team is trying to remain focused and motivated as it enters the season’s second half.
Through eight meets, the Bobcats (1-3) have fared much better in tournaments and opens than in dual meets, as they have placed in the top half of every large meet so far. Unfortunately, seven of the next eight meets will be duals.
“We are slowly getting better every day,” Ohio coach Joel Greenlee said. “All of the guys are doing their best to get better, and the recent placing we have had in big tournaments will hopefully give us some confidence for the future duals.”
Greenlee said he’s pleased with the recent improvements in face of the team’s inconsistent start.
The brightest part for the Bobcats has been sophomore heavyweight Jeremy Johnson, who at one point was ranked as the No. 5 wrestler in the 285-pound weight class. Johnson began the season by winning his first 12 matches and has recorded the most wins of any wrestler on the Ohio team.
Greenlee said that, coming into the season, he expected Johnson to be successful but not one of the best wrestlers in the nation. Johnson has remained focused and humble despite his success.
“Personally, I think I have wrestled pretty well. I am working hard and have only lost a few matches, which were to some tough, ranked opponents,” Johnson said. “But at the end of the day, my goals are being an All-American and to help the team progressively get better by giving my all.”
Aside from Johnson, Greenlee said he’s also pleased with Darrin Boing and Andrew Romanchik. Boing has been the most consistent winner in meets other than Johnson, and Romanchik has recorded big wins despite placing in the lineup for road duals just four meets ago.
Though the team is improving physically, wrestling is as much mental as it is physical. Greenlee and Johnson agree that wrestlers need to stay mentally strong throughout the long season and remain confident in themselves no matter the opponents.
“It is extremely important to stay mentally tough, especially around this point of the season when people may get sidetracked from the midseason lull,” Johnson said. “Just being physically strong won’t cut it. You have to always believe you are the best wrestler.”
The time between meets this season has ranged from less than a day to 21 days, often making it difficult to form a routine of preparation.
In order to help the team achieve its goal of a 3.0 GPA during Winter Quarter, the season schedule is structured around the academic schedule.
Greenlee said the varying schedule can sometimes hit wrestlers hard mentally. Wrestlers can have trouble getting over a defeat if they must wait another two or three weeks for the next.
“Some guys easily forget the past and focus on getting better or staying the best,” Greenlee said. “However, some have a hard time moving on and those breaks can be a killer on a guy’s confidence. This sport requires a lot of mental strength.”
cl1027410@ohiou.edu
