This weekend will mark the end of two Bobcats' wrestling careers in KeVon Powell and Joel Shump.
Powell, a native of Romeoville, Illinois, spent the earlier part of his career as an active member of Ohio's team. Having eight wins in the regular season of his freshman year, Powell ended up placing third in the Mid-American Conference Tournament by defeating the No. 2, 4 and 5 seeds, earning his way to a berth in the NCAA tournament as a freshman.
While success was found early in his career, because of injury, Powell had to take a different role.
“Being a fifth year senior, I might not be on the mat, but when Cam (Kelly) or Shakur (Laney) need something, I’m out trying to give them what they need whether it be advice or keeping them up after a loss," Powell said “Me being like a big brother to these guys — that’s my role now.”
Coach Joel Greenlee had praise for both Powell and Shump, too.
“KeVon came in as freshman and right away did some big things," Greenlee said. "But the last few years he’s been beat up, which is unfortunate because he’s a talent."
“Shump also did some big things. Wrestled varsity for a year and in that year he upset a ranked guy at Kent and in his match against Northern Iowa he couldn’t get pinned and he did just that.”
Not only will Ohio be celebrating its current seniors, but it will also be celebrating its alumni. The first annual wrestling reunion will take place this weekend as a chance for all former Ohio wrestlers to reconnect and welcome the two seniors into their new family.
Even with all the festivities going on, business still needs to be taken care of. Ohio (7-7, 4-4 MAC) will look to win its final home dual of the season by defeating American. The Eagles just stopped an eight-dual losing streak by defeating Old Dominion this past weekend — the same weekend that Ohio lost by a single match point, as the team score was tied at 18.
“(American's) two best guys are at 25 (125 lbs) and 97 (197), and we match up pretty well with them,” Greenlee said.
Wrestling at those two spots for the Eagles are redshirt sophomore Josh Terao and junior Jeric Kasunic, respectively. Terao is no stranger to the Bobcats, as he and Laney faced one another this season at the Midlands Tournament in Illinois with Terao taking the match by a 2-0 decision.
The Bobcats and the Eagles will face off Sunday in The Convo with the match slated to begin at 1 p.m.
