PITTSBURGH - When Cam Kelly lost Friday morning at PPG Paints Arena, it was more than the end of another season.
It was the end of his career.
The three-time national qualifier has been here before, and he knew the stakes.
“I know that Cam is well aware that this is it for him,” coach Joel Greenlee said prior to the match. “And I’m sure he’s going to wrestle his tail off.”
Wrestling his tail off just wasn’t enough for the senior Friday morning. It took just 46 seconds for his opponent, Tristan Moran, to pin him and eliminate Kelly, as well as the Bobcats, from the 2019 NCAA Wrestling Championships.
The Bobcats had an up and down season. They posted an 8-6 dual meet record, placed fifth at the Mid-American Conference Tournament and sent four wrestlers to the National Tournament. Of the four national qualifiers, two will return to Ohio, and a few more are poised to qualify next season.
Next season will be the focus for the Bobcats now that this one is over.