No Ohio wrestler advanced to the finals in the 2020 Mid-American Conference Tournament, despite two of them coming close Saturday at Northern Illinois’ Convocation Center.
Zac Carson (157) and Jordan Earnest (285) both made it to the semifinals in their weight group, but Carson was pinned by Missouri’s Jarret Jacques, and Earnest lost to Edinboro’s Jon Spaulding in a 6-2 decision.
Both Carson and Earnest will participate in the remaining consolidation rounds Sunday for a chance to place third overall.
The other Bobcats who still remain in the consolidation rounds are Alec Hagan (149), Joe Terry (165) and Jake Walker (197).
One of the more disappointing stories of the day was Shakur Laney’s (141) performance. Despite being one of Ohio’s best wrestlers this season, Laney lost in the first round to Northern Illinois’s Anthony Gibson. His time in the tournament ended when he lost in the second consolation round.
Laney didn’t qualify for the NCAA Tournament last year. He also lost in the second consolation round in 2019, but he’s much more likely to qualify for the national tournament this year due to his much-improved regular season performance.
The third consolation rounds, which includes Hagan, Terry and Walker, will begin at 1 p.m. Sunday. Carson and Earnest have byes and will begin their days in the fourth round, which will begin at 1:45 p.m.
