With his third-place finish at the Mid-American Conference Championships this past weekend, Jeremy Johnson joined a prestigious group — first-year wrestlers to qualify for the NCAA Championships.
Johnson, senior Erik Schuth and redshirt junior Nick Purdue will all travel to Philadelphia to compete in the national tournament, which begins March 17. Schuth and Purdue made their first appearances last season.
By beating Buffalo’s Brett Correll and Eastern Michigan’s David Wade, Johnson earned an automatic bid to Nationals as a redshirt freshman, a feat only two Ohio wrestlers have accomplished during the past 10 years.
“It felt great,” Johnson said. “It’s one more step toward the ultimate goal. Qualifying is awesome.”
The only other Bobcats to make it to the NCAA Championships as freshmen were senior Germane Lindsey and Jake Percival.
Lindsey became an All-American in his second Nationals appearance last season.
Percival, who graduated in 2005, was a four-time MAC champion and All-American. He came in second place at the tournament in 2004.
Johnson is looking to emulate Percival’s career and become an All-American all four years.
“It’s pretty cool,” Johnson said. “Percival was a stud. Germane’s a stud. It’s definitely awesome following in their footsteps.”
Coach Joel Greenlee said it bodes well for his future that Johnson made the national tournament during his first year.
“I think it’s a great sign for him,” Greenlee said. “He’s passionate about wrestling. He loves the sport. He does what he’s supposed to do every time.”
Greenlee said Johnson is more prepared than most freshmen to compete in front of crowds of more than 20,000 spectators at Nationals.
With a resume that includes an appearance with Team USA at the Junior World Championships in Hungary and a title at the biggest high school tournament in the nation, Johnson is used to pressure situations.
“I’m not too worried about it with him,” Greenlee said. “He’s the worst first-round draw in the world for anybody because he wrestles so hard.”
Extra bids
At-large bids to the NCAA Championships will be announced today. Redshirt sophomore Gabe Ramos, who finished second at 125 pounds at the MAC tourney, is a prime candidate to receive one.
Freshman Brad Squire, who placed third at 149 pounds, also could be awarded an extra bid.
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