Ohio wrestler Jake Percival might have seen his last days at the 149-pound weight class, but he left with recognition.
Percival, The Post sports staff's choice for Male Athlete of the Year for the second straight time, became Ohio wrestling's seventh two-time All-American this season with a fifth-place finish in the NCAA Tournament. Percival was perfect through the Mid-American Conference Championship, collecting a 29-0 record, and earning MAC Wrestler of the Year.
"It's a great honor with all these great athletes at Ohio University," Percival said about winning The Post award.
Ohio coach Joel Greenlee said he is "99 percent" certain he will have Percival move up to 157 next season.
"To me, I think it's going to be a good thing," Greenlee said. "Last year, (Percival) had to cut a lot of weight. He was cutting a little more weight than he was used to... I think cutting weight all year wears on you."
Percival said the extra weight should benefit him on the mat.
"(Moving up) is going to be good for me," Percival said. "I was weighing like 170, but that was over the summer. I'm glad it's over with. That could take a lot out of you."
Percival said the loss of weight took place during a long period of time, dropping a couple pounds a week.
"I dropped gradually," Percival said. "I tried to do it smart. I think I did it all right."
Percival could replace former Northern Illinois wrestler Scott Owen as the MAC's most dominant wrestler at 157. Owen ended his career with a fifth-place finish in the 2003 NCAA Tournament and won the Most Outstanding Wrestler award for the 2003 MAC Tournament.
Percival's adjustment also could produce a battle for 149 within the Ohio wrestling room.
"MAC Tournament points wise, I think that's a good move for us," Greenlee said. "I think we're just scoring more points."
Mike Allen and Brandon Shriner are slated to duel for the spot.
"They're both really good," Percival said. "They both helped me in the practice room day-in-and-day-out. They're both friends, but only one of them can wrestle."
Percival's experience has helped younger wrestlers like Vinny DiGiovanni (165) improve.
"(Watching the NCAA Tournament) gets me excited for the next year," DiGiovanni said. "I got shivers, especially getting to watch guys I know."
That experience transfers into the practice room.
"I work out with an All-American every day," DiGiovanni said.
Former Ohio wrestler Luke Moore said Percival could help Ohio to a MAC Championship in the wrestler's final two years of eligibility.
"Percival helps everybody," Moore said. "He shows the younger guys how to work harder. They understand what it takes to have success."
17 Archives
Eric Pfahler
200306063132midsize.jpg
Ohio wrestler Jake Percival defeats American University's Marc Hoffer at 149-pounder 7-4
