Dec. 1, 2012

ATHENS, Ohio - The Ohio University wrestling team opens Mid-American Conference competition this weekend as it welcomes defending Mid-American Conference champion and No. 12-ranked Central Michigan on Saturday at 7 p.m. and Eastern Michigan on Sunday at 5:30 p.m.

Ohio returns to action after finishing fourth at the Navy classic on Nov. 17. Redshirt freshman Cody Walters posted a perfect 4-0 mark to capture the 174 weight class, defeating Kent State's Sam Wheeler 7-4 to claim the championship.

Junior Jeremy Johnson also posted a strong outing, as he finished with a 3-1 record and took runner-up honors in the heavyweight division.

Walters is the only individual on the team this season, who has remained undefeated. Walters enters the week with a 10-0 record. Johnson enters this weekend's bouts with a 9-2 ranking and a No. 14 national ranking.

In last year's meeting with Central Michigan and Eastern Michigan, Ohio dropped both matches falling by two to the Chippewas (17-15) and by eight to the Eagles (22-14).

Central Michigan features five nationally-ranked individuals. No. 2 Scotti Sentes (133), No. 5 Ben Bennett (184) and No. 4 Jarod Trice (HWT) all enter Saturday's match with undefeated records and Top 5 rankings. Eastern Michigan's Jared Germaine (125) is the Eagles lone nationally-ranked individual.

Ohio Wrestling Probable Lineup
125: KeVon Powell (2-2)
133: Thomas McLaughlin (3-6) or Angelo DiSabato (3-4)
141: Kagan Squire (5-5)
149: Andrew Romanchik (4-4)
157: Spartak Chino (5-1) or Zach Rohr (4-6)
165: Harrison Hightower (7-5)
174: Cody Walters (10-0) or Michael Duckworth (6-5)
184: Ryan Garringer (6-5) or Cody Rodgers (9-4)
197: Phil Wellington (7-4)
HWT: No. 14 Jeremy Johnson (9-2)