OSU dominate with takedowns in win against Michigan

Rowdy Baribeau Staff Reporter

ARLINGTON, Texas — Mason

Parris scored the first takedown for the Wolverines— after seven bouts.

OSU wrestled stingy in every single bout. Takedowns were not given, and they surely weren’t earned for the sixth-ranked Wolverines. For the Cowboys, they came at ease. OSU outscored Michigan in takedowns, which was the deciding factor in OSU’s 24-15 victory.

Carter Young set the tone to start the dual at 141 pounds. In his match over Pat Nolan, Young scored three takedowns. Victor Voinovich, OSU’s 149-pounder, followed by scoring a takedown in his match. Then the bonus points came.

Wyatt Sheets was slated to wrestle the No. 5 wrestler in the country at 165 pounds, Cameron Amine. However, Amine did not weigh in. In fact, three ranked Michigan wrestlers did not participate, neither did Amine’s backup at 165 pounds. Joaquin Consuelos was the draw for Sheets.

ARLINGTON, Texas —

Daton Fix stood firmly along the edge of the home dugout.

Eyes closed, head bobbing, legs remotely churning, ready to wrestle.

As his name was called, it echoed through the stands of Globe Life Field, he trotted towards the stage as a remixed version of “A Sky Full of Stars” blared through the sound system.

Fireworks erupted, flames burst and grey haze greeted OSU’s 133-pound wrestler as he met his opponent. It was go time in a pivotal point in the dual. The final match — a potential dual-deciding one.

For the majority of the evening, No. 11 OSU’s 24-15 win over No. 6 Michigan appeared to be almost guaranteed through seven bouts in the Bout at the Ballpark. That, however, would not be the case. After clinging to a 12-point advantage, a decision and pin later almost diminished the Cowboys’ once double-digit lead. Surely even for a wrestler with the pedigree and notoriety Fix holds, he felt the abundance of pressure compiling.

His reaction?

“No pressure,” he respond- ed. “In the end, it’s just a wrestling match. This is what I love to do.

So, why would I put any more pressure on myself than I needed to.”

After the initial whistle by the nearside official, utter dominance ensued. The Cowboys led, 18-15, and were needing at least a win by decision from the standout wrestler. A quick takedown by Fix less than a minute into the opening period led to a grasp of the shoulders of Michigan’s Dylan Ragusin, compressed firmly against the edge of the mat. Fix knew it was coming but didn’t want to let up. He watched the official swipe his arms through thin air, counting down the seconds to the end of the bout. Moments later, the final whistle blew as Fix rose from the mat, smiled and pumped his fist.

OSU assistant coach Chris Perry’s emotions said it all.

“Pinned,” he cried, clapping his hands rapidly out of excitement.

Now, it was official. Fix’s late heroics captured a pivotal win for OSU, recording the team’s second ranked win by chance over the past three duals.

“Oh, that (pin) fired me up,” 165-pounder Wyatt Sheets said with a chuckle. “That was probably the best part of the dual.”