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SETTING THE SCENE- The Cleveland State Vikings hit the road this week for one dual meet, taking on Eastern Wrestling League foe Edinboro at 8:00 p.m.
LAST TIME OUT- CSU was home last weekend for their first two home dual meets of the season, taking on Lock Haven Friday, before then facing Chattanooga on Sunday. The Vikings fell in a hard fought match Friday 17-19 to the Bald Eagles, then picked up their first home win of the season Sunday vs. Chattanooga, 21-17.
WILLEFORD LEADING THE WAY- CSU currently has five wrestlers with double-digit wins on the year, led by junior Ben Willeford with 17. Willeford had 18 wins all last season, and is well ahead of that pace. Following Willeford with double-digit wins on the year are Matt Donohoe (14), Michael Carlone (14), Riley Shaw (14), and Corey Carlo (11).
FRESHMAN SHAW SHINING- The Cleveland State Vikings wrestled in four opens this season, and freshman Riley Shaw has led the way and performed well in each. Shaw leads the Vikings placing in the top six in his weight class at three of the four events. The freshman began his college wrestling career with a third place finish at the Eastern Michigan Open, following that with a fourth place finish at the Navy Classic, also earning a fourth place finish at the CSU Open. Shaw also currently is tied for second on the team with 14 wins on the year, behind only Willeford.
IN THE ATLANTIC REGION RANKINGS- According to the latest Atlantic Region Wrestling Rankings, consisting of both the eastern and southern regions of the United States, the Cleveland State Vikings have four wrestlers ranked. In order of weight class they include Ben Willeford at 24th (125 lb.), Mike Carlone at 22nd (133), Matt Donohoe at 25th (157), and Riley Shaw at 25th (HWT).
IN THE EWL RANKINGS- Looking at the latest Eastern Wrestling League rankings, the Vikings have six wrestlers listed in the rankings, which list the top five wrestlers in each class. The CSU individuals in the rankings include: Ben Willeford (2nd at 125 lb.),Michael Carlone (5th at 133 lb.), Matt Donohoe (5th at 157 lb.), Corey Carlo (4th at 165 lb.), Xavier Dye (4th at 174 lb.), and Riley Shaw (5th at 285 lb.).
IN THE NATIONAL RANKINGS- Cleveland State has faced or will face three teams in their dual meet schedule that are currently ranked in the Top 25 USA Today/NWCA/AWM Coaches Poll. Edinboro, who CSU takes on this Saturday at 8:00 p.m., is currently ranked 15th. Pittsburgh, who the Vikings met Thursday December 20th (CSU fell 8-36), is right behind them at 16th, and Bloomsburg, who CSU will take on February 2nd, is currently 18th. The Vikings will take on Edinboro on the road, while Bloomsburg will be a home meet.
WINNING BY PINNING- The Vikings currently have 13 wins by pin on the season, led by three each from Michael Carlone (133) and Xavier Dye (174). In total, eight CSU wrestlers have picked up at least one pin this season.
UP NEXT- The Vikings will be back home next weekend for Eastern Wrestling League action when they host Bloomsburg at 1:00 p.m. in Woodling Gymnasium on the CSU campus.
