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SETTING THE SCENE- The Cleveland State Vikings have two match-ups this weekend, first heading on the road Friday night at 7:00 p.m. at Kent State, before then coming back home for Senior Day on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. in EWL action vs. Clarion in Woodling Gymnasium. CSU heads into the weekend with a 3-6 (0-3 EWL) record, while Kent State comes into the weekend 8-4 and Clarion comes into the weekend at 3-7 on the year and 1-2 in EWL action.
LAST TIME OUT- The Cleveland State Vikings took two of the first three matches last Saturday afternoon, but were unable to continue the strong start, eventually falling 29-6 to #14 Bloomsburg at home in Woodling Gymnasium on Saturday.
Ben Willeford started off the day strong for CSU, picking up a 2-1 overtime decision win at 125 pounds to give the Vikings a 3-0 lead. The win improved the junior to a team leading 19-12 on the season. The 19 wins already this year surpass his 2011-12 season total of 18.
While 133 pounds went Bloomsburg's way with a forfeit win, CSU was able to bounce back and pick up its second win of the day from Nick Flanneryat 141 pounds. Flannery now has eight wins on the season, and won by a 5-2 decision final score. The victory gives him five dual meet wins on the year.
SPECIAL SENIORS- Sunday marks 'Senior Day' for the 2013 Vikings' senior class, consisting of Nick Anthony, Corey Carlo, Mike Mencini, and Brian Roddy Jr., as they begin the final stretch of their CSU careers.
This class of graduating seniors has been instrumental in growing and improving not only this year's squad, but also the program as a whole over their time in Cleveland. Nick Anthony, Corey Carlo, and Mike Mencini have all had at least one top-six finish at the EWL Championships over the last three years for CSU. Their finishes were-
Nick Anthony- 6th at 197 lb. in 2011
Corey Carlo- 5th at 157 lb. in 2009 and 3rd at 165 lb. in 2012
Mike Mencini- 5th at 141 lb. in 2010
For Roddy Jr., while this is only his first year at CSU following a stellar four-year career at Northwestern, he has been an important veteran on this year's squad in a leadership role.
WILLEFORD LEADING THE WAY- CSU currently has five wrestlers with double-digit wins on the year, led by junior Ben Willefordwith 19. Willeford had 18 wins all last season for the Vikings. Following Willeford with double-digit wins on the year are Matt Donohoe (14), Michael Carlone (14), Riley Shaw (14), and Corey Carlo (11).
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 three teams in their dual meet schedule that are currently ranked in the Top 25 USA Today/NWCA/AWM Coaches Poll. Bloomsburg, who CSU fell to 6-29 this past Saturday, is currently ranked 14th. Pittsburgh, who the Vikings met Thursday December 20th (CSU fell 8-36), is right behind them at 15th, and Edinboro, who CSU fell to 3-37 on January 26th is 16th.
STILL STARTING- Three Vikings have started every dual meet this season for the Cleveland State. These wrestlers are Ben Willeford (125 lb.), Matt Donohoe (157), and Xavier Dye (174).
UP NEXT- The Vikings will be back home for one final meet in two weeks on February 24th at 1:00 p.m. in Woodling Gymnasium. CSU will take on Ohio, Gardner-Webb, and Northern Illinois in separate dual meet action.
