This weekend the Alma College wrestling team will be back in action for the first time in two weeks, as the squad heads to the annual Ohio Northern University Invitational. The tournament is a combination of D2, D3 and NAIA programs and is always one of the feature events of the first semester. The Scots will look to improve upon last year’s 4th place finish out of 14 teams.
The ONU event is typically a 32-man bracket at each of the 10 weights, and the Proud Plaid will look to enter about two wrestlers at each weight. Those not in action this week will likely compete in the North Central Invitational next weekend.
“We always love going to Ohio Northern,” said associate head coach Jeremiah Tobias. “It’s a tournament that tests both your talent and your endurance. We can’t wait to get there.”
At this point in the season the Scots are 10-3 in duals, their best start in the four years of the program. Their three losses are all to teams currently ranked top three in the nation in their respective divisions (NCAA D2 No. 2, NCAA D3 No. 1 and NJCAA No. 3). Still, the Scots will compete at ONU and NCC before returning to dual meet action at the Boots Duals in Nashville, Tennessee, on Dec. 20.
The schedule for Nashville has not yet been established, but there are multiple nationally ranked teams expected to attend.
“The guys have made it a respectable start to the year,” commented head coach Todd Hibbs. “Especially considering some of the adversity we have faced in putting our starting lineup together,” he continued.
“This was the year we didn’t expect to be starting freshman, but some injuries happened early and the young guys – as well as our veterans in the lineup – have pulled together and gotten the job done most of the time. But we all know how high our goals are this year and we must continue to perform at a high level each time we compete.”
Wrestlers to keep an eye on this weekend include returning ONU champion Tyler Foley who looks to defend his crown at 125 pounds, as well as the top end of the Scot lineup where Jamie Jakes (174), Caleb Huff (184) and Jared Groeneveld (197) are a combined 27-4 on the year.