The University of Akron hosted the NCWA Ohio Duals this past Saturday, January 27th against University of Toledo and Ohio State WC. For seniors Shane Brown (Captain, 174) and Isaac Hammonds (Assistant Captain, 149), it was their final appearance in their home gym, and both went 2-0 on the day to lead the team to a 38-14 win over Toledo and a 46-12 win over Ohio State.

The first round pitted Akron vs Toledo, the number one ranked team in NCWA Division 2. Both teams forfeited the 125 pound class, and then Akron freshman Zach Friedt received a forfeit at 133. Toledo’s De’Ante Evans earned a fall at 141 to even the score 6-6. At 149, Hammonds responded with the all-time team record fastest pin in 11 seconds to give Akron the lead. Akron’s Cole Berg, a freshman, picked up another fall for the Zips at 157. Top ranked 165-pounder Taylor Workman of Toledo brought the team score within 7 points with his 20-2 technical fall.

The Zips won the next four weight classes, starting at 174 where Brown scored a 13-7 decision, Freshman Paul Molke received a forfeit at 184, and sophomore Jesse Slocum earned a 16-1 technical fall at 197. Freshman Ben Roshon pinned his 235 pound opponent in the first period, but Toledo won the final bout, with Brett Seymour picking up a 4-3 decision at heavyweight. In exhibition competition, Friedt, John Iacano, and Brad Ferguson of Akron each earned a fall, while Toledo’s Major Moore wrestled to a 10-0 major decision, Evans scored another pin, and Workman scored a 11-8 decision.

In the second round, Ohio State defeated Toledo 30-24, with every bout being decided by either a pin or forfeit. OSU won two exhibition bouts by fall as well.

In the final round between Akron and OSU, 125 was once again a double forfeit. Over the course of the next 8 weight classes, Akron picked up four pins, three forfeits, and a major decision. Earning falls for the Zips were Friedt, junior Dakota Smith at 141, Berg, and Molke. Slocum worked his way to a 14-1 major decision. OSU’s Connor Slade and Seth Brennock scored first period falls at 235 and heavyweight, respectively, to put the Buckeye’s on the board. Akron’s seniors then put the final touches on the day with pins in exhibition bouts at 157 (Hammonds) and 184 (Brown).