Feb. 12, 2008

By Mike Seem

NORTH MANCHESTER, Ind. — The Ohio Northern wrestling team concluded their 2008 regular season on a winning note beating Manchester (Ind.) 23-18 Tuesday night at Manchester.

The Polar Bears improve to 11-8 on the year ending the season winning seven of their last eight dual meets.

Sophomore Jeff Penny gave the Polar Bears an early lead by recording his fourth pin this year against Austen Ruich at 4:31 in the 133-pound bout.

Freshman Luke Miller won by major decision shutting out Byron Sweet 8-0 at 157 pounds. Miller leads the Polar Bears with 31 wins.

Junior Drew Michel also recorded an 18-6 major decision against Jordan Knox at 197 pounds.

Freshman Jeff Sommers recorded his 10th decision of the year winning 11-4 over Matt Joyce.

The 125-pound bout featured two top ten nationally ranked wrestlers. No. 1 Eracleo Vallejo of Manchester won a close match over No. 7-ranked David Penny of Northern 5-2.

The Polar Bears return to action at the Ohio Athletic Conference Championships hosted by John Carroll on Saturday, February 23 starting at 10 a.m.

Ohio Northern 23, Manchester 18
125 — No. 1 Eracleo Vallejo (MAN) dec. No. 7 David Penny, 5-2
133 — Jeff Penny (ONU) pin Austen Ruich, 4:31
141 — Matt Palladino (MAN) pin Jason VanAtta, 2:15
149 — Jeff Sommers (ONU) dec. Matt Joyce, 11-4
157 — Luke Miller (ONU) maj. dec. Byron Sweet, 8-0
165 — Joel Sherer (MAN) dec. Anthony Coleman, 14-8
174 — Collin Swick (ONU) win by forfeit
184 — Nate Hodges (MAN) dec. Ben Plowman, 5-3
197 — Drew Michel (ONU) maj. dec. Jordan Knox, 18-6
285 — Spencer Fulk (MAN) dec. Joe Fisher, 8-3
Exhibition
285 — Scott Neuenschwander (ONU) dec. Tyler Lathon, 2-0