(Kent, Ohio): Clarion wrestlers
Bekzod Abdurakhmonov and Scott Joseph scored impressive victories at 165 and 174 pounds, but the Golden Eagles were missing three starters and #17 rated Kent State notched a 44-6 win on Friday night in NCAA Division I wrestling.
Held at the MAC Center at Kent State, the Golden Flashes move to 11-5 overall while Clarion dipped to 3-5 in dual meet action.
“We were certainly undermanned tonight but our wrestlers went out and gave a very strong effort,” said Clarion head coach Teague Moore. “Bekzod and
Scott Joseph had real nice wins tonight.”
Abdurakhmonov defeated Ross Tice 5-1 at 165-pounds, avenging an earlier overtime loss to Tice at Cornell. After a scoreless first period Abdurkhmonov opened the second with an escape, and then scored a takedown for a 3-0 lead. In the third he added a two-point near fall for a 5-0 lead before Tice escaped. Bekzod's record is now 19-6.
Joseph followed with an impressive 9-7 win over Brandonn Johnson at 174. Joseph led 4-3 after the first period with a takedown and reversal. A second period escape and takedown had him ahead 7-4 after two periods. With the score 7-5 in the third, Joseph got his final takedown with about 40-seconds left and won 9-7. Joseph is now 9-15.
Anthony White lost a tough 3-2 match to Marcel Clopton at 149. White trailed 3-0 in the third, garnered a takedown with about 30-seconds left, but could not turn Clopton and lost 3-2. White is now 17-9 this season.
Clarion returns to action on Friday, Feb. 4th when the Golden Eagles host Bloomsburg at 7pm, then on Sunday will host Rider at Noon and Ohio University at 2pm at Tippin Gym.
125- Nic Bedelyon (KS) wbf Tom Gowing (CL) 1:38
141- Chase Skonieczny (KS) forfeit
157- Mallie Shuster (KS) tech. fall
Kyle Braddock (CL) 19-0; 3:47
184- Casey Newburg (KS) wbf Steve Cressley (CL) 6:17
197- Dustin Kilgore (KS) forfeit
285- Brandon Barlow (KS) forfeit
Clarion: 3-5
Kent State (#17): 11-5
