In an intense showdown on Sunday, Maryland wrestling faced off against the formidable No. 2 Ohio State, ultimately losing 29-16. Despite the defeat, the Terps demonstrated significant improvement in their final Big Ten contest of the season, scoring a season-high 16 points in conference play.
Coach Alex Clemsen praised his team’s efforts, highlighting a noticeable increase in responsiveness and performance throughout the match. “Our effort was really good today,” he stated, reflecting on how the wrestlers stepped up in their performances against a tough opponent.
Among the standout performances was Branson John, who competed at 197 pounds. After struggling against top-ranked wrestlers earlier in the season, John delivered a crucial win by pinning No. 10 Luke Geog. His victory came midway through the second period, showcasing improved hand fighting and timing techniques that had been elusive in previous matches. “Right from the very beginning, I felt my timing was good. I wasn’t giving him what he wanted,” John explained after securing the pin that energized the Pavilion.
Maryland capitalized on injury setbacks faced by the Buckeyes, who were missing three top-10 wrestlers. This created an opportunity for the Terps to clinch noteworthy victories. At 157 pounds, sophomore Mekhi Neal sealed the momentum with a decisive takedown just before halftime, leading to a win that bolstered team morale. Similarly, Seth Digby at 174 pounds exhibited resilient grappling, progressing to sudden victory where he also emerged triumphant.
Clemsen commended both Neal and Digby for their smart wrestling, emphasizing that they managed to maintain control and composure even when early opportunities slipped away. “They wrestled smart,” he noted.
As Maryland continues to strive for success in wrestling, the team can look forward to building on this performance, as the emergence of wrestlers like John, Neal, and Digby signals potential for future growth and competitiveness in the upcoming season.