No. 5 Ohio State to battle with IU

In any sport, the opportunity to learn is always present.

IU Coach Duane Goldman knows this better than anyone, coming off the weekend with a 41-3 loss to an extremely physical Minnesota team. Seeing the weekend’s match as a chance to learn and improve, Goldman is now preparing his wrestlers for an equally grueling match against the nation’s fifth-ranked team, Ohio State. 

Though Minnesota and Ohio State demonstrate the typical aggressive nature of Big Ten wrestling, Goldman said this particular meet is all about individual matchups.

“They’re ranked at 125 and ranked (No.) 1 at 133, they’re ranked second at 141, and they have an All-American at 149,” said Goldman. “They are good at several weights, so it will present a lot of challenges.”

Goldman said while it will be important to win at some weight classes, his main concern will be effort.

“I was really pleased with our effort against Minnesota, and I would like to see that same effort and hopefully that translates into some wins,” Goldman said. “I think in the long run of it all, whether it be this season or next season, it’s going to translate into more wins, but the main thing is just the effort.”

Goldman also said training for Ohio State has been more individualized. As the lineup becomes finalized at this time in the season, training for an important match becomes much more detail-oriented. Ultimately, this will aid in dealing with ranked wrestlers like Ohio State’s Logan Stieber, who is ranked No. 1 at the 133 weight position.

Keeping these aspects of their training in mind, Goldman said the Hoosiers are ready to go back into battle with Ohio State on Friday.

However, the team may be without one of its starters. Redshirt freshman Eric Roach is questionable, after suffering from a confirmed head injury. Goldman stated the staff has been keeping an eye on Roach; however, it is unclear whether or not he will compete on Friday.

The bottom line, Goldman said, is for his wrestlers to simply compete. Goldman said he fully believes they will see positive results if the work ethic is there.

“If they compete hard, good things can happen,” Goldman said. “We’re ready to compete with these teams on a physical level, and we just need to get out there and let the fur fly and good things will happen; maybe it’s a win, but it’s better than going out there and waiting for things to happen.”