With many of the fall sports’ seasons ending, winter sports are starting back up again as the transition between seasons occur in the OAC.
Here’s what happened this past weekend with JCU Athletics.
Men’s Soccer
Moving through the OAC Tournament with ease, the John Carroll Men’s Soccer team was crowned OAC Champions for the 2021 season on Saturday night after defeating No. 9 nationally ranked Otterbein in a overtime thriller. Ben Hryszko, for the fourth time this season, ended the match with a game winning goal only a minute and 21 seconds into overtime from a cross by Nicholas Graeca. John Carroll goalkeeper Connor Robinson pitched his fourth shutout in his past five matches during this game.
The Blue Streaks will host the First and Second Rounds of the NCAA Division III Tournament this weekend, facing Bethany (WV) to open up the tournament at 11 am on Saturday at Don Shula Stadium.
Wrestling
Opening their season with exhibition matches against Lake Erie College, the Blue Streaks Wrestling team started to reveal the strong athletes they will have for this upcoming season. One of JCU's ranked wrestlers, Jarrod Brezovec (3rd at 141), won by technical fall 15-0 in 4:27 over Jacob Donahue. Luke Reicosky is another top dog who made his season debut, with a 1-1 record. He lost his first match, 3-2, against John Siemasz and won, 6-4, over Jacob Potok. Reicosky is ranked fourth at 165, but made his debut at 157 lbs. The only matchup with two nationally ranked wrestlers was between Andrew Perelka (3rd at 125) and Corey Gamet (13th at 125). The two met at 133 and Gamet earned a 6-4 decision.
Men’s Swimming & Diving
Following a loss to Ohio Northern to open the season, John Carroll University Men's Swimming and Diving team returned to their winning ways on Saturday with a 206-90 conquest over the University of Mount Union. The Blue & Gold had a swimmer place first in all 14 men’s events throughout the day, with many of the other top positions marked by a JCU athlete. Liam McDonnell won all four of his events to capture OAC Men’s Swimmer of the Week honors.
Women’s Swimming & Diving
The Blue Streaks Women’s Swimming and Diving team got back on track on Saturday, defeating the University of Mount Union 182-115, after suffering an opening season loss to Ohio Northern. The team had a first place finisher in all events except the 1000 yard freestyle, 200 yard breaststroke, and 500 yard freestyle as they earned the team victory over the rival school after an impressive day of competition. Ashley Lynch took home OAC Swimmer of the Week honors after winning all four events.
Football
In a heartbreaking loss to Heidelberg University on Saturday, the Blue & Gold Football team fall to 6-3 on the season. Going into overtime, the Student Princes bested John Carroll 27-21 on their Senior Day game in Tiffin. The Blue Streaks opening overtime drive ended just inches off the endzone, giving possession back to Heidelberg. The Student Princes regained possession and scored on their first play within the extra time to take the victory. On the offensive end, Floriea went 24-of-32 for 254 yards and 2 touchdowns, adding 65 yards on the ground. McVay ran the ball 24 times for 100 yards, also catching 7 catches for 78 yards and a touchdown. Brennan Fugh topped the team in receiving with 90 yards off 7 receptions. Defensively, Nate Leopold led the team with 9 tackles, while Bricker Thiel added 7 total tackles, 4 tackles for loss, and 1 sack. Nick Costanzo played quite well, recording 7 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and 1 sack.
