Wrestling
Ohio State Wrestling: 133 Pound Preview
By Kevin Schlosser

The Buckeyes have four grapplers competing for one spot in the lineup at 133 pounds; TJ Enright, Reece Humphrey, Will Livingston and Owen Schafer. Combined the grapplers have earned six varsity letters and qualified for three NCAA tournaments. Enright has the inside track here as a three time returning letterman and two time NCAA qualifier.

Humphrey started as a true freshman at 133 pounds in 2006 before being granted a redshirt last season. After wrestling last season as a true freshman last season at 125 pounds, Livingston is expected to move up and is a redshirt candidate. Schafer earned his first varsity letter last season as a spot starter with Enright and Jaggers spending time on the shelf.

Ohio State is anticipating senior T.J. Enright making the cut for his final season, but he will have to earn his spot in the lineup this season. Reece Humphrey is a capable challenger and a hungry wrestler. While it is probably too early for Livingston to take the next step this year, both Enright and Humphrey have All American potential this season. This is one weight class that the Buckeyes are confident and comfortable with their depth.

The 2007 Front Runner: 133 pounds

T.J. Enright (senior; Galloway, OH)

TJ Enright returns for his senior season with a 62-39 career record and three varsity letters. After receiving a redshirt his first year on campus, Enright went 31-13 as a freshman; placing sixth in the Big Ten and qualifying for the NCAA Tournament. As a sophomore, he moved up to 141 and experienced mixed success posting a 15-14 record and did not place at the Big Ten Tournament. Enright returned to 133 last season; finishing in sixth place at the Big Ten to qualify for his second NCAA Tournament.

While Enright finished the season strong, he battled injuries and conditioning throughout the year. An early season knee injury at the EMU Open put him out of action for over two months. When he returned, Enright was shaking off the rust and building up his conditioning while the rest of the Big Ten was hitting midseason form. Despite racking up some early losses, he was competitive in every match and wrestling his best at the end of the year.

The 2007 Contenders: 133 pounds

Reece Humphrey (sophomore; Indianapolis, IN)

Reece Humphrey was redshirted last year and returns this season with three years of eligibility remaining. Tom Ryan resisted the temptation of wrestling Humphrey when Enright and Jaggers went down with early season injuries. With the possibility of both returning and Humphrey losing a spot in the lineup and a year on the books, the decision was made to save his eligibility.

Humphrey wrestled in two tournaments at 141 pounds last season. At the EMU Open, Humphrey lost 1-0 in the semifinals to two time All American Ryan Lang and won two more matches to place third. At the Penn State Open, he dropped a 7-4 decision to Ricky McLaughlin of Edinboro and came back with two more wins to place fifth. With a 10-2 season, Humphrey pushed his career record to 36-18.

As a true freshman, Humphrey tied J. Jaggers for the team lead in victories; finishing with a 26-16 record and an eighth place in the Big Ten at 133 pounds. When Jaggers was injured and unable to compete at the NCAA Tournament, Humphrey was sent as alternate entry. Humphrey lost his first two matchesand did not finish place.

Prior to Ohio State, Humphrey was a three time state champion from Lawrence North High School and the 2005 Junior National Greco Roman champion and freestyle runner up. Reece is the third wrestler in his family to wrestle at Ohio State as both his brother Jordin and father Jim wrestled for the Buckeyes.

Look for Humphrey to challenge Enright throughout the season and provide depth at both 133 and 141 pounds. Humphrey will have a hard cut, but will be considered the early favorite to replace Enright next season.

Will Livingston (sophomore; Stillwater, NJ)

Will Livingston was the starter for the Buckeyes last season at 125 pounds going 17-20 overall. As a true freshman, he placed fourth at the EMU Open, seventh at the MSU Open, and eighth at the Big Ten Tournament. Livingston struggled physically and technically at times; but grew as the season progressed and gained valuable experience along the way. At the end of the year, he finished second on the team in reversals and third in nearfalls. Highlighting the season for Livingston was a 10-7 victory over Frank Gomez, the four seed, at the Big Ten Tournament.

While a return to 125 is unlikely, Livingston is a prime candidate for a redshirt with Humphrey and Enright on the clock. Livingston may not wrestle varsity this year, but he will be counted on to push Triggas, Enright, Humphrey and Jaggers at practice. With the graduation of T.J. Enright, Livingston is expected to challenge Humphrey for the spot next season.

Owen Schafer (junior; Sandusky, OH)

Owen Schafer is a transfer student from Heidleberg College. Last season, Schafer cracked the Ohio State lineup when Enright was injured and Humphrey was held out. Schafer finished with a record and was named a 2007 Academic All Big Ten. Over the next two years, Schafer can be expected to provide depth at 133 and 141 pounds.

Ohio State in 2006-2007: 133 pounds

When healthy, T.J. Enright was the starter and primary scorer for the Buckeyes last season. As a redshirt junior, Enright finished 14-10 for the Buckeyes; placing sixth at EMU Open and the Big Ten Tournament. In dual meet competition, he went 8-4 overall and 4-4 in the Big Ten. Enright wrestled fourteen matches involving former NCAA qualifiers and finished 3-9 in quality matches. Hidden in the numbers, T.J. lost five matches by one point, two by two points, one by four, and one by five. Enright went 11-1 against non qualifiers with his only loss coming by injury default.

Enright qualified for the NCAA Tournament but did not place. After dropping a close 5-3 match in the first round, Enright won a to The highlight of the season for Enright was a 4-2 overtime victory over four time All American Nick Simmons at the Michigan State dual. His 5-3 decision win over Nick Bridge gave Ohio State an 18-17 come from behind victory over Cornell in dual meet competition.

2007-2008 Big Ten Outlook: 133 pounds

With the departure of champion Nick Simmons, the Big Ten will be crowning a new champion. Leading the charge will be Minnesota senior Mack Reiter and Indiana sophomore Andrae Hernandez. Reiter was a two time All American, while Hernandez was the Big Ten finalist and earned All American status with an eighth place finish. Penn State All American Jake Strayer has moved up to 141 pounds after taking fifth in the Big Ten and seventh at the NCAA Tournament last season

Returning wrestlers with NCAA experience and that have placed at a previous Big Ten Tournament include Illinois sophomore James “Jimmy” Kennedy, Ohio State senior TJ Enright, and Wisconsin junior Zach Tanelli. Returning letterman expected to wrestle 133 pounds are Purdue junior Sean Schmaltz, Northwestern sophomore Eric Metzler, and Michigan sophomore Chris Diehl.

Michigan State sophomore Frank Gomez is projected to move up to 133 pounds. After wrestling the majority of the season individually ranked in the top ten at 125 pounds, he was upset at the Big Ten Tournament and did not place or qualify for the NCAA Tournament. With the graduation of Mario Galanakis, Iowa is expected to start a sophomore; either Joey Slaton or Dan Dennis. Penn State senior Tim Haas is the early favorite to step into a shifting line if All American Jake Strayer moves to 141 pounds.

With a single season of eligibility remaining and three varsity letters earned, T.J. Enright has the inside track at 133 pounds if he can make weight and stay healthy. The Ohio State starter will be expected to place and score at the Big Ten Tournament. Reece Humphrey and Will Livingston provide quality depth and could be successful if in the lineup. It will be a disappointment if Ohio State does not place or qualify a wrestler for the NCAA Tournament.

2007 Big Ten Tournament Place Winners (2008 Class Rank)

First: Nick Simmons (MSU) Graduated; NCAA: 2007 third; 2006 fourth; 2005 fourth; 2003 seventh

Second: Andrae Hernandez (Indiana; sophomore) NCAA: 2007 eighth

Third: Mack Reiter (Minnesota; senior) NCAA: 2006 fourth; 2005 fourth

Fourth: James Kennedy (Illinois; sophomore)

Fifth: Jake Strayer (PSU; junior) NCAA: 2007 seventh

Sixth: T.J. Enright (OSU; senior)

Seventh: Mario Galanakis (Iowa) Graduated

Eighth: Zach Tanelli (Wisconsin; junior)

DNP: Sean Schmaltz (Purdue; senior), Chris Diehl (Michigan; sophomore), and Eric Metzler (Northwestern; sophomore)

2007-2008 NCAA Outlook: 133 pounds

Two time defending champion Matt Vallenti and four time All American Nick Simmons were the cream of the class last season and have both graduated. The early favorite is Oklahoma State senior Coleman Scott, a finalist last season and a three time All American. Minnesota senior Mack Reiter and Missouri senior Tyler McCormick lead the field as two time All Americans. Penn State junior beat Indiana junior Andrae Hernandez for seventh last season. Strayer is projected to bump up to 141 this year while Hernandez is anticipated to return at 133 pounds.

Cal Poly replaces two time All American Darrell Vasquez with senior Chad Mendes. After earning All American status at 125 pounds in 2006, Mendez was a redshirt last season. The Big Ten is hoping to send four contenders looking for first time All American honors in Illinois sophomore Jimmy Kennedy, Michigan State sophomore Frank Gomez, Ohio State senior T.J. Enright, and Wisconsin junior Zach Tanelli. Lock Haven senior Obe Blanc faces three choices; make 125 again, move up to 133, or apply for an Olympic redshirt. As a three time national qualifier, Blanc will be expected to be a contender wherever he lands.

Other wrestlers in competition at 133 include Hofstra sophomore Lou Ruggirello, Iowa State sophomore Nick Gallick, Kent State sophomore Dan Mitcheff and Navy junior Joe Baker. Harvard senior Robbie Preston and Cornell sophomore Adam Frey are anticipated moving up to 141 pounds, but would be in contention if they return to 133 pounds. Harvard is expected to start true freshman Corey Jantzen. If Nick Gallick goes to 141 pounds, look for sophomore Nick Fanthorpe to get the nod for the Cyclones.

Ohio State will be counting on senior T.J. Enright to stay healthy and end his career on a positive note. A strong regular season and a good showing at the Big Ten Tournament would enable him to earn a seed in his third NCAA Tournament. As the favorite or an underdog, Enright wrestles up to the level competition and has the ability to score points and leave an All American. Based on previous experience and success, Reece Humphrey would have similar expectations if he becomes the Buckeye starter.

2007 NCAA Tournament Place Winners (2008 Class Rank)

First: Matt Vallenti (Penn) Graduated; NCAA 2007 first, 2006 first, 2005 fifth

Second: Coleman Scott (Oklahoma State, senior) NCAA: 2007 second; 2006 fifth; 2005 eighth

Third: N. Simmons (Michigan St.) Graduated; NCAA: 2007 third; 2006 & 2005 fourth, 2003 seventh

Fourth: Matt Keller (UTC) Graduated; 2007 fourth, 2006 eighth

Fifth: Darrell Vasquez (Cal-Poly; senior) Graduated; NCAA: 2007 fifth; 2004 sixth

Sixth: Tyler McCormick (Missouri; senior) NCAA: 2007 sixth; 2006 seventh

Seventh: Jake Strayer (Penn State; junior)

Eighth: Andrae Hernandez (Indiana; junior)

DNP: Mack Reiter (Minnesota; senior) NCAA: 2006 fourth; 2005 fourth

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