Triple Threat
From the World Wide Wrestling Association to the Ultimate Fighting Championships, the extremes of wrestling are all over the media. In this case, though, the wrestling style is Greco-Roman and Sunday, it’s at Eastern.
Eastern finally has a home match after starting its season in mid-November. And the first home match against Indiana isn’t exactly considered to be an easy win. Here are three reasons to go check out Greg Perz and the Panthers.
1. Home sweet home- The Panthers have been wrestling in the state of Illinois, but not in Charleston. The Panthers lost to Northwestern in Evanston in a dual meet, 38-12. Then the Panthers competed at the Midlands Tournament in Evanston and failed to win a match in the championship bracket. Even though the team has been competing since November, this will be the first chance for the students to watch the team up close. It’s also one of the only chances. Their dual match against Indiana is one of only three at home this season.
2. Welcome back, coach- Ron Clinton, the head coach before Ralph McCausland, will be honored before the meet starts Sunday. Clinton coached from 1975-83 compiling a 64-28-1 record. Clinton led the Panthers to four top five finishes in the NCAA Division II Championships from 1978-81. In his final year as head coach and his first year in Division I, the Panthers finished 32nd in the NCAA Championships that year.
3. Nationally-ranked opponent – Eastern will be facing No. 15 Indiana led by head coach Duane Goldman. The Panthers look to end the streak of undefeated Indiana (8-0). At the Midlands Tournament, where the Panthers finished 27th, the Hoosiers finished fifth.