MAC Wrestler of the Week
Johnny Lovett, Central Michigan, R- Sophomore
Miami, Fla./Miami Southridge HS -- 157 pounds
Central Michigan redshirt sophomore Johnny Lovett went 3-0 with two major-decision victories and a dramatic 8-6 overtime win in helping the Chippewas complete a 3-0 weekend including a victory over 24th-ranked South Dakota State. Lovett posted a 13-5 victory over Anthony Gibson of Northern Illinois and then had a 16-4 win over Max Kristoff of SIU Edwardsville and closed the weekend with an 8-6 sudden-victory win over Kenny O'Neill. Lovett trailed, 5-2, in the third period and eventually scored a takedown with under 5 seconds remaining in regulation to tie the match, 6-6, and send it to the extra session where he got a quick takedown for the win, which proved crucial in CMU's 21-17 win over the Jackrabbits, who entered the weekend ranked No. 3 in the mid-major poll. Lovett, who is ranked 18th nationally, has won seven consecutive matches and is 14-4 on the season.
Other Nominees
Riley Smucker, Cleveland State, Sophomore
Smithville, Ohio – 165 lbs.
After being ranked No. 31 in the first NCAA Coach rankings, Smucker went 4-0 on the week. All his victories came on decisions. His three MAC victories came against; Cam Pine of Clarion (6-3), Angel Garcia of Rider (4-2 OT), Alex Garee of Edinboro (3-1 OT), and Sammy Starr of Navy (9-6).
Alex Madrigal, George Mason, Grad Student
Chicago, Ill. -- 149 lbs.
Grad student Alex Madrigal earned another tech fall (21-5), his fifth of the season, but the Patriots dropped the match, 25-11, to Lock Haven. Madrigal had three takedowns in the first period before earning a fall (4:16) against Bloomsburg's Cody Harrison at 149 pounds to improve to 16-3. The Patriots won the match 26-9.
Isaac Reid, Lock Haven, R-So.
Saltsburg, Pa. (Kiski) – 285 lbs.
In Friday's win over George Mason, 26th-ranked Reid earned an impressive 18-3 tech fall victory to wrap up the win for the Bald Eagles. Reid used six takedowns, a first-period tilt, a penalty-point via stalling and a 4:34 riding time advantage to cruise to his 11th win of the season. On Saturday, Reid brought the house down as Lock Haven trailed Clarion 16-13 going into the final bout of the night. Staring down a match score that was looking to come down to criteria, Reid delivered an other-worldly third period. Reid put on a takedown clinic, adding two takedowns and a stalling point to take a 11-6 lead in the bout's waning seconds. With 21 ticks remaining in the bout, Reid scored his third takedown of the period and rode out the final seconds of the bout, adding a riding time point to post a 14-6 major decision victory. Reid's major decision victory handed the Lock Haven faithful - packed into Thomas Fieldhouse - a thrilling 17-16 victory.
Oscar Sanchez, Ohio, Redshirt Sophomore
Genoa, Ohio – 125 lbs.
Redshirt sophomore Oscar Sanchez had a successful weekend, going 2-0 against Navy and Davidson. Saturday's match against Navy's Jacob Allen was tight, heading into a sudden victory period tied 1-1. Sanchez pulled ahead with a takedown, securing a 3-1 win. On Sunday, Sanchez registered his first technical fall of the season, defeating his opponent 20-5. On the season, he's 15-5 with three major decision victories.
