By Caleb Scott
ADA — The Ohio Northern wrestling team enjoyed another successful season as it posted its third consecutive winning season under 29th-year head coach Ron Beaschler in 2016-17.
The Polar Bears were 11-4 overall and posted a 4-2 record in the Ohio Athletic Conference, finishing third in the conference standings.
Northern saw three athletes earn All-Conference honor during the 2016-17 campaign.
Sophomore Gavin Nelson (Oregon/Clay) and freshman Nate Barcaskey (Moon Township, Pa./Moon Area) each earned First Team All-OAC honors, while junior Seth Meyer (Defiance) was named Second Team All-OAC for the Polar Bears.
Nelson earned his first career All-Conference accolade, earning First Team honors at the 157 weight class.
The sophomore posted a 23-12 record at the 157 weight class, including a 5-1 record in the OAC.
Nelson recorded four falls and had five major decisions this season.
Barcaskey was also named First Team All-OAC for the first time in his career after posting a perfect 6-0 record in OAC action as a heavyweight.
The freshman posted a 30-8 record and added a team-best 18 pins for Northern.
He also placed 6th in his weight class at the NCAA Regionals.
The freshman was also named OAC Wrestler of the Week for the week of Jan. 29-Feb. 4.
Meyer earned his first career All-OAC honor as he was named Second Team All-OAC.
The junior was 16-17 overall at 165 pounds and had a solid 4-2 record in his OAC dual matches.
Northern returned to the national rankings in 2016-17 as it climbed as high as No. 20 in the National Wrestling Coaches Association poll.
Barcaskey led the team with 30 victories this season, while sophomore Clayton Davidson (Kirtland) ranked second on the team with 28 victories at the 174 pound weight class.
Barcaskey also owned a team-best .789 winning percentage.
Senior Kyler Deeter (Covington) ranked third on the team with 25 victories at the 147 weight class, and ranked second on the team with 11 falls.
After competing in the Mount Union Invitational and Findlay Open, Northern returned home where it posted a third place finish at the 36th Annual ONU Invitational.
ONU posted a 7-0 record in duals to open the season, highlighted by a 24-19 victory over No. 14-ranked Cortland State (N.Y.) at the Washington & Lee Duals.
Northern posted a 4-2 record in OAC action as it opened conference action with a 3-0 record.
The Polar Bears wrapped up the season with an 11th place finish at the NCAA III Midwest Regionals in Fort Wayne, Ind.
