Ohio State graduate wrestler Sammy Sasso steps onto the mat during his match against Chattanooga’s Jackson Hurst at the Covelli Center Thursday night. It was Sasso’s first match after missing the 2023-24 season due to injuries suffered during an attempted robbery Aug. 18, 2023, and Sasso won 12-6. Credit: Reid Murray | Managing Editor for Design
Fourteen months after suffering gunshot wounds, 165-pound Sammy Sasso stepped back onto the mat in a Buckeye uniform and the graduate was back in the win column.
In all, the No. 6 Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga 36-6 Thursday night in the 2024-25 dual season opener at the Covelli Center.
“Tonight was amazing. It was one of the most impressive things I’ve ever witnessed and that was Sammy Sasso return to the mat,” head coach Tom Ryan said. “To see him just be back out on the mat and embracing what he loves so much it was fantastic.”
Sasso, a four-time All-American, secured three takedowns in the opening period against the Mocs’ Jackson Hurst.
Hurst didn’t go away easily, but Sasso claimed the victory with a 12-6 decision in front of a standing ovation.
Sasso, who’s competing in the 165-pound division for the first time in his career, said it hasn’t hindered his style.
“Size wise, I definitely felt good. My scrambling felt really good,” Sasso said. “I definitely feel 100% and it feels good to get the first one out of the way.”
The dual began in the 125-pound division with Buckeyes No. 11 Brendan McCrone dominating Chatanooga’s Ty Tice.
McCrone shutout Tice, with a final score of 16-0 for the technical fall victory.
Nic Bouzakis represented the Buckeyes at 133 pounds in a clash of ranked wrestlers.
Bouzakis, who ranks at No. 18 in the division, defeated No. 24 Blake Boarman after a late takedown in the third period helped secure the 12-7 decision victory for Bouzakis.
The Buckeyes 141-pound defending NCAA champion – No. 2 Jesse Mendez – picked up a 23-7 technical fall win over Chatanooga No. 20 Isaiah Powe.
Ohio State continued its roll, picking up wins in both the 149 and 157-pound divisions.
At 149 pounds, the Buckeyes No. 11 ranked Dylan D’Emilio wrestled to beat Mocs’ Bretli Reyna and secured his fourth takedown for a 14-3 majority decision.
In the 157-pound division, No. 10 Ohio State Paddy Gallagher was challenged by Chattanooga’s Castillo.
Tied 1-1 at the end of three periods, the match entered sudden death. Gallagher snatched Castillo’s leg and completed a full takedown to win.
The following match in the 174-pound division would be the only victory of the night for Chattanooga.
Ohio State’s Bryce Hepner, ranked No. 15 at 174 pounds, sustained an injury during the opening seconds of the contest against Sergio Desiante. Hepner tried to continue but after a takedown from Desiante, he medically forfeited.
The remaining three matches were all Buckeye victories.
In the 184-pound division, Buckeyes No. 17 sophomore Ryder Rogotzke beat Kamdyn Munro 19-12 in a decision victory. At 197 pounds, No. 10 Luke Geogg won a 20-5 technical fall and then No. 3 Nick Feldman dominated with five takedowns in the opening period and won in the second with a sixth takedown for a 19-4 technical fall.
Ryan said he was pleased with Feldman’s overall performance.
“We’re seeing the growth of Nick Feldman,” Ryan said. “He’s stronger, he’s more fit, he’s more technical…and he was really aggressive tonight.”
Ohio State will continue its season Sunday as they travel to compete against Edinboro University of Pennsylvania.
