TIFIFN, Ohio – The Cardinals stayed in conference action with a tri of head-to-head showdowns on Saturday, competing in the OAC Quad hosted by Heidelberg in Seiberling Gymnasium.

Otterbein had a tough task to begin the day with No. 22-ranked Ohio Northern, eventually succumbing 36-6 against the Polar Bears. The Cardinals then responded to beat Wilmington handily (52-5), and closed the day with a competitive 28-15 dual against the host Student Princes.

Senior Nathan Leko (149) and junior Cale Callahan (165) both went a perfect 3-0 in the varsity section, accounting for three bonus-point victories in the process.

Otterbein trailed ONU 15-0 before Leko got Otterbein on the board after fighting for an 8-5 decision. Callahan then tallied the other three points by way of a 9-3 final.

Zach Orseno (133) and Billy Reed-Bodey (HW) dropped very tight decisions themselves, while Gary Steele (184) had extra time before losing in sudden victory.

Carter Mottley and Josh Taylor won exhibitions against counterparts from ONU as well.

Otterbein won four matches via forfeit against Wilmington and another five with bonus points. Callahan, Reed-Body and Logan Cormell pinned their opponents while Leko and Jacob Williams delivered tech falls.
Kyle De Moss, Cade Holmes and Brandon Thomas enjoyed victories in the extra matches.

The finale with Heidelberg was tight entering the heavier divisions, as the 'Berg only led 18-15 before claiming the final three bouts.

Otterbein fell behind 15-0 before roaring back, starting with a fall in 1:17 by Leko and a workmanlike decision for Callahan. Cormell then kept things interesting with a pin himself (at 3:53) before the lineup ran out of steam.

Tamas Eder came up with a victory for himself in the exhibitions, sneaking out an 8-6 decision.

Otterbein gets back into action in two weeks as a portion of the roster will travel up north to the Whizzer Open at Henry Ford Community College.