Michaels and Schaffer Earn MAC Wrestling Weekly Honors
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A dominant performance at the Tri-State Santa Slam and a perfect record across multiple dual meets have earned Ryan Michaels of Edinboro and Blake Schaffer of Kent State the Mid-American Conference (MAC) Wrestler of the Week awards. The accolades recognize outstanding achievements during recent competition, signaling a strong start to the 2025-26 wrestling season.
East Division: Michaels Dominates at Kent State
Ryan Michaels, wrestling in the 149 lbs. weight class for Edinboro, showcased his skill at the Tri-State Santa Slam hosted by Kent State. Michaels secured two victories, including a commanding 16-3 major decision over Zac Cowan of Bellarmine University. He followed this up with a decisive 21-6 tech fall against Silas Stits of Kent State, demonstrating his ability to control matches and accumulate points.
West Division: Schaffer Leads Kent State to Victory
Blake Schaffer, competing at 197 lbs. for Kent State, enjoyed a flawless 4-0 record over three days. This impressive run contributed significantly to Kent State’s success, resulting in three dual meet wins – including the program’s first conference dual meet victory under the leadership of first-year Head Coach Josh Moore.
Schaffer’s performance at the Tri-State Santa Slam included a 3-0 decision against Andrew Liber of Bellarmine and a 10-4 win over Brody Evans of Edinboro. Continuing his winning streak on Saturday at a Tri-Meet in Buffalo, Schaffer defeated Josh McCutchen of Gardner-Webb with a 7-2 decision. He then clinched the dual meet victory with a narrow 2-1 win against Connor Jacobs of Buffalo, proving his ability to perform under pressure.
Schaffer’s consistent success is a promising sign for the Kent State wrestling program as it navigates its inaugural season under new leadership. The victories highlight the potential for a competitive season within the MAC.
