By: Gina Ferrentino (TheLantern.com) —
After three tedious but successful weekends on the road, Ohio State wrestling is ready to face it’s first Big Ten competition at home.

This weekend, the No. 5 Bucks host No. 20 Indiana and No. 10 Minnesota in a series of duals at St. John Arena and the Schottenstein Center. The meeting of OSU vs. Minnesota Sunday will be first time the OSU wrestling team has competed at the Schottenstein Center.

With three consecutive wins under their belt, the Buckeyes are excited to bring their game back to Columbus.

“It is always nice to wrestle in front of our home crowd. Our students feed off a crowd that is inspired,” coach Tom Ryan said.

Celebrating their homecoming homecoming, the Bucks will be welcoming OSU wrestling alumni for a half-time recognition ceremony during Friday night’s match against Indiana at St. John Arena.

“We are looking forward to spending some time with the men who have worked so hard for this program,” Ryan said.

However, with a homecoming comes added pressure from the fans, and the most important matches of the team’s season unfold this weekend.

In order to clinch the Big Ten title, each match from here out is a must-win for the Buckeyes. Two conference wins this weekend, though important, are only the beginning.

“We beat Minnesota at the National Duals and expect they will come in here looking to avenge that loss,” Ryan said.

Ryan said the team must take Indiana seriously as well. The Hoosiers nearly upset No. 14 Penn State in their last match, until Penn State forced a last minute tie.

“We have competed very well at five of the 10 weight classes. We need better performances from the other Cialis buy cheap five. I am looking for a total team performance,” Ryan said. “We need everyone scoring points this weekend.”

Despite the pressure, the Buckeyes remain positive that their undefeated duals record will remain in tact after this weekend.

“We’re going to win it,” junior AJ Agazarm said, “the Big Ten and Nationals.”

The heart of the Bucks’ season is just beginning. Big Ten duals make up the rest of the team’s 2009 schedule, consisting of two matches a weekend for the next four weeks before the Big Ten championships in March.

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