Though the Ohio State wrestling team didn't get the outcome they were looking for in their dual against Penn State last night, the Schottenstein Center was on fire as 15,338 Buckeye fans packed in to watch one of the greatest and most accomplished athletes in Ohio State history.
In the last match of the night, Snyder manhandled the Lions' Nick Nevills 19-9, further cementing his status as maybe the best pound-for-pound wrestler in the world. Snyder is coming off a gold medal in the prestigious Yarygin Tournament, and showed little rust against his opponent, ranked third in the country.
Here is what the Schott looked like shortly before his match:
The Best Fans in the Land LIGHT UP THE SCHOTT before Buckeye Kyle Snyder takes the mat vs. No. 1 Penn State Friday, Feb. 3, 2017. - Spherical Image - RICOH THETA
The overall attendance of 15,338 should also be noted; it's close to the 17,449 that the Ohio State versus Michigan State men's basketball game brought to the arena just a few weeks ago.
THANK YOU to the BEST FANS IN THE LAND!
— Ohio State Buckeyes (@OhioStAthletics) February 4, 2017
@wrestlingbucks attendance record (15,338) set last night! #GoBuckshttps://t.co/hM5sQtENED
With average basketball attendance in decline, and Ohio State wrestling sporting one of the best Buckeye athletes ever, it's not inconceivable that wrestling could overtake men's basketball sometime in the future. The Buckeyes have one more home matchup, this Monday at 7pm against Rutgers.
If last night was any indication, it should be a lot of fun.
