COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Ohio State redshirt freshman wrestler Nick Feldman has joined an exclusive group – he earned a Black Shirt. This follows a dramatic and clutch victory in the Buckeyes last duel against Michigan.
Nick had to win his heavyweight bout for Ohio State to win the dual, and that’s exactly what happened. It was a 4-3 win by decision over No. 4 Lucas Davison. It gave Ohio State three team points and finished off a 20-19 win against the Wolverines.
The Black Shirt tradition is fairly new to the program, it started in 2019 and to become a Black Shirt Ohio State said wrestlers have to do things in the program that are non-negotiable. Nominees must receive unanimous approval from coaching staff and current “Black Shirts,” they must also display elite discipline, grit, selflessness and excellence. The wrestlers must also help the team be more conscious of making decisions that will help the team reach the next level.
There are eight others on the current roster who have earned a Black Shirt.
“The Black Shirt means a lot, I’ve been watching the guys on my team with Black Shirts, looking up to them since I got here, now I’m one of them. I’m lucky to be in that elite group, I’m ready to make it worth it,” Feldman said.
Feldman was both named the Big Ten wrestler of the week and the national wrestler of the week.