The Eastern wrestling team will be back in action this Friday as it hosts Indiana University at Lantz Arena.

The meet against the Hoosiers will be the first time the Panther grapplers hit the mat since their comeback victory at the Duquesne Triangular on Jan. 7.

The Panthers won their first match against American University 25-19 at the Triangular. However, they soon found themselves down 18-3 against the host school before their stirring comeback. The Panthers won five of their next six matches to pull off an improbable victory and defeat Duquesne 27-24.

Head coach Ralph McCausland hopes to carry over that positive momentum against a very tough Indiana squad.

“We need to try to feed off of last weeks victory,” McCausland said.

Indiana was ranked 23rd nationally going into the Buckeye Duels Jan. 4. The Hoosiers dropped from the top 25 after going 3-1 at the meet.

However, Indiana did finish strong by easily defeating Northern Illinois 28-11.

The Hoosiers have four wrestlers ranked in the top 15 of their respective weight classes. Coyte Cooper, a 141-pound junior, is ranked fifth in his weight class in two wrestling polls. Sophomore Pat DeGain is 10-1 on the season and is ranked sixth at 197 pounds. Senior Ty Matthews (184 pounds) and freshman Joe Dubuque (125 pounds) are ranked 12th and 13th in their weight classes.

While the Hoosiers may have impressive individuals, the Panthers will not be intimidated by the powerful Big Ten school.

“We compete against the Big Ten and Indiana regularly,” McCausland said. “We’ve faced several top wrestlers before, and there is some respect given. But the Big Ten and OVC conferences are pretty even with wrestling.”

The Panthers will head into the meet against Indiana at less than full strength. Several Panthers have minor injuries that will keep them out of action.

“We’re working on trying to heal up,” McCausland said. “Right now we will take each match as it comes along.”

Due to the injuries, McCausland will be unable to fill out an entire 25-man roster.

“Several guys have to overcome obstacles and step up this weekend, because I can’t insert 25 wrestlers,” McCausland said.

The Panthers will rely on juniors Mike Stanley, Clay French and Josh Lepper, who all went 2-0 at the Duquesne Triangular. Sophomore Andy Coyle also went 2-0 to help the Panthers in their come from behind effort.

The meet against Indiana will take place at home, and McCausland believes it will definitely help his injury-riddled club.

“Anytime we wrestle at home, it is a big factor,” McCausland said.

The meet against Indiana will start at 7 p.m. Friday.