Flashes Welcome 18 Newcomers to 2011-12 Squad
KENT, Ohio - After signing six wrestlers to national letters of intent last fall, The Kent State wrestling team recently announced the addition of 13 more newcomers, bringing its incoming class to 18 and its total roster to 39. The Golden Flashes brought in more out-of-state recruits this season than any other year, including seven from Pennsylvania and one from West Virginia.
“Because of the seniors we have this year, we purposely went out and got a big class,” Head Wrestling Coach Jim Andrassy said. We knew a couple years ago we wanted this to be a big class and we identified a lot of guys early, who we think we can develop.”
The most accomplished wrestler in the group is Jamie Clark (Medina, Ohio), who will have to sit out this season after transferring from Illinois. A three-time Ohio state champion at St. Ed’s, Clark will have three years of eligibility at 141 pounds.
“We’ve really made a name for ourselves and a lot of kids just want to be on this team now because of the success we’ve had,” Andrassy said. “Jamie was someone that was considered one of the top recruits in the country and he came to us.”
Other area products among the later commitments include 125-pounders Alfredo Gray (Wadsworth, Ohio) and Del Vinas (Twinsburg, Ohio) as well 197-pounder Irayel Williams (Cleveland, Ohio).
“Irayel is a great athlete with a lot of upside,” Andrassy said. “Alfredo and Del are both hard workers that we think can continue to develop.”
Four more Pennsylvania natives: Cole Baxter (Butler, Pa.), Michael Crawford (Butler, Pa.), Tyler Buckwalter (Mill Hall, Pa.) Mike Vollant (Erie, Pa.) were among the later commitments. Six of the out-of-state wrestlers carried grade point averages of 3.5 or better in high school.
“Josh Moore has brought in a lot of out-of-state talent over the years,” Andrassy said. “He and now Matt Hill, have definitely expanded our recruiting territory. And as long as we think guys can help our program, it doesn’t matter where our recruits come from.”
The Golden Flashes are bringing in two other transfers, Jordan Marrero (Reynoldsburg, Ohio) of Campbellsville and Caleb Marsh (Marysville, Ohio) of Ashland. Joining the mix at 141 is Nick Hille (Lexington, Ohio) and Nick Brown (Columbus, Ohio) at 184, giving the Flashes depth at every weight class with its new members.
Early Signees
Kyle Bauer (Wheeling, W. Va.) - 133
Nick Carr (South Fayette, Pa.) - 149
Ian Miller (Graytown, Ohio) - 149/157
Jacob Schultz (Lewistown, Pa.) - 149
Clay Wenger (Wadsworth, Ohio) - 157
Tyler Gargano (Hermitage, Pa.) - 165
Aaron Chimenti
Assistant Director, Athletic Communications
Kent State University
Contact for: Kentstatesports.com, Softball, Wrestling, Football (Secondary)
330-672-8468
