Wrestling Announces Incoming Freshman Class
6/9/2006 12:00:00 AM | Wrestling
Kent, Ohio - The Kent State wrestling team announced the signing of five standout recruits to join the squad for the 2006-07 season. All five have been finalists at the Ohio high school state tournament, while four earned state titles. Bryce Freeman (Burton, Ohio/Berkshire), a three-time placewinner at the Ohio state tournament, will compete for time at 125 pounds next season. Freeman was a Division III state champion in 2006 at 119 pounds and was runner-up in 2005 at 103.
Jake Kyle (St. Paris, Ohio/Graham) was also a three-time state placewinner. At the Division II championships, Kyle finished second at 130 pounds as a sophomore in 2004, falling to current Golden Flash Drew Lashaway 1-0 in the finals. The following year (2005), Kyle moved up to 135 pounds and placed fifth. As a senior, he was one of four Graham grapplers to win a state title, this time competing at 140 pounds. A USA Wrestling All-American, Kyle is expected to compete at 149 or 157 pounds.
John Pycraft (Elyria, Ohio/Elyria), a 2006 Division I state champion at 152 pounds, will see action at KSU at 157 and 165 pounds. A USA Wrestling All-American, Pycraft also won Freestyle and Greco Roman state championships.
Sli Bostleman (Tontogany, Ohio/Ostego), also a state champion at 152 pounds in 2006 (Division III), will compete for a spot at 165 or 174 pounds. Bostleman was also an all-state football player as a safety at Ostego.
Chris Estep (Collins, Ohio/Western Reserve) will look to see action at 174 and 184 pounds at Kent State. Estep was a Division III state runner-up at 160 pounds as a junior in 2005. As a senior, Estep was considered a favorite to win a state title in 2006 before an ankle injury ended his season.
“We've got some very athletic wrestlers in this group that also do well in the classroom,” said Head Coach Jim Andrassy. “There were a few voids in the lineup from our graduating seniors, that this class can help fill immediately. It's not a large class in numbers, but we're very excited about these wrestlers and the programs they come from. And we're already working on next year's recruiting class.”
The Golden Flashes were ranked No. 25 in the final NWCA Dual Meet Poll after posting a record of 14-4-1 and finished second at the 2006 Mid-American Conference Championships.
