Wrestling Announces Incoming Freshman Class
6/25/2010 12:00:00 AM | Wrestling
KENT, Ohio - A Pennsylvania state champion and four other place winners at state tournaments will make up Kent State's 2010-11 freshman class, recently announced by Head Wrestling Coach Jim Andrassy. The five-member class will push for mat time in the first four weight classes (125-149).
"It's a smaller group, but it fits the specific type of need that we're looking for," Andrassy said of the work ethic and mentality he looks for in recruits. "It's not just about their high school achievements, we go after guys we think can develop into being a big part of our future."
Tyler Small (Littlestown, Pa./Delone Catholic), who earned a AA Pennsylvania state title at 125 pounds this past March, is expected to compete for a starting spot at 133 or 141. Small was a three-time district champion and three-time state place winner. He compiled a career varsity record of 154-24, including a 40-4 mark as a senior. Small totaled 59 pins in four seasons and nine technical falls.
"Tyler's going to do everything he can to win a starting position," Andrassy said. "Pennsylvania is one of the best states in the country for wrestling and his credentials are very similar to what (junior) Nic Bedelyon had coming here. Tyler and Nic also have very similar wrestling styles."
Another Keystone state native, Andrew Candiello (Pittsburgh, Pa./North Allegheny) will give the Golden Flashes another option at 149. Candiello went 37-9 and placed fifth at 145 pounds at the AAA Pennsylvania state tournament this past March . In four years, he amassed 127 career wins.
Jake McCombs (Marysville, Ohio/Marysville) was the runner-up at 125 pounds in Ohio's Division I state tournament this past March. McCombs was a four-time state tournament qualifier, placing third as a junior. He also helped Marysville to four straight Ohio Capital Conference championships.
"We looked for guys to replace (All-American) Danny Mitcheff," Andrassy said. "Tyler Small and Jake McCombs could both push for that 133-pound spot. Jake could also be a 125-pounder."
Jacob Mellinger (Homeworth, Ohio/West Branch) was also a runner-up at Ohio's state tournament competing at 130 pounds in Division II. He went 39-8 as a senior and placed sixth at the state tournament as a junior.
Andrew Hollern (Baltimore, Md./Parkville) claimed a second place at 145 pounds at Maryland's state tournament. A three-time state place winner, Hollern joins Maryland native Brandonn Johnson on the KSU roster.
"Realistically we could have all underclassmen starting for us this year," Andrassy said. "Next year we will be more aggressive in numbers and it's going to be the most important class as we look to continue building on our recent success."
The Golden Flashes have produced four All-Americans in the last two seasons and were ranked No. 16 in the final NWCA Coaches Poll of the 2009-10 season.
