Flashes Add Transfer Michael DePalma
7/25/2013 12:50:00 PM | Wrestling
The Kent State University wrestling program recently announced the addition of transfer Michael DePalma from Edinboro University, who will have three years of eligibility. Competing primarily at 157 last season, DePalma was named to the Amateur Wrestling News All-Rookie Team, posting a 21-12 record with four pins and eight major decisions.
A Jeannette, Pa. native and graduate of Jeannette High School, DePalma will immediately compete for a starting spot in the Golden Flashes lineup, likely at 149. He becomes the 12th new member of Kent State's 2013-14 squad.
“With Michael, we feel like we instantly have a guy who can place in the top three at the conference tournament,” Head Coach Jim Andrassy said. “If everything goes well and he develops the way we think he can, that probably equals out to another national qualifier.
“He makes our program stronger at that weight class (149). When you look at Mack McGuire, Tyler Small, Michael DePalma, Ian Miller and Caleb Marsh, those are five really good guys in a row from 133 to 165 that we feel comfortable with. ”
One of nine Pennsylvania natives on the Flashes' 2013-14 roster, DePalma won 120 career matches at Jeannette. He placed in the top eight of the PIAA Championships in both his junior and senior seasons.
Kent State finished 24th in the final team standings of the 2013 NCAA Championships, its fourth Top 25 finish in the last five seasons.
