Conel Named to AWN All-Rookie Team
4/28/2016 3:02:00 PM | Wrestling
Kent State's Kyle Conel (Ashtabula, Ohio) was named the nation's top newcomer at 197 pounds by Amateur Wrestling News on Wednesday. After going 17-0 in dual meets this season, Conel earned a spot on AWN's All-Rookie Team.
Last month, Conel became the first Kent State wrestler since 2009 to win two matches at the NCAA Championships as a freshman. He went 28-8 on the season with eight bonus-point victories.
"We're really excited for Kyle and proud to have him on our team," Head Coach Jim Andrassy said. "When you look at the names who have been on this team in the past…it's a sign of good things to come. We expect him to be our 197-pounder for the next three years and we're expecting him to get on the (NCAA) podium next year. "
After going 4-0 at the Virginia Duals in January, Conel was named both Mid-American Conference Wrestler of the Week and MAC Male Scholar Athlete of the Week. Two weeks earlier, he won a 197-pound title at the Lock Haven Classic.
Also a standout in the classroom, Conel was recently named a MAC Distinguished Scholar Athlete and earned a spot on the Academic All-MAC Team.
Kent State's eight straight years with at least one All-American is the 10th longest active streak in the nation.
