Kent State University
VMI
Flashes Open Home Slate with VMI and Gannon
12/6/2023 1:38:00 PM | Wrestling
KENT, Ohio - The Golden Flashes open up the home slate of the 2023-24 wrestling season on Friday, welcoming in the Virginia Military Institute and Gannon for a pair of afternoon duals.
Friday's duals get started at 1pm with Kent State taking on VMI to start things off. The Flashes and Keydets have met one time before with the Flashes taking down VMI 44-3 as part of the 2013 Virginia Duals.
Both teams are coming off setbacks over the weekend, VMI dropped duals to Bloomsburg and Franklin and Marshall while Kent State dropped duals to Gardner-Webb, Buffalo and Chattanooga.
Matches to watch for will be at 133 pounds where scheduled starters Pablo Castro IV and Dyson Dunham are off to strong starts this season at 9-4 and 7-4, respectfully. Billy Meiszner went 2-1 last weekend, improving to 11-4, he will likely face Patrick Jordan who is off to an 8-4 start.
It will be only the second time the Flashes have met Gannon, Kent State defeated them 19-13 in January of 2021. Gannon is currently ranked 18th in the Wrestle Stat D-II rankings and is 1-1 on the season. The Golden Knights have built a strong Division-II program, finishing in the top-10 at the national tournament each of the last three years. Five of the Golden Knights' projected starters own a top-25 ranking in their respective weight class.
The home opener will feature several promotions and giveaways. Fans will get a Kent State Wrestling Christmas sweater ornament and fans are encouraged to wear ugly sweaters to celebrate the holiday season. With the match starting at one, fans can enjoy lunch specials at the concession stand and it will also be Kent State faculty staff and appreciation day.
Friday's match will be streamed via Box Cast with Dan Griffin and Tom Evans on the call, the link will be available on the wrestling schedule page. Live stats will also be available through Wrestle Stat.
The Flashes will have a quick turnaround, participating in the Cleveland State Open on Saturday. Kent State will return to dual action on December 17th when they take on Lindenwood and SIU-Edwardsville.
Players Mentioned
