Kent State University
Central Michigan
Kent State Wrestling To Host Central Michigan and Mercyhurst Friday
2/12/2026 10:09:00 PM | Wrestling
Kent, OHIO- The Kent State Wrestling team returns home for the third straight week as they welcome in two opponents for two duals on Friday Night inside the MAC Center. The Flashes will take on conference foe Central Michigan at 6 p.m. and Mercyhurst at 7:30 p.m.
Last Time Out
With a big home crowd in the MAC Center for Alumni Night, the Golden Flashes delivered by beating long-time rival Ohio in "The Grudge Match" by a score of 20-19. With the win, Kent State reclaimed The Grudge Match Trophy for the first time in five years.
After 10 bouts, the Blue and Gold were tied with the Bobcats by a score of 19-19, but won the dual on second criteria thanks to a Nick Molchak(133) pin in the first round of his match with Ryan Meek(Ohio).
Chris Earnest(165) made his mark by scoring a 9-0 Major Decision against a nationally ranked wrestler in Jack Lledo. Nico Calello started the dual out with a close 6-4 victory over Brayden Teunissen.Â
Nate Roth(149) was able to grab a 4-1 win over Paul Woo, while Brentan Simmerman won the dual for the Golden Flashes with a 10-3 win over Evan Wingrove(Ohio) as he tied it up giving his team a win by criteria.
Scouting Central Michigan
The Chippewas come in with an 8-5 overall record and a 2-2 record in the conference. They have beaten Ohio twice, but also lost to NIU twice in duals in this season. They most recently took down the SIUE Cougars by a score 21-14.
Central Michigan will bring in multiple wrestlers into Kent that could contend for a MAC title later on this season. At the top of that list is Mason Schrader(157) who is ranked 23rd in the nation and third in the conference with a record of 18-6.
Bryan Caves(285) is also ranked nationally, coming in at 30th and third in the MAC. This sets up a highly anticipated match with Brentan Simmerman who ranked just ahead of Caves at 2nd. Luke Cochran(197) and Jimmy Nugent(149) are also wrestlers to look out for with 16-plus wins each on the season.
Scouting Mercyhurst
The Lakers come in with a record of 2-5 this season with both of their wins coming against Division II schools. The Lakers and Golden Flashes do not currently have any common opponents in duals.
Kent State has gotten a glimpse at some Mercyhurst wrestlers this season and the team sent a number of competitors to both Kent State Opens earlier this year. Keith Mincin(165) and Joey Baronick(285) are two of the top wrestlers for the Lakers as both are ranked in the top 200.
Series History
Friday's meeting between the Flashes and the Chippewas will be the 57th all-time meeting between the two schools. Central Michigan currently holds a lead in the series 34-22, as they have also won the last six duals.
Kent State will match-up with Mercyhurst for the 7th-time ever, including two meetings with "Mercyhurst Northeast". The Golden Flashes have never lost to the Lakers, currently holding a 6-0 record.
Projected Lineups
Kent State vs. Central Michigan
125- Nico Calello(16-14) vs. Archer Anderson(7-6)
133- Nick Molchak(18-14)/Jaiden Sarabia(8-7)/Parker Pikor vs. Andrew Austin(13-11)
141- Landen Duncan(10-12)/Ismael Ayoub(4-7) vs. Nick Blackburn(9-12)
149- Nate Roth(12-9)/Aidan Rush(5-8) vs. Jimmy Nugent(16-9)/Colin Kacena(10-7)
157- Reese Stephen(10-9)/Keegan Knapp(18-9) vs. No. 23 Mason Schrader(18-6)
165- Chris Earnest(13-6)/Ty Deericks(12-12) vs. Chandler Amaker(12-12)
174- Ethan Barr(19-10)/Jake Jonker(10-8) vs. Cody Brenner(10-9)
184- Ronnie Dimmerling(11-10) vs. Adrien Cramer(11-9)/Wyatt Ferguson(6-7)
197- Blake Schaffer(20-7)/Mason Higley(16-12) vs. Luke Cochran(19-8)
285- Brentan Simmerman(13-8)/Corey Boerio(1-11) vs. No. 30 Bryan Caves(16-9)/Aidan Fockler(15-8)
Kent State vs. Mercyhurst
125- Nico Calello(16-14) vs. Travis Browning
133- Nick Molchak(18-14)/Jaiden Sarabia(8-7)/Parker Pikor vs. Edwin Mooney
141- Landen Duncan(10-12)/Ismael Ayoub(4-7) vs. Marcus Colson
149- Nate Roth(12-9)/Aidan Rush(5-8) vs. Colin Scherer
157- Reese Stephen(10-9)/Keegan Knapp(18-9) vs. Chris Cibrone
165- Chris Earnest(13-6)/Ty Deericks(12-12) vs. Keith Mincin
174- Ethan Barr(19-10)/Jake Jonker(10-8) vs. Brady Fitz
184- Ronnie Dimmerling(11-10) vs. Jake Leclerc
197- Blake Schaffer(20-7)/Mason Higley(16-12) vs. Joshua Johnson Cantrell
285- Brentan Simmerman(13-8)/Corey Boerio(1-11) vs. Joey Baronick
Up Next
After two duals against Central Michigan and Mercyhurst, the Flashes will turn their attention to their final dual of the season. Next Friday in the MAC Center, they will honor their senior class on Senior Night against Lock Haven. The first match is set for 7 P.M.
Follow Kent State Wrestling
For complete coverage of Kent State Wrestling, download the official Kent State Golden Flashes app (iOS, Android) and follow the Golden Flashes on social media on X, Instagram, and Facebook for news and updates.
Players Mentioned
