Kent State (12-9, 2-4 Mid-American Conference) scored a major upset Saturday, beating Central Michigan (8-5, 5-2 MAC), the second-ranked team in the conference, by a final score of 21-13 on the Flashes’ Senior Day.

Before the match, all three seniors, Will Bardezbain, Chance Driscoll and Stephen Suglio, were recognized.

Kyle Conel wrestling at 197 pounds, earning the first victory against the Chippewas with a final score of 6-5.

Suglio wrestled on his feet for the first period of his match and ended the second period tied. In the third period, Suglio took bottom and rolled his opponent onto his back and got the pin with two seconds left.

“(My opponent) was ranked 18th nationwide,” Suglio said. “I was pretty confident that I could beat this guy; I just couldn’t do anything stupid. Once I got him in the cradle position, I just get that rush of adrenaline, like I can end this right now. It was a huge moment.”

This was Suglio’s last home match as a fifth-year senior.

“I’m definitely feeling exhilarated,” Suglio said. “It was great to get that win, and I couldn’t have asked for a better Senior Night.”

Anthony Tutolo wrestled at 133 pounds and won with a reversal and a 6-3 score. 

Tim Rooney showed strong improvements and started the third period tied 5-5, but ended up winning with a takedown and 7-5 score in overtime.

Nick Monico wrestled at 149 pounds and won with a 3-1 score.

Casey Sparkman (157) wrestled and earned his 100th victory with a final score of 8-6.

“While wrestling, I’m not really focusing on the current score,” Sparkman said. “I’m just focusing on listening to my coaches and figuring out how to put myself in the best position to win.”

Coach Jim Andrassy saw the win as a positive stepping stone going forward.

“With the team, they just need to learn from their mistakes,” Andrassy said. “Anytime you can get a win from Central Michigan, I’ll take it.”

The Flashes return to the mat to take on Northern Illinois (3-9, 1-5 MAC) at 8 p.m. Friday at the Northern Illinois University Convocation Center.

Kayla Proctor is a sports reporter. Contact her at [email protected].