Freshman Jake Ferri and junior Devin Nye each dominated their respective weight classes Saturday when Kent State’s wrestling team competed in the Cleveland State Open.

Ferri had two major decisions on his way to his second Cleveland State Open title at the 125-pound division, while Nye added a title in the heavyweight division with a 5-2 decision over Gardner-Webb freshman Lathan Bumgarner.

The Flashes had several other solid contributors. Sophomore Tim Rooney finished in third in the 141-pound division after beating Central Michigan sophomore Lincoln Olson, 6-3. Freshman Nick Henneman continued the trend with a fifth place finish in the same weight class.

The Flashes did not have a wrestler who placed in the 149-pound or 157-pound divisions. Junior Isaac Bast finished sixth in the 165-pound division, and junior Kyle Conel finished eighth in the 197-pound division.

Conel was sidelined with an injury that caused him to forfeit his match; he finished on the day, 4-1.

The Flashes dominated the tournament with five wrestlers finishing in the top six of their respective weight classes. They also had contributions from young wrestlers that make the future of the team look promising.

Freshman Billy Bolia went 3-2 on the day in the heavyweight division. He recorded victories over wrestlers from Michigan State, Ohio and Virginia.

The Flashes saw glimpses of Mid-American Conference competition when Rooney beat Central Michigan’s Olson. The team scores were not recorded because of the open meet where multiple wrestlers from the same school could compete at the same weight class.

The Flashes’ next competition is on Dec. 29 and 30 in four dual meets. They will face off against MAC powerhouse Missouri, as well as Columbia, Cornell and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. 

Ian Kreider is a sports reporter. Contact him at [email protected].