The Kent State wrestling team made easy work of Mid-American Conference opponent Southern Illinois. 

From the start, the Flashes were able to impose their will and take control.

Fifth-year Jake Ferri (22-8) continued his aggressive win streak by taking down senior Austin Macias with a tech fall and winning 19-3. Ferri was able to end his regular season with a dominant showing and put the Flashes out to a 5-0 lead early.

“Jake went and scored a lot of points,” coach Jim Andrassy said. “I think it’s the best he’s looked all year. He is at the top of his game at the perfect time.”

Kent State would have to forfeit at 133 pounds. Southern Illinois would follow them up by forfeiting 141 pounds.

The 149 match between senior Kody Komara (13-11) and freshman Caleb Tyus was the hardest win of the day for the Flashes. Tied 1-1 going into OT, Komara was able to get a takedown and secure his strong victory. In a match where neither wrestler appeared to be fatigued, Komara was able to eventually wear Tyus out and get the clutch takedown.

Senior Colin McCracken (13-8) defeated senior Sergio Villalobos with a takedown and a third-period ride out to claim a 4-1 victory. McCracken ends his final regular season with the Flashes with a fantastic seven-win streak and high hopes for the MAC championships.

Redshirt junior Tyler Bates (12-14) secured his third straight win and ended his frustrating season on a high note. Bates also won a tough match after being tied at 1-1 in OT. Bates was able to get a takedown against redshirt junior Austin Andres and win 3-1, a nearly identical match to Komara’s.

“There were a couple of tough matches today,” Andrassy said. “Kody was able to win a very tough match and so was Bates. A lot of our guys are wrestling to their potential and have a positive mindset going forward.”

The other winners of the day for Kent State:

• Redshirt sophomore Louis Newell (18-16) winner by forfeit at 141

• Redshirt senior Bobby Pryhocki (7-12) secured a fall at 157 against junior Max Kristoff

• Redshirt junior Brady Chrisman (14-12) trailed 1-0 going into the final period and was able to secure a takedown and escape to win 4-2 at 165 against senior Cardeionte Wilson.

“I think our guys overall are wrestling at their best abilities right now,” Andrassy said. “Everyone understands the season is coming to a close. They either want to end their career here at Kent State on a positive note or have momentum going into next season.”

Kent State finishes its regular season with a 7-7 overall record and a 5-4 conference record, and it ends the regular season in fourth place in the West division. Southern Illinois ends with a 1-3 overall record and 1-6 MAC record, and they finish in last place in the West. 

The 2022 MAC championships are next on the list for the Flashes and will be held at Ohio University on March 4 and 5.

Noah Keeney is a reporter. Contact him at [email protected].