The Kent State wrestling team is headlined by three of the hottest wrestlers in the Mid-American Conference.

The Flashes are led by junior Jake Ferri, senior Colin McCracken and junior Brady Chrisman, and all three are ready to continue their dominant performances into the MAC Championship.

Fifth-year Jake Ferri’s overall record of 20-8 is the best on the team. Ferri is 7-3 in his last 10 matches, and the three losses could have gone either way.

“These past two weeks I have gotten back to what makes me good,” Ferri said. “This season has been filled with ups and downs, but you can’t dwell on the losses. I went away from a lot of the things that make me a very good wrestler. I finally now am getting back to my style and am very excited to ball out the rest of the season.”

Ferri in his career with the Flashes has gone 79-52 but is an outstanding 53-15 these past three seasons.

“I’m doing what I’ve always done,” Ferri said. “Which is going into each match with the mentality that I’m gonna molly-wop [to dominate] everyone in my path.”

Coach Jim Andrassy has been very proud of Ferri’s recent victories and how he’s peaking at the right time.

“Jake works really hard, he’s very consistent about his workouts,” Andrassy said. “You never hear him complain, you only see him get stuff done. A very tough kid who comes to work every day with the same mindset and attitude.”

Senior Colin McCracken (12-8) is arguably on the hottest streak of any wrestler in the MAC. McCracken has won six straight duals and his last loss dates back over a month ago.

“It comes down to doing every little thing right every day,” McCracken said. “Whether it’s at practice, my lifestyle, or recovery. I make sure to take off my body and mindset going into every match.”

McCracken has an overall 75-61 career record at Kent State and a 44-30 record for the past three years.

“The beginning of the season went very slow for me, but I’m very happy with how it’s finishing up,” McCracken said. “I always have been in really good shape and love to push the pace to force opponents’ fatigue. This is my last year of wrestling, so I want to go out and give it my all.”

Coach Andrassy believes McCracken is finally wrestling up to his abilities and wants to see him finish a strong career.

“Colin is wrestling up to his potential,” Andrassy said. “Colin has been very consistent since Christmas time and has done a great job at getting better every single day. This is his last shot and he knows it and wants to have a good run to end his career.”

Brady Chrisman (13-12) is 6-4 over his last 10 matches and was the winner of the MAC Wrestler of the Week honor.

“These past couple weeks I have been focusing on what I do well,” Chrisman said. “Honing in on my main skills and specializing them. For me, I need to be doing everything as perfectly as I can and not worry about what my opponent is trying to do.”

Chrisman only was able to wrestle four total matches last year and is making the most of this year because of it.

“I’m doing a great job at turning up in the third period,” Chrisman said. “The third period turns to my pace and has been a huge difference maker in close matches for me. I have ultimately won most of my matches by having more energy than my opponent in the final period.”

Coach Andrassy was very positive when talking about Chrisman and his mindset every single day.

“Brady has been doing a great job at what he does well,” Andrassy said. “He sticks to what works and never tries to do too much. He knows his game better than anyone else and knows what it takes to win. Most importantly, he is always laser-focused and willing to take on anyone.”

Kent State will have its regular-season final match Friday when it travels to Southern Illinois. 

Kent State is 6-7 overall and 4-4 in the conference coming off a solid victory at Bloomsburg. Southern Illinois is 1-12 overall and 1-5 in the conference coming to a tough loss to Ohio University.

Ferri, Chrisman and McCracken hope to continue their hot streak and finish the season on the right note heading into the MAC Wrestling Championships on March 4-5.

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