The victory ensures CMU (15-2 overall, 4-0 Mid-American Conference) no less than a share of its 10th consecutive MAC title. The Chippewas can complete their fifth straight undefeated conference campaign with a victory over Ohio on Sunday.
As has been the case for much of the last two seasons, the Chippewas relied on their top four weights to deliver the victory. Brandon Sinnott (174 pounds), Christian Sinnott (184), Wynn Michalak (197) and Bubba Gritter (285) closed the dual with four straight victories for CMU. Brandon Sinnott (major decision) and Michalak (fall) both scored bonus points, and the quartet improved to a combined 34-0 in conference duals over the past two seasons.
CMU's Luke Smith opened the night with his 100th career victory, a 6-3 decision over Kent State's Nic Bedelyon. Smith is the third different Chippewa, joining Michalak and Brandon Sinnott, to reach the 100-win plateau this season.
The Golden Flashes, however, answered with decisions at 133 and 141 pounds to take a 6-3 lead. It would be their only lead of the night, as Brandon Carter evened the score for CMU with an 8-3 decision at 149 pounds and Steve Brown earned an 8-2 decision at 157. Brown's victory put the Chippewas back in front, 9-6.
Kurt Gross needed overtime to defeat Trevor Stewart, 6-4, at 165 pounds. His victory drew Kent State (14-5 overall, 4-1 MAC) even for the final time, 9-9.
Brandon Sinnott broke the tie with his team-leading 24th victory of the season, a 14-6 major decision over Chris Estep. Christian Sinnott extended the CMU lead to 16-9 with a 3-2 decision over Eric Chine at 184 pounds.
Michalak put the dual out of reach by pinning Michael Blackwell in the second period of their bout at 197 pounds. It was Michalak's 10th fall of the season and 47th of his career; he has now recorded at least 10 falls each of the last four seasons.
The dual ended with a rematch of the 2007 MAC Tournament heavyweight final in which defending champ Gritter posted a 7-4 decision over Kent State's Jermail Porter.
The win was CMU's 28th straight in a conference dual and 52nd in its last 53 MAC duals. The Chippewas improved to 6-2 this season against ranked opponents.
CMU closes the regular season at home against Ohio on Sunday at 2 p.m. The dual will be televised live on the CMU Public Broadcasting Network. CMU's seven seniors will be recognized prior to the match.
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