"We want to be among the top 15-20 teams in the country," said Andrassy. "We have the ability to get seven to eight guys in the national tournament... We also have the abilty to take over the top spot in the MAC, but we'll have to stay healthy and continue to get better."
The top priority for the Golden Flashes this season will be to increase their number of national qualifers after taking five to the 2006 NCAA Tournament. By competing in four challenging tournaments in the first two months of the season (Oklahoma Gold Showcase, Body Bar Invitational, Cliff Keen Invitational and Southern Scuffle), Andrassy intends to give his lineup opportunities to be in the nationwide spotlight.
"We want our guys to wrestle as well as possible in the beginning of the year and get them nationally ranked," said Andrassy. "That's how you get to the national tournament. They need to peak early in the season and get noticed on a national level... Then peak again at the end of the season."
Last year's breakout season has already provided high recognition on the conference and national scenes in the preseason. Kent State was ranked second in the MAC Preseason Coaches poll, while eight Golden Flashes were ranked in top four of their respective weight classes. Six of those eight also were ranked in national preseason polls. KSU is led by five seniors who have helped the program rise from the bottom tier of the Mid-American Conference standings to a second place finish at the MAC Championships last season and the most points scored (75.5) at the conference tournament since 1990. In addition to MAC success, last season's dual meet achievements (14-4-1) marked the best winning percentage since 2000 and resulted in a National Wrestling Coaches Association Top 25 ranking.
In addition, a strong group of freshmen join the team in 2006-07 and many bring the ability to make an immediate impact.
"We have some very athletic wrestlers in this new freshman class," said Andrassy. Following is a breakdown of the 2005-06 Golden Flashes by weight class:
125 Pounds
Senior Chad Sportelli returns after a 30-win season. Sportelli earned a wild card bid to the NCAA Tournament in his first season at Kent State, but sophomore Danny Mitcheff (18-8) is also likely to see time at 125.
"Chad emerged as a great team leader last year has a great work ethic and Danny is quite possibly the best recruit Kent State has ever brought in."
Freshmen Bryce Freeman, Ryan Wagner and Jeff Shymske are all likely to redshirt, but will be used if needed.
133 Pounds
Mitcheff could see most of his time at 133. "Danny has the ability to wrestle at both spots (125 & 133)."
Redshirt freshman Jeremy Depoy (5-8) and sophomore Clayton Stark (6-8) will both compete for varsity time.
141 Pounds
Sophomore Drew Lashaway (12-17) is the incumbent but sophomore Clint Sponseller is close on his heels. Lashaway finished third at the 2006 MAC Tournament, while Sponseller went 23-9 wrestling unattached.
"They'll battle for the position. Drew has the varsity experience and made a step forward at the end of last season, but Clint is not far behind."
149 pounds
Senior Jason McGee is finally at his natural weight class after starting last season at 165 pounds and trimming down to 141 two seasons ago. McGee has posted back-to-back 20-win seasons and placed third in a difficult 165-pound class at the MAC Tournament last season. He could also get spot starts at 157.
"Jason has the ability to win a MAC Championship. He's a guy who can get nationally ranked with good showings at these early tournaments."
Redshirt freshman Patrick Lanham (8-9) will be the backup at 149. A state champion in high school, Lanham will play a key role at both 149 and 157. Freshman Jake Kyle is expected to redshirt, but has a promising future ahead of him.
"Jake is as good of a recruit as we've had in the last few years."
157 Pounds
Defending MAC champion Kurt Gross (29-9) returns to his starting spot at 157 and could be used on occasion at 165. The standout junior brings All-American aspirations to the mat this season.
"Kurt's wrestled with the best guys in the country and he's only going to get better. He could really get us on the map nationally."
Freshman walk-on Justin Huffman is impressing coaches early but may redshirt.
165 Pounds
A number of Flashes will compete for the spot left open by McGee. Junior Joe Whelan, a state champion in high school, may be the early favorite but several underclassmen could emerge as the starter. Sophomore Cory Maier (7-7) and redshirt freshman James Reynolds (6-7) both showed promise last season. True freshmen John Pycraft, Greg Heinz and Sli Bostelman will also look to crack the lineup at 165.
"Several guys may see starts at the beginning of the year and it may take some time to see who emerges."
174 pounds
Senior Aaron Miller (31-9) will look to make his return to NCAA Tournament. A team leader, Miller has shown steady improvement throughout his career.
"Aaron has gotten bigger and stronger this season and looks as good as he ever has. He loves to compete and will do everything he can to win a match."
Several of KSU 165-pounders could serve as the backup this season. True freshman Chris Estep will likely redshirt but could have a future role in the starting lineup at 174.
184 Pounds
Sophomores Eric Chine, Tom LaRosa and Michael Blackwell will all compete for the starting nod. Chine (13-8) had the most success on the mat last season but could be slowed down by a preseason injury. LaRosa, who wrestled at 197 last season, will be stronger than many opponents at 184. Blackwell picked up seven wins in his first season at KSU and looking to have a breakout year.
197 Pounds
Senior Ardian Ramadani (22-11) went up one weight class last season and made significant improvements throughout the year, finishing third at the MAC Tournament.
"Ardi has gained a lot of confidence since the beginning of last year. Pound for Pound is the strongest guy on the team. When you look at his success, he's a product of our system."
LaRosa and Blackwell could serve as backups.
Heavyweight
Jermail Porter won 20 matches as a redshirt freshman last season and tallied six pins. He earned MAC Freshman-of-the-Year honors after placing second at the MAC Tournament. Senior Willie Leonard (17-6) has also seen plenty of varsity action over the last three years and has racked up 50 career wins and 22 pins.
"Jermail came in at 325 pounds this year and is as big and strong as any heavyweight in the country. He was very close to making the national tournament and has the ability to be among the best in the country. Willlie's a competitor who's beaten several starters at other schools."
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