The Kent State Golden Flashes knocked off Utah State, 51-41, in the Frisco Bowl to claim their first bowl victory in school history. They were previously 0-4 in bowl games and lost their last one in 2012.
The team finished this season on a 4-game win streak and it was their first winning season since 2012. “The resiliency of these guys and this team is a testament to the hard work they’ve put in,” said head coach Sean Lewis.
Lewis is the youngest Division 1 head football coach in the country. The 33-year old overcame a lot of obstacles since he took over last season. It was a program that has had only 9 winning seasons since they started playing football back in 1962.
LEWIS MAKES AN IMPACT
Despite having a rough first year going 2-10, Lewis has clearly made a huge impact on his team in a short period of time. The players and staff have bought into Lewis’ plan and vision. The 7-6 record and bowl win is an amazing turnaround this season.
“It’s two years of hard work. These guys two years ago, it would have been really easy to leave, to jump in the portal and bail. But to battle through adversity and to get to this point, leave their legacy, leave their mark, this a great group that pulled together, banded together when things got tough and they showed that tonight and finished strong, they finished the game strong and the season strong. Now, they get to raise a banner, bring home a trophy and put a ring on their finger.”
STYLE OF PLAY
Lewis wants his team and their style of play to mirror what the local area stands for and represents. “That’s what Northeast Ohio is all about. That’s where this program is going to be built from the state of Ohio, you come to northeast Ohio there is true grit and true toughness. We want to embody what our community is all about and to be able to represent the community and the conference like that is special,” said Lewis.
The early success will definitely help in their recruiting efforts. The staff will look to capitalize on this positive momentum, finalizing the 2020 recruiting class before the late signing period, and this offseason recruiting the 2021 and 2022 classes.
Just as he told his players to leave a mark and legacy, Lewis has done the same with Kent State’s first bowl win. He and his staff have this program moving in the right direction. Keep an eye on Kent State in 2020. The Golden Flashes should be MAC contenders next year and are definitely a team on the rise.
