kent State University has appointed Josh Moore as its new head wrestling coach,succeeding Jim Andrassy.

The proclamation was made on Friday, June 13, by the university.

Jim Andrassy concluded his 22-season tenure with the Golden flashes, amassing 203 victories before his retirement the previous month. During his leadership, Kent State achieved 11 winning seasons, 10 NCAA Championship appearances, six top-25 rankings, and three Mid-American Conference regular-season titles in 2009, 2011, and 2012.

Josh Moore Returns to Kent State After Decade Away

Before returning to Kent state,Moore spent seven years coaching at Cleveland State University until the programme was discontinued.

Moore’s return marks a reunion with the Golden Flashes, where he previously served as an assistant coach under Andrassy from 2004 to 2015.

Randale L. Richmond, Kent State Vice President and Director of Athletics, stated in a news release, “We are very excited to welcome Josh and his family back to Kent State. His deep connection to our program and his proven track record of developing championship caliber wrestlers on the mat, in the classroom, and throughout the community makes him the ideal leader for the next era of Golden Flashes wrestling.”

“Coming back to Kent State as the Head Coach is truly a dream come true for my family and me.”

Josh Moore brings Extensive Experience to Golden Flashes

Moore’s career includes 21 years of Division I coaching experience at both Kent State and Cleveland State.

Throughout his coaching career,he has mentored 10 All-Americans and 69 NCAA Division I All-Americans,including Dustin Kilgore,Kent State’s first national champion in 2011.

Moore expressed his enthusiasm in the release, stating, “Coming back to Kent State as the Head Coach is truly a dream come true for my family and me. I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity and fired up to bring the energy, passion, and purpose every single day. Ohio wrestling family, Let’s build something special-together.”

moore’s Wrestlers Excel Academically

Moore’s achievements extend beyond the wrestling arena.

Under his guidance, Cleveland State wrestling achieved a perfect 1000 Academic Progress Rate (APR) in 2023-2024. He has also been key in maintaining team GPAs above 3.25 throughout his career.

Additionally, he secured over $200,000 in funding for the Vikings program.

Moore’s wrestling career includes being a two-time All-American for Penn State, where he was the national runner-up in 2004.