Sports - Winning Athletic Programs
Originally from Riverland, Australia, Kent State University punter Jake Stoeckel, a first-year exercise science major, made his American football debut at the start of this season.
Da'Realyst Clark's 100-yard kickoff return touchdown with 5:28 remaining lifted Kent State to a thrilling 21-17 victory over Merrimack on Saturday afternoon at Dix Stadium. The dramatic win marked Kent State's first victory since September 16, 2023, when they defeated Central Connecticut State 38-10.
The Kent State Golden Flashes will open their 2025 football season Saturday when they host Merrimack College at Dix Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for noon.
Kent State University alumnus Antonio Gates was officially enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Aug. 2, delivering an emotional speech that highlighted his years as a Golden Flash and thanked the coaches who helped launch his improbable journey from college basketball to NFL stardom.
Two Kent State University alumni will be in the spotlight this week as the Pro Football Hall of Fame celebrates its Class of 2025, with Antonio Gates set for enshrinement Saturday and Mary Kay Cabot receiving prestigious recognition for her four decades of sports journalism excellence.