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@MizzouWrestling Rounds out 2016 Recruiting Class with Bohlken, Flynn, Karsten

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Mizzou Wrestling head coach Brian Smith announced the addition of three wrestlers to the 2016 recruiting class on Wednesday, all with at least one Missouri State Championship to his resume. Among the three wrestlers to sign with Mizzou, two; Jacob Bohlken and Ethan Karsten, are high school seniors and one; Connor Flynn, is a transfer from West Virginia. The three additions brings Mizzou's Class of 2016 recruiting class to a total of eight, with five signing last fall.

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Mizzou Wrestling head coach Brian Smith announced the addition of three wrestlers to the 2016 recruiting class on Wednesday, all with at least one Missouri State Championship to his resume. Among the three wrestlers to sign with Mizzou, two; Jacob Bohlken and Ethan Karsten, are high school seniors and one; Connor Flynn, is a transfer from West Virginia. The three additions brings Mizzou's Class of 2016 recruiting class to a total of eight, with five signing last fall.

"We have added a lot of depth to the room with this signing class. With an experienced team coming back next year, we were able to address some areas of need and also add depth to weights where we will have guys graduate in the upcoming years. I'm really excited to see this next generation of #TigerStyle get into the room and compete right away."


Jacob Bohlken // Smithville, Mo. // Smithville HS // HWT

Bohlken joins Mizzou following a Missouri Class 2 State Championship at 285 pounds for Smithville High School, who also captured the Class 2 team title this past February. In addition to a state title, Bohlken carries an impressive prep career resume to his credit, owning the career wins record (183-28 record) at Smithville and earning 12 varsity letters (four in football, baseball and wrestling). The heavyweight prospect was awarded 10 academic all-state honors while in high school and valued academics heavily during his college search.

"I chose #TigerStyle because of the great combination of excellent academics and an outstanding wrestling program," said Bohlken. "From the first day I got in contact with the coaching staff, I could tell they are very committed to their athletes and I am ready to give everything I have to the program."

"Coming off a state title, Jacob will have a chance to compete in the starting lineup immediately," said Smith. "We look for him to come into the room and bring depth to the heavyweight position."

Connor Flynn // Dardenne Prairie, Mo. // Francis Howell HS // 165 pounds

Flynn returns to his home state following a one year stint at West Virginia where he posted a 14-18 record, made 10 dual starts and finished in fourth place at the Big 12 Championships at 165 pounds. During his prep career at Francis Howell High School in St. Charles, Mo., Flynn went 164-9 and captured the 2015 Missouri Class 4 State Championship at 160 pounds. The Missouri native won the final 74 matches of his career and was named the 2015 St. Louis Post-Dispatch All-Metro wrestler of the year. Flynn's sister, Lauren, was a member of the Mizzou Soccer team from 2011-15.

"I've watched Connor wrestle all throughout high school, and he is just a great kid who loves Missouri," said Smith. "He comes from a Missouri family and I know he's excited to get here and fight for a spot in the lineup next year."

Flynn will be eligible to compete immediately for Mizzou due to West Virginia granting a full release.

"I chose #TigerStyle because it gives me the chance to represent the state I love," said Flynn. "I know I can have a lot of success here."

Ethan Karsten // Platte City, Mo. // Platte County HS // 149/157 pounds

Karsten, from Platte County High School, brings a championship pedigree to the Mizzou wrestling room. A three-time Missouri Class State 3 State Champion (132 pounds as a sophomore, 145 pounds as a junior and a senior), Karsten compiled a 191-30 prep record. At the national level, Karsten captured gold twice at the 2014 Fargo Championships, winning the Cadet Greco-Roman and Freestyle Nationals at 138 pounds. The Missouri native also competed in the UWW Freestyle Junior Nationals in Las Vegas this past April.

"I've wanted to be a Tiger for as long as I can remember," said Karsten "When the opportunity presented itself, I could not say no."

"Ethan is one of the better kids in the Missouri senior class," said Smith. "He has a lot of talent and wrestles aggressively. I'm really excited about his under-hooks, how he attacks on the mat and how he has a knack for pinning people. We look forward to seeing him wrestle in the room and compete for a spot in the lineup."

For all the latest on Mizzou Wrestling, stay tuned to MUTigers.com and follow the team on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (MizzouWrestling).

Recruiting Class

Name Hometown High School/Previous School Projected Weight Class
Jacob Bohlken Smithville, Mo. Smithville HS HWT
Rodrigo Diaz Lafayette, La. Lafayette HS 197/HWT
Connor Flynn Dardenne Prairie, Mo. Francis Howell HS/West Virginia 165
Sean Hosford Kansas City, Mo. Park Hill HS 141/149
Dante Jiovenetta Islamorada, Fla. Coral Shores HS HWT
Ethan Karsten Platte City, Mo. Platte County HS 149/157
Wyatt Koelling Kaysville, UT Davis HS 197
Canten Marriott Excelsior Springs, Mo. Park Hill HS 174

–MIZZOU–