Baxter knows he's running out of time
Butler graduate wants to make run at NCAA wrestling bid

By John Enrietto 
Eagle Sports Editor 

KENT, Ohio — The clock is ticking on Cole Baxter's wrestling career. 
And he knows it. 
That's why the Butler graduate and Kent State University senior wrestler is aiming for it all in this his final season. 
“I want to become an All-American,” Baxter said. “That was my goal when I got here and this is my last shot. I'm just going for it.” 
Baxter is off to a 13-3 start this season as the Golden Flashes' 184-pound wrestler. He has yet to lose in a dual meet and placed third at the Navy Invitational. 
“Cole was ranked third or fourth in the (Mid-American) conference in the preseason at 184, but a lot of that is based on last year,” Kent State wrestling coach Jim Andrassy said. “One of the guys ranked ahead of him didn't even place at the Navy meet. 
“Our goal with Cole is to get him through to the national tournament. Once you get there ... Upsets happen. Anything can happen.” 
Baxter wrestled at 197 pounds last season and finished 17-12. He wrestled with a torn meniscus and a knee brace on his right leg. 
He missed all of his second season at Kent after having surgery for the same injury. Baxter was 23-4 his freshman year and was named the No. 1 non-starter at 184 pounds in the country by Amateur Wrestling News. 
“He had an outstanding start to his career with us,” Andrassy said. “We should have kept him at 184 pounds. If we had it to do over again, we would have re-certified him at 184 last year.” 
Instead, Baxter wrestled at 197 and faced opponents 20 pounds heavier at times. 
“I'm performing better now because I'm up against more even competition in terms of size,” Baxter said. “I feel like I can use my entire skill set again. 
“I'm totally healthy, too, and that's making a big difference.” 
Baxter said the knee brace didn't bother him last year. The condition of his knee did. 
“There were times on the mat when my leg would just lock up and I couldn't execute certain things,” he said. 
Andrassy believed Baxter performed well regardless. 
“He's always been a good wrestler,” the coach said. “Some of the issues with the knee last year were mental as much as anything else.” 
A fifth-year senior, Baxter has a 68-28 career record at Kent State after graduating as Butler's all-time victory leader. He was 160-17 as a high school wrestler and remains the only WPIAL mat champ in Golden Tornado history. 
Baxter already possesses a biology degree at Kent. He carries a 3.2 grade point average and is preparing to enter dental school.
“His biggest strength on the mat is his intelligence,” Andrassy said. “Cole is great at thinking on his feet and out-thinking his opponent. 
“The biggest thing he needs to work on is his ability to wrestle when he's tired.” 
Baxter is entrenched as the Golden Flashes' 184-pound wrestler. A sophomore at that weight class is out for the season with an injury and the only other wrestler on the roster at that weight class is a freshman. 
“I've always felt like that was my spot,” Baxter said. “Unfortunately, injuries happen in this sport. They happened to me. 
“This is Division I wrestling. Everybody's good in the room. I practice against guys two weight classes higher. I go up against our heavyweights ... anything to get better.” 
Anything to finish among the best. 
“Hopefully, I'll stay healthy and make that happen,” Baxter said