Leo Strang took over for Rees in 1964 , and under his tutelage , the Golden Flashes struggled , compiling a 16 – 21 – 2 record . Kent State failed to win more than five games under Strang 's leadership , and Strang resigned following the 1967 season . Washington University head coach Dave Puddington was hired to replace Strang , and Kent State 's struggles continued . The program posted a 9 – 21 record during Puddington 's three seasons , the best of which was a 5 – 5 campaign in 1969 . During the 1969 season , the Flashes also moved into Dix Stadium , which was not fully completed until January 1970 . The Puddington tenure was also marked by the Kent State shootings in May 1970 , when the Ohio National Guard opened fire on a group of university students , killing four and injuring nine . Puddington was fired after the 1970 season
Kent State shootings
Kent State shootings
Kent State Golden Flashes football