BALTIMORE, Md. (Oct. 30, 2024) -- The Morgan State Wrestling team is preparing to kick off its second season on November 2, 2024, under the guidance of Head Coach Kenny Monday. After a year of competing as an independent squad, the Bears are excited to announce their invitation to join the Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association (EIWA).
"Our primary goal for this upcoming season was to gain acceptance into the EIWA, and now we have the opportunity to qualify for the NCAA tournament," Coach Monday remarked. "This is a significant achievement, especially since we are the only Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in the conference."
Last season, the Bears featured a roster composed of 95% freshmen, and the offseason focus has been on helping players balance their dual roles as students and athletes.
"I expect the team to develop their time management skills and familiarize themselves with my coaching style," Monday added. "This is our first time at the conference. We're still growing as a program, and my focus is on being competitive. It's crucial that we have a conference where we can compete and have the opportunity to qualify for the NCAA national tournament."
Among the athletes to watch this season is sophomore Kingsley Menifee, an 184-pounder returning healthy after an injury sidelined him last year. Menifee has already demonstrated his potential with impressive matches against top-ranked wrestlers, establishing himself as one of the team's more seasoned competitors. Also poised for a strong season is sophomore Shawn Ryncarz, a 133-pounder who had an outstanding year last season.
The coaching staff has been busy recruiting and welcoming Myrin Nixon, a promising 140-pounder from Great Bridge High School who excelled in high school.
With former standout Jake Marsh's departure, several individuals are expected to step into leadership roles this season. Senior Darrien Roberts, a 170-pounder who transferred from the University of Oklahoma, is anticipated to take on significant leadership responsibilities. "He is going to fill those shoes," Monday stated.
Junior Xavier Doolin, a transfer from the University of Northern Colorado, will also play a key role in guiding younger wrestlers. Monday emphasized the importance of Doolin's leadership, stating, "He brings valuable leadership experience from competing against high-level players, and we expect big things from him. Our goal is to help every wrestler achieve their best performance. With Darrien being a senior, we want him to have his best season ever in college."
As the season approaches, Monday has outlined his starting lineup and captains: Â
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As the Bears prepare for the upcoming season, they aim not only to establish themselves within the EIWA but also to build a strong foundation for future success. The Bear's season debut is set to kick off on November 2, 2024, at the Cregger Center Fieldhouse in Salem, Virginia. Athletes and fans alike are gearing up for the Southeast Open, which promises to be an exciting event starting at 9 a.m. Â
Morgan's full 2024-25 schedule here.
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ABOUT MORGAN
Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is a Carnegie-classified high research (R2) institution offering nearly 140 academic programs leading to degrees from the baccalaureate to the doctorate. As Maryland's Preeminent Public Urban Research University, and the only university to have its entire campus designated as a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Morgan serves a multiethnic and multiracial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible. For more information about Morgan State University, visit www.morgan.edu.
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