Wrestling 3/5/2026 5:00:00 PM MSU Athletics Communications

BENEATH THE SURFACE: Eugene Harney, Wrestling

Week after week, the student-athletes of Morgan State University continue to excel, not only in competition but also in the classroom and beyond. The 'Beneath the Surface Spotlight' provides a glimpse into the lives of these extraordinary student-athletes, revealing the human stories behind their athletic achievements. These individuals are not only exceptional athletes but also outstanding scholars, leaders, and role models for generations to come.

Eugene Harney
Wrestling
Class: Redshirt Freshman
Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio
Major: Economics

Eugene Harney is a wrestling competitor shaped by faith, family, and fearlessness. The 149-pound standout at Morgan State University did not take a traditional path to Baltimore. Instead, his wrestling journey has been defined by uncertainty—and his willingness to embrace it.

Harney's interest in wrestling began as a child while watching WWE with his father. What started as curiosity soon evolved into a relentless pursuit of excellence on the mat. Today, that passion has helped elevate him onto the national stage. Harney is currently ranked No. 27 nationally by InterMat and No. 31 by FloWrestling.

Under the leadership of Olympic champion and head coach Kenny Monday, Harney has grown not only as a wrestler but also as a disciplined competitor who embraces the grind of the sport. For Harney, wrestling goes far beyond wins and rankings—it is about personal growth through discomfort and adversity. He continues to honor the people who helped shape him while chasing the version of himself he knows he is capable of becoming.

During his time at Morgan, Harney has stepped outside his comfort zone in more ways than one. Socially, spiritually, and mentally, he has embraced the culture and family atmosphere that defines the HBCU experience. Through offseason training, visualization, and constant preparation for championship moments, his motivation runs deeper than medals.

Harney now enters the 2026 EIWA Wrestling Championships as the No. 1 seed at 149 pounds and will be looking to secure a coveted berth to the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships. The 122nd annual tournament, hosted by American University, will take place March 6–7 at Bender Arena.

For Harney, building a legacy is ultimately about proving to himself what he has believed all along—that he belongs in the national spotlight.

Sports

What made you choose wrestling?
It started with my dad. I grew up watching WWE and thought that was wrestling. Once I realized it wasn't, I stepped on a real wrestling mat back home, and that's how it began.
On his decision to first choose Campbell University and later transfer to Morgan State.
I originally committed verbally to Brown, but things didn't work out. I chose Campbell late and trusted my gut. I learned a lot there, but after our head coach left, I transferred to Morgan at the end of July, which is very late. Coming to Morgan was another leap of faith, but one that worked out.
On his experience wrestling for Morgan.
It's been an incredible experience. I transferred without expectations and was uncomfortable at first, but in a good way. I learned that you could grow anywhere if you're willing to embrace discomfort. I've met great people and learned so much, both on and off the mat.
What was the experience like being a runner-up at the 2025 Navy Classic?
I went into the tournament nervous and doubting myself. I took it match by match and felt myself leveling up throughout the tournament. That experience became the foundation of my season and gave me the confidence I needed moving forward.
How did it feel to achieve your first collegiate pin?
It was exciting, especially because it happened at home in front of our crowd. It was a tech pin I won by 15 points, and I received the pin at the same time. Seeing the crowd's reaction made it even more special.
What does it mean to you to be nationally ranked No. 27?
I like being an underdog, so I prefer being unranked. But being ranked No. 27 still motivates me because I see it as a low point compared to where I know I can be.
How have you been preparing for the upcoming EIWA Championships?
The work is already done, and it's about fine-tuning and mental preparation. Visualization and conversations with Coach Monday help a lot. At this point, it's just a waiting game.

Student Life

What are your goals for your time here at Morgan?
Continuing to grow as a person while prioritizing wrestling and becoming the best version of myself. This year, taking a step back socially to really lock in and spend time with myself. Strengthen relationships with teammates and find a balance where socializing is still ok and isn't taking away from main priorities, which are being a great wrestler and a great person.

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A post shared by Eugene Harney (@genowxrld)
What do you believe you're most excited about in your college career?
The offseason, because in the past, I didn't treat the offseason the right way, but this year, I'm excited to fully commit to it by training harder, eating smarter, and really pushing myself.
What is some advice you would give to young wrestlers?
Loving something doesn't mean you're always going to enjoy it. Wrestling isn't always fun, especially when you're cutting weight, traveling, and missing family time, but these sacrifices lead to greater rewards. It's okay to not like what you're doing in the moment if you understand it's for something bigger.
How do you stay mentally focused while being a student athlete?
Having a schedule is everything. While being mostly online with my classes helps. It really comes down to prioritizing and getting work done early. If you don't have a schedule, you're making things harder on yourself.
Why did you choose Morgan State?
Choosing Morgan was a leap of faith. I felt guided to be here. I wanted to experience something new and immerse myself in HBCU culture. I didn't want to stay close to home; I wanted to see different cultures, people, and perspectives, and Morgan gave me that opportunity.
What has your experience been like competing under Kenny Monday?
It's been a growth-filled relationship. We've had differences, but that's helped us build trust. He's become family to me—I spend time with his family, and that bond means everything. The family aspect is the most important part of my experience here.

Pop Culture

What is your favorite social media?
Instagram. I deleted TikTok because it's too addictive.
Favorite movie or TV show?
Money Heist.
Favorite holiday and tradition?
Christmas, because it's a time set aside for family, and wrestling gives us a break. Thanksgiving is also special because my entire extended family comes together.
Your favorite childhood memory?
My first wrestling tournament. I didn't place, and I was devastated. My brother placed second, and I was so competitive that my dad gave me a participation ribbon to calm me down.
What is the most interesting place you've visited? Where would you like to visit next?
Japan. I'm half Japanese and have family there, so I've been able to visit often. Next, I'd like to visit somewhere in Europe.
Favorite home-cooked meal?
Salmon with sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts.
Favorite fast food?
Cheese coneys from Skyline Chili.
Skyline Chili or Gold Star Chili? Explain for those who don't know.
Skyline always. In Cincinnati, choosing Gold Star is basically unacceptable. Skyline is known for its chili and cheese coneys.

Miscellaneous

What are some goals you have set for yourself moving forward?
Going all-in on the offseason and continuing to grow mentally and physically. For nationals, I don't have a set outcome goal but just want to compete at my best.
What are some key lessons you learned from your journey?
You can't predict anything. There's always something good to take from every experience, even losses. And it's important to remember and honor the people who helped you get where you are.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
What you put in is what you get out. People will always have opinions, but if you focus on your work and give maximum effort, everything will fall into place.
When you're not at practice, what could someone find you doing?
Sleeping, grocery shopping, or working with my cameraman to build my Instagram.
What motivates you?
Family, and a future version of myself. The version that's already achieved everything I'm working toward.

Dominick (Father), Eugene, and Izumi (Brother)
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I'd like to be a better friend and be more present for people, while still pursuing my goals at a high level.
Who is someone you admire the most?
My dad, for everything he's taught me, and Jesus, because he is someone I aspire to model my life after.

🎙️ Kameryn Robinson, MSU Athletics Communications intern, contributed to this release.
🎥 Jake Bandoh, MSU Athletics Lead Production intern

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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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Players Mentioned

Eugene Harney: 149 lbs; 5' 7"; Sophomore

Players Mentioned

Eugene Harney
: 5' 7"; Sophomore
: 149 lbs