BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. -- The Mountain East Conference announced is 2025-26 Preseason poll. The Fairmont State University wrestling team was picked tied for fourth with 29 points.

Led by returning All-American Colton Stoneking the Fairmont State wrestling team will have their deepest roster since the program has been reinstated.

"We brought in a very talented recruiting class, and our upperclassmen have done a great job mentoring them and welcoming them to the program." said Coach Bonaventura

The 125 and 133 are very deep weight classes.  Competing at 125 you have Jorden Williams, Hunter Elliott, Jojo High, Austin Wood and Colsen Spragg. At 133 you have Trace Ragland, Lucas Talley, Ryan Martin and Noah Hess battling it out. Williams and Ragland won the wrestle-off last weekend.

At 141 Colton Stoneking finds himself ranked 5th in the country to start the year after a stellar Junior season. Returning starters at 149 Shane Hatfield and 157 Jim Green won their wrestle off's and will look to improve upon their freshman seasons.

Redshirt Freshman James Simms and Senior AJ Nettey will be in the mix at 149 as well and transfer redshirt junior Nate Stephenson will be another to keep an eye on at 157. Sophomore Makiya Powell has made the drop down to 165 after being the starter at 174 a year ago. Powell won a tight match over freshman 165 Brock Evans at wrestle-off's and both will be fun to watch at the weight.

Three Freshmen anchor the bottom of the lineup 174 Josh Woyan, 184 Cooper Durst and 197 Jake Stephenson. All had stellar high school careers, and it will be fun to watch their freshmen campaigns. At 285 Tyler Wise makes the move up from 197. Wise beat out returning starter Justin Bishop at Wrestle-Off's.

The Fairmont State Wrestling teams opens the year 11/1/25 at Pioneer Open hosted by Glenville State. Action is slated to begin at 9:00 AM in the Waco Center. 

 

MEC Wrestling Preseason Poll
Rank	Team (First Place Votes)	Points
1	Glenville State (5)	47
2	West Liberty (3)	45
3	Frostburg State	34
T-4	Fairmont State	29
T-4	Wheeling	29
6	Salem	20
7	Davis & Elkins	12
8	Point Park	8

 

( ) - First-Place Votes
* Coaches not able to vote for own team