Arkansas Wrestle (All images via lyonscots.com)
ST. LOUIS, Missouri – The 2023-24 season marks the first in SLIAC history for men’s wrestling and the initial preseason favorite is the University of Ozarks. The Eagles are the longest running program in existence, having started back in 2014, and coached by Vinny Barber; who has been with the program for six years with this year being his second as head coach. The Eagles boast four wrestlers that tallied over 20 wins last season: Shelton Chastain (125), Jame Dado (141), John Ward (174), and Ka’Ron Lewis (285). Also back are Hayden Rofkahr (149), James Johnson (157), and Airamis Mendoza (165). Mendoza, a sophomore, is fully healthy this season and looking to follow up on his prep career that saw him qualify for state in California. Senior transfer Dan Benoit should make an immediate impact at 197 while freshmen Carter Taylor (133) and Caden Holland (184) are ones to watch.
Eureka College placed 2nd on the poll. The Red Devils program in its second year and is coached by Eric Biehl. The program has several wrestlers that have qualified for nationals at the NAIA level: Jake Jozwiak (125), Nathan Berta (133), Anthony Sartori (165), Thomas Culp (184), and Jackson Creasy (285). Jozwiak and Berta both recorded over 20 wins last season as did Gaige Owns (141). Senior Dom Tenayuca gives the team plenty of experience and will help welcome newcomers Trevor Hedges, Bernie Cox, Mikie Hartnett, Asa Reed, and Weston Swise.
Fontbonne University comes in at 3rd on this year’s poll. The Griffins are one of the league’s more experienced programs having begun in 2018. They are coached by Chad Cook and led by junior Joe Beck. Beck recorded two wins at last year’s regionals and competes at 157. The Griffins bring back a total of 9 returners including senior Micah Dennis (165). New faces to watch this year are high school state qualifiers Gavin Patterson (125) and Eric Harmon (133) as well as three-time Missouri State Champion Jay Strausbaugh (149).
Affiliate wrestling member Schriner University was picked 4th this year. The Mountaineers are affiliate members with the SLIAC and will be coached by first-year head coach Jason Rodriguez with Troy Jewell serving as wrestling director. Austin Cooley, a sophomore, was a national qualifier last year at 197.
Finishing 5th is Westminster College. Tony and Mike Eierman are the Blue Jays coaches and lead a program that got its start back in 2017. The Blue Jays finished 14th at regionals last year and will be led by 5th year wrestler Montgomery Mills and sophomore Michael Roberts. Mills placed 8th at regionals at 197 last year while Roberts finished 4th at 149.
Lyon College was picked 6th. This is their first year in the SLIAC after previously being affiliated at the NAIA level with the AMC. They are coached by Zach Mizer and have a young team with one senior , Ariston Bartley. Bartley wrestled at 184 and finished 6th at last year’s AMC championship. An experienced class of sophomores will be the strength of the squad with Eli Lupton leading the way. Lupton finished 4th at the AMC tournament, competing at 197. He is joined by classmates Ty Ferguson (125), Clay Queen (149), Luke Combs (157), and Robert Lee (285). Freshmen Jacob Kehrer and Justin Maquire are new faces to the program.
First-year program Blackburn College was chosen 7th by the coaches. They are coached by Khris Whelan.
