Morgan State Earns Three EIWA Place Winners

Competing against powerhouse programs like Lehigh, Army, and Navy, Morgan State finished 11th out of 12 teams but walked away with three EIWA place winners, setting the stage for future success.

Xavier Doolin (285 lbs) led the way with a 4th-place finish, becoming Morgan State’s highest placer in the tournament. Doolin showcased his strength early, securing a decisive 8-1 victory over Navy’s Jake Lucas before falling to Lehigh’s Owen Trephan in the semifinals. He battled through the consolation bracket before dropping a 10-4 decision to Army’s Brady Colbert in the 3rd-place match. Doolin’s top-four finish is a strong sign that Morgan State’s heavyweight division is ready to compete at the highest level in the EIWA.

At 125 pounds, Julian Dawson secured an 8th-place finish, reaching the placement rounds but falling in his final match to Navy’s Nick Treaster by tech fall (15-0). Similarly, Cooper Lockhart (165 lbs) placed 8th, displaying resilience throughout the tournament before losing by fall to Drexel’s Cody Walsh (2:00) in the 7th-place match.

A Strong First Step for Morgan State Wrestling

Although the Bears did not produce any NCAA qualifiers, their first showing in the EIWA Championships proved they could compete at the Division I level. With three place winners, including a top-four heavyweight, Morgan State is laying the foundation for a program that can elevate HBCU wrestling on the national stage.

Morgan State wrestling’s journey is just beginning, and with continued development, the Bears are poised to make even greater strides in future EIWA Championships.

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BALTIMORE, Md. — Morgan State University’s HBCU wrestling program is bolstering its coaching staff with a familiar face. Head Coach Kenny Monday announced today the appointment of his son, Kennedy Monday, as an assistant coach. 

This addition brings a fresh perspective and a wealth of experience to the Bears’ program. Kennedy, a decorated wrestler in his own right, is expected to contribute significantly to the team’s training regimen, recruitment efforts, and overall strategic development.

“We’re extremely excited to add Kennedy to our Morgan State wrestling staff as a competition analyst and performance breakdown specialist, said Monday. “He has been instrumental in the team’s preparation as we head into the EIWA conference tournament March 6-7.” 

Monday added to Kennedy’s accolades that extend beyond collegiate wrestling. “Kennedy is also competing on the USAW Senior Level Circuit, an Olympic hopeful training for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.” 

This pursuit of Olympic glory adds another layer to Kennedy’s already impressive athletic profile. The Monday father-son duo are poised to work together to elevate the Morgan State wrestling program to new heights as they prepare to make noise in this weekend’s EIWA Tournament. This isn’t simply a coaching partnership; it’s a legacy in the making.

ABOUT MORGAN
Morgan State University, an HBCU 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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Among the participating teams were The University of Alabama, Clemson, LSU, Florida State, The University of Georgia, The University of Florida, and The University of Miami. They were joined by Florida Gulf Coast University, UCF, The University of North Florida, Florida International, Kennesaw State, Louisiana Tech, San Jose State, and Troy University in a highly competitive meet.

The legacy and challenges of collegiate wrestling

While only 77 Division I schools sponsor wrestling as an NCAA sport, many more carry it at the club level. Wrestling, one of the oldest recorded sports, has origins dating back 15,000–20,000 years, as depicted in ancient cave drawings.

FAMU, like many colleges, once sponsored wrestling as an NCAA sport but discontinued the program. Following the passage of Title IX in 1972, many schools dropped wrestling to achieve gender equity in athletic programs. Despite this, wrestling remains a thriving club sport at several universities.

The Seminole-Rattler Invitational featured a full day of wrestling, with men’s and women’s divisions competing across various weight classes. The event showcased FAMU’s brand-new, logo-embossed mat, with three matches running simultaneously in the Tookes Recreation Center. Competitors ranged from the 125-pound weight class to the 245-pound division, making for an exciting display of athleticism and skill.

Overcoming NCAA sponsorship barriers

Many conferences seeking to maintain NCAA recognition for wrestling have partnered with affiliate teams. For example, the Big 12 Conference merged with the Western Wrestling Conference to meet NCAA requirements. Similarly, the Big Ten and ACC have had to strategize their conference alignments to sustain wrestling at the collegiate level.

Delaware State to launch women’s wrestling program

In an exciting development for HBCU wrestling, Delaware State University is set to introduce a women’s wrestling program in the 2025-2026 season. This initiative is being supported by HBCU Wrestling, a foundation that has donated $1.25 million to help launch the program.

HBCU Wrestling is dedicated to re-establishing wrestling programs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Their mission, as stated on their website, is to “restore and establish Women’s and Men’s wrestling programs at HBCUs, ensuring up to a 10-year commitment to NCAA-sanctioned wrestling programs, scholarships, competitive coaching salaries, and operating budgets.”

Additionally, Morgan State University is expected to be the next institution to benefit from HBCU Wrestling’s expansion efforts.

FAMU’s Wrestling legacy is rich with tradition

FAMU has a proud history of wrestling excellence. In the early 1970s, before the program was discontinued, the school produced standout athletes, including Harold and Carroll Roberts. The twin brothers, both state champions, regularly defeated competitors from Florida State, The University of Florida, and The University of Miami. They remain honored in the FAMU Sports Hall of Fame.

In more recent years, Roland Pitts emerged as one of the greatest wrestlers in FAMU’s history. Competing in the 197-pound weight class, Pitts was a multi-time All-American and an Academic All-American. He later served in the U.S. Armed Forces, achieving the rank of Captain and excelling as a Ranger and member of a brigade combat team. Pitts played a crucial role in keeping wrestling alive at FAMU, despite its status as a non-NCAA sport.

The Future of Wrestling at HBCUs

With renewed interest and financial support, HBCU wrestling is experiencing a resurgence. The efforts of organizations like HBCU Wrestling and the passion of athletes, coaches, and alumni continue to push for the return of wrestling as a fully sponsored NCAA sport at FAMU and other historically Black institutions.

The Seminole-Rattler Invitational was a testament to the resilience and competitive spirit of collegiate wrestling, proving once again that the sport has a home at FAMU.

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“This partnership gives our women student-athletes a platform to compete, grow, and inspire,” said Dr. Alecia Shields-Gadson, Delaware State University Director of Athletics. “We are thrilled for the impact this program will have.”

DSU is currently searching for a head coach, with the women’s wrestling season set to begin in 2025-26.

Founded in 2021, HBCU Wrestling has been committed to bringing wrestling back to HBCUs, starting with a $2.7 million gift to Morgan State University that revitalized its wrestling program. DSU’s new women’s team marks another step in its mission to create opportunities for Black athletes.

Earlier last year, HBCU Wrestling hosted a wrestling clinic at DSU, led by Olympic medalist Toccara Montgomery, which sparked enthusiasm among participants and the university’s athletic community. Seeing the excitement around that clinic, Montgomery, the first Black woman to win a World Championship for the U.S. in wrestling, expressed pride in DSU’s new program.

“Seeing DSU launch the first-ever Division I women’s wrestling team at an HBCU is monumental,” Montgomery said. “This program will inspire young women of color to chase their dreams and know they belong.”

With a legacy of wrestling dating back decades, Delaware State University was the last HBCU with a Division I wrestling program until it was discontinued in 2009. Now with more support DSU is reviving its program with a commitment to gender equity and Title IX standards, creating a sustainable platform for young women athletes to excel.

“This announcement isn’t just about wrestling—it’s about creating life-changing opportunities,” said Jahi Jones, Executive Director of HBCU Wrestling. “We are building a foundation where young women feel seen, valued, and loved while achieving their athletic dreams.”

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BALTIMORE, Md. (Oct. 23, 2024) — HBCU wrestling head coach Kenny Monday has announced the full Morgan State 2024-25 season schedule, featuring seven home duals at Hill Field House including one against an opponent ranked inside the top 30 in InterMat’s preseason national rankings.

“We’re excited to compete against every competition this season, especially after being accepted into the Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association,” said Coach Kenny Monday. “Our biggest challenge will be facing Lehigh University on November 15th, who has three top-ranked wrestlers in the country.”

“We’re excited for the opportunity to compete this season.”

Morgan, the only Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in the country to offer the sport of wrestling at the NCAA Division I Varsity level, opens its 2024-25 campaign when they compete at the Southeast Open (formally the Hokie Open) on Saturday, November 2 at Cregger Center Fieldhouse in Salem, Va.

On Saturday, November 10th, the Hill Field House will come alive with excitement as the Bears prepare to take on Glenville State at 2 p.m. Following the matchup with Glenville State, the Bears will shift gears to face Bucknell.

Morgan’s upcoming road trip to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, promises to be an exciting challenge as the HBCU prepares to face off against Lehigh on November 15. After this encounter, the Bears will head to Arlington, Virginia, where they will take on Marymount on Sunday, November 17 at noon, followed by VMI.  

On Friday, November 22, at 7 p.m., the Morgan wrestling team will travel to College Park to take on the University of Maryland, which is currently ranked No. 27 in InterMat’s preseason national rankings.  Following this important duel, the Morgan wrestling team will return to their home turf at Hill Field House to compete against the University of Pennsylvania on Sunday, December 8.

Morgan is set to host a highly anticipated wrestling match against Army West Point, which is currently ranked No. 28 in InterMat’s preseason national rankings. The Army Black Knights have a storied tradition in collegiate wrestling and the matchup will serve as a significant opportunity for Morgan’s wrestling program to test itself against a formidable opponent.

The Bears are set to face off against Hofstra and Nassau in an exciting match-up in Nassau, New York, on Saturday, December 21 to wrap the month of action. 

The Bears open the New Year when they travel to Chattanooga, Tenn. for the Southern Scuffle (Jan. 4-5) hosted by the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga. The top programs are slated to take part in the tourney along with a slew of other high-level teams.

Morgan State is set to make a triumphant return to their HBCU home court for the first time in the New Year, hosting Princeton in what promises to be an exciting matchup.

Morgan will compete at the Davidson Duals (Jan. 16-17) against host Davidson, followed by a duals against Lock Haven and The Citadel.

On Sunday, Jan. 19 , the Bears are set to take the mat at Hill Field House, where they will host Johns Hopkins. Following this matchup, the Bears will have a brief hiatus, before returning to action on Friday, February 7, when they take on Binghamton.

The Bears are gearing up for an exciting finale to their regular season as they take on Sacred Heart in a road dual match on Sunday, February 16.  Following their encounter with Sacred Heart, the Bears will return home for the much-anticipated season finale against American on Sunday, February 23.

Lehigh hosts this year’s EIWA Championship Tournament on March 7-8 at the Stabler Arena in Bethlehem, Pa.

Missouri hosts this year’s NCAA Championships on March 20-22 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia , Pa.

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Gene Nighman, the EIWA Executive Director, welcomed Morgan State with open arms: “We are proud to have Morgan State as part of our conference. The EIWA has a long history of advancing wrestling, and having the first HBCU program join us is a significant milestone. We look forward to seeing them compete in our 121st season and at the 2025 EIWA Championship at Lehigh University.”

For Morgan State, this is a big step forward. Dena Freeman-Patton, the school’s Director of Athletics, expressed her excitement: “Joining the EIWA is a perfect fit for our wrestling program. Our student-athletes are ready to compete at a high level and continue their success in the classroom and on the mat.”

Morgan State’s wrestling program has a rich history. After a 24-year hiatus, the program was revived in 2021 with a $2.7 million gift, the largest in school history. This donation was led by Mike Novogratz and the HBCU Wrestling Initiative, which aims to bring wrestling back to HBCUs. Morgan State, which first dominated the sport in the 1950s and ’60s, is now the only HBCU in Division I wrestling.

Kenny Monday, hired as head coach in 2022, has brought a wealth of experience to the program. A three-time NCAA All-American and Olympic gold medalist, Monday sees this EIWA membership as a turning point. “This is a monumental milestone for our program,” Monday said. “We’re excited to elevate our competition and make an impact in collegiate wrestling.”

The Bears will debut their talents at the Blue vs. Orange intrasquad dual on October 18, with their first EIWA match at Lehigh on November 15.

With this historic move, Morgan State is set to make waves in the wrestling world, continuing to build on its proud legacy as an HBCU.

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NORFOLK, Va. –– Norfolk State University and the HBCU Wrestling Initiative recently announced the Norfolk State Wrestling Clinic, taking place June 28-29, 2024, on the university’s campus. This milestone two-day event will feature separate clinics for girls on June 28 and boys on June 29, instructed by Norfolk State wrestling alumni and wrestlers coached by Spartan alumni.

“I’m excited with the opportunity to lead a wrestling clinic at Norfolk State University. It’s where my wrestling career began, and it’s really unique for me to have the opportunity to have teammates, former athletes that I coached at NSU, alongside the women wrestlers that I am coaching currently,” said Kirwyn Adderley, Norfolk State wrestling alumnus, All-American, and lead Clinician for the event. “Hopefully, this is the first step in potentially bringing Division 1 women’s and men’s wrestling programs to Norfolk State University and the Hampton Roads area.”

The clinic aims to increase participation and accessibility in the sport of wrestling for a new generation of athletes in the region. Norfolk State has a storied HBCU wrestling history, with the program previously competing at the Division II level. Norfolk State dropped its wrestling program in 1998. The program was highly successful both on and off the mat up until that point; Having produced numerous collegiate All-Americans, doctors, PhDs, businessmen, and coaches who have had positive impacts on girls and boys. 

“We are extremely excited to announce the Norfolk State Wrestling Clinic, a collaboration with the HBCU Wrestling Initiative,” said Melody Webb, Norfolk State Director of Athletics. “This milestone event will celebrate the tremendous careers of our historic program while increasing participation and accessibility to the sport for a new generation of athletes. I am confident this will be a rewarding experience for both attendees and alumni, bringing the Spartan community together to showcase the sport of wrestling at Norfolk State.”

Norfolk State University’s Rich Wrestling History

Norfolk State University boasts a rich history in wrestling, having produced numerous All-Americans and significant accomplishments over the years. The Spartan wrestling program has been a cornerstone of the university’s athletic department, reflecting the excellence and dedication of its athletes.

Many former members of the Norfolk State wrestling team have gone on to achieve remarkable success at the highest levels within their professions. Raised from rigorous training regimens and expert coaching, former NSU wrestlers have honed their skills to compete on the international stage, representing their alma mater with pride and distinction. Beyond their athletic achievements, these individuals have also demonstrated remarkable leadership and resilience, serving as role models for aspiring wrestlers and professionals everywhere.

Contact: Historically Black Colleges & Universities Wrestling Initiative Email: contact@hbcuwrestling.org

About Historically Black Colleges and Universities Wrestling Initiative:

Historically Black Colleges and Universities Wrestling Initiative (HBCUW) seeks to establish and restore wrestling to America’s historically black colleges and universities and expand access to opportunities created by wrestling for the black community so as to advance social justice and produce black wrestlers and leaders who have the potential to change the trajectory of their families, community, and country. Through the establishment and restoration of wrestling programs at HBCUs, we aim to expand access to the invaluable life skills, networking opportunities, and career pathways that the sport offers.

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Kenny Monday is an amateur wrestling legend and an Olympic gold medalist at the 1988 Olympics. This year he will continue to add to his legacy as he prepares Morgan State for their first wrestling season in 26 years.

Monday spoke with HBCU Gameday to talk about his thoughts on being hired to reestablish the wrestling program at Morgan State.

“It’s significant,” Monday said when asked how it feels to restart the only HBCU wrestling program in the country at Morgan State. “I remember in 1996. I knew the coach, Coach Phillips. It was heartbreaking to have another wrestling program dropped,”

Monday is referring to legendary Morgan State University wrestling coach James Phillips. Phillips coached at Morgan State for 20 years and won 13 MEAC titles, 12 MEAC Coach of the Year awards, produced four national champions and 75 All-American wrestlers. Phillips’ coaching reign came to an end when he resigned in 1996. Morgan State dropped the wrestling program due to a lack of funding.

Monday understands that he is reviving a program that has a rich history.

“It’s an amazing tribute to the program that was here back in the nineties and Coach Phil was a great coach. We always talked. Whenever I would see him, he would come up and we joke, we laugh, and he would tell me that I needed to be at Morgan State. Well, I’m here now. We’re here bringing the program back, I’m excited and we’re ready to get to work,”

Bringing back HBCU wrestling has been on Monday’s radar for a long time. He took the first steps with his partners at HBCU Wrestling, an organization that is working to establish and restore wrestling programs at HBCUs.

“We were looking for a way to help the community and see what we could do to advance the sport. We all knew that there’s no programs at HBCUs, so we wanted to give the kids an opportunity to come to HBCUs and wrestle. Then doing the search and that whole thing, they came to me and asked me to take over the position. When I thought about it, at first I was a little apprehensive about it just because I’m kind of at the end of my career and was kind of ready to sit back and relax and just be a fan. Once I looked into it and did a deep dive into the opportunity, I thought it would probably be more of an impact if someone like myself would take over the position and then lead the program. Once I really looked at it and thought about it, it’s bigger than me. I wanted to make sure that I got this program off to a good start,”

Monday could not have been a more perfect candidate for this position. He has a legendary wrestling career that started back in his youth in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He would grow to become successful at the sport and win several awards to cement his name among one of the best to ever touch the mat.

“Undefeated in high school, 140-0, and won four-time state champ at Booker T. Washington, and then from there, I went to Oklahoma State and then of course, three-time All-American, NCAA champion in 1984. Then from that point, I went to the Olympics in ‘88 (gold), ‘92 (silver) and ‘96,”

Pairing Monday’s and Morgan State’s successful legacies is a match that can build a dynasty. Both have long histories of success that set the standards high for the program. Monday wants to win, but he understands that a healthy culture has to be established first in order to win.

“I’ve been a winner from day one and my expectations is nothing less than that. My expectation is to build a program where kids are competing at a level that they haven’t seen before coming from an HBCU and around the country. I’ve been around. Either I’ve been coached by some of the best in the world; wrestled against some of the best in the world; competed with some of the best in the world; teams with some of the best in the world, so my history is pretty extensive when it comes to putting results on the mat. It’s going to take a while to build it. I’m realistic about where our program will be. I mean, of course, we got a building program from scratch. We got 95 percent freshmen. I got four or five upper-class kids that transferred in. We got a young team, so it’s gonna take a lot of building, a lot of work to be able to compete at the level that I’m accustomed to competing at. My expectation is to build a program that is based on character, based on excellence, and based on winning,”

Kenny Monday’s expectations are high and the road will be long to build the program that he envisions, but he is proud of the team as they are creating the culture that they are striving to establish.

“I got a good group of kids. I love our team. I love the guys we brought in. We got five or six state champions that are doing well in high school and it’s just about building that culture, building that team,” Monday explains. “I tell the kids, we’re a team on paper right now. Just because the kids are on contract and they sign, but you become a team in your daily work and in your daily accountability and your daily habits. That’s how you become a real team and that’s the message that I go to the kids that we’re a team on paper right now. Every day we become a team on the mat and in life,”

Kenny Monday and Morgan State University will continue to build their culture and continue a great legacy in wrestling. They have the opportunity to shake up the wrestling world and represent HBCUs. Monday made his message clear to all other wrestling programs.

“We’re coming to win and Morgan State will be on the map,”

Morgan State University will touch the mat against an opponent for the first time in 26 years when they travel to Virginia Tech on November 5.

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Junior Moise Toussaint then fell 8-2 at 157 lbs before Allen put together three more consecutive wins at the next three weight classes to take a commanding 25-9 lead after 8 bouts. Sophomore  Ya’Donnis Hardaway got the victory at 165 winning by an 8-3 decision before junior Terrence Mills hung on to win 13-9 at 174 lbs. Junior Michael Jackson then grabbed a 12-4 major decision win at 184 lbs. 

Allen University Freshman Emmanuel Velasquez then earned a win via forfeit at heavyweight for the Jackets.

Located in Columbia, South Carolina, Allen University annonunced earlier this year that it will be sponosoring a women’s wrestling program as well.

Allen improves to 3-1 on the season and will next head to Averett University in Virginia for the Cougar Duals next Sunday. Allen will match up with Averett at 10 am, Southwest VA CC at Noon, Wheeling Univ (WV) at 1:30 and finally Newport News Apprentice (Va.) at 3 PM.

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HAWKINS, TX – Texas HBCU Jarvis Christian University Athletic Director Bobby Ladner announced the addition of a men’s and women’s wrestling program in an expansion of the JCU athletic department.

The wrestling program is one of the first established at an HBCU institution. JCU is also just the fifth college in Texas to add the sport. JCU joins fellow NAIA members Wayland Baptist University and Texas Wesleyan University in competition in the state. Schreiner University and Texas Woman’s University compete at the NCAA level.

JCU will join the Sooner Athletic Conference for wrestling since the Red River Athletic Conference does not sponsor the sport. JCU will join Oklahoma City University, Texas Wesleyan, Wayland Baptist, Central Christian College, and Arkansas Baptist College in competition on the men’s side. On the women’s side, JCU will join Texas Wesleyan, Wayland Baptist, Oklahoma City, Central Christian, Lyon College, and Missouri Baptist University.

As one of the rare HBCU institutions with a wrestling program, Ladner believes JCU has an opportunity to grow the sport.

“We are excited to be one of the first few HBCU’s to add a wrestling program,” Ladner said. “What we are doing here at Jarvis can serve as an example to other HBCU athletic departments across the country. Our men’s and women’s wrestling programs are going to bring additional exposure to the school while also bringing in diverse groups of athletes to compete.”

The men’s and women’s teams will bring in new athletes to the university and athletic department. The addition of the wrestling program also proves the administration’s commitment to athletics and to the overall growth of JCU.

“Wrestling, one of the oldest sports in the world, is Jarvis Christian University’s newest athletic sport,” JCU President Dr. Lester Newman said. “It is always exciting to launch a new athletic program, especially at this time, as JCU will be a rare four-year HBCU offering this sport. Adding this sport to our program will give student athletes additional opportunities to compete, while getting a stellar education. Under the direction of a new coach, we are truly looking forward to a great season!”

Competition will begin this fall. The head coach of the men’s and women’s program will be announced soon.

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