One of the biggest unknowns in the collegiate wrestling world is the new Morgan State University wrestling team. The team is composed largely of underclassmen and transfer students, uniting to bring wrestling back to Morgan State. 

The Bears, led by Kenny Monday, head wrestling coach, gave the Morgan community a taste of what the team had in store this season. On Oct. 21, the squad held an inter-squad meet before opening their season in Salem, Virginia in the Southeast Open on Saturday, Nov. 4. 

After the Southeast Open, the Bears traveled to Annapolis to compete against the Pittsburgh Pirates, U.S. Naval Academy, and Virginia Military Institute in the Navy Quad Meet on Nov. 12. 

The Bears’ final stop before their home opener was a tri-dual in Fairfax, Va. on Nov. 18 where the team would face George Mason University and the University of Minnesota. 

The team jumped out to a rough start, losing their first five matches of the season—but these losses are to be expected not only from a first-year team, but the high level of competition would put anyone through the ringer. They have faced No. 16 Pitt, No.14 Minnesota and the Naval Academy, an undefeated wrestling team that defeated both Pittsburg and Illinois. 

Morgan would be shut out by these three teams across two meets losing a total of 159-0.

The Bears narrowly managed to score points against Virginia Military Institute (VMI) and George Mason University. Freshmen Cameron Johnson and Kingsley Menifee along with graduate student Jacob Marsh all finished with decision victories when facing VMI. Menifee and freshman Shawn Rynarz added their own victories when facing George Mason .

The Bears fell to both teams, losing 36-6 to George Mason and 33-9 to VMI. 

Three Power Five opponents remain on the Bear’s schedule as well as two Ivy League schools. Monday said he wants to prepare his young squad to compete as a top team on the national level. 

“It’s tough competition,” Monday said. “I designed it that way [because] I wanted them to feel what it’s like on that D1 level.”

The Bears have met this challenge head-on. Monday said this is the only way to build the program. 

“I would rather lose to a tough competitor than beat a weak competitor,” Monday said.

The Bears officially opened their season at the Southeast Open in Salem, Virginia on Saturday Nov. 4. The Southeast Open is an annual season-opening tour meant to be a perfect way for under and upperclassmen wrestlers to begin their season. 

The tournament has two brackets—the freshmen and sophomore division which caters to underclassmen and inexperienced wrestlers, and the open division, which caters to  upperclassmen and more experienced wrestlers. 

Four of Morgan’s wrestlers competed in the open bracket and one of them won their match. Senior Jacob Marsh scored two wins but did not place.

Seventeen of Morgan’s wrestlers competed in the underclassman bracket, including freshmen Blake Bryant and Cortilius Vann, both of whom scored a victory. Sophomore Eric Washington Jr. placed sixth and Menifee placed second in the bracket in the 184-lbs. weight class. 

Many from Morgan’s community attended the intersquad scrimmage that the university held on Oct. 21 to support the newly formed team.

“I’m glad the program is back here at Morgan State. The kids look real good, real in shape, real impressive. They’re tough,” spectator Leonard Settle said.

Fans shared their excitement with each other. Their exclamations were audible over the noise in the venue.

“I enjoyed it, I’m glad to see Morgan State wrestling,” said spectator James Greenwood. 

Washington Jr. said he and the team have room to improve. He knows they can become exceptional with hard work and a sound mind.