LANCASTER, PA – Morgan State University wrestling faces a challenging test this Sunday, , as they travel to Franklin & Marshall College for an EIWA Liberty Division dual meet. The Diplomats are coming off a 23–15 victory over Hofstra, snapping a nine-match losing streak in the series and marking their first win against the Pride since .
Franklin & Marshall’s win secured a third-place finish in the Liberty Division, alongside American, Army, Bucknell, Lehigh, and Navy – the same division now home to the rising Morgan State program. The Bears, still building momentum after a 25-year hiatus and reinstatement of their program in 2022, will be looking to make their mark against a seasoned opponent.
The revival of Morgan State wrestling was fueled by a $2.7-million gift from HBCU Wrestling (HBCUW), providing funding for scholarships and program development. This investment has allowed Head Coach Kenny Monday, a National Wrestling Hall of Fame inductee and Olympic gold medalist, to assemble a competitive roster and attract talent from across the globe.
Coach Monday, who took the helm in , has emphasized the importance of building a strong foundation and fostering a championship-level culture. His recent recruiting class reflects this commitment, featuring five new student-athletes for the 2025-26 season, including Campbell University transfer Eugene Harney and international prospects from Sweden and Hungary.
Harney, a standout at 149 pounds, has quickly become a key performer for the Bears. He’s currently ranked No. 28 in the InterMat poll and No. 31 in the Flowrestling poll, boosted by recent victories on the West Coast, including pins against California Baptist and Cal Poly, and a major decision over American’s Leo Maestas. His performance underscores the program’s growing competitiveness and potential for success.
Franklin & Marshall, under the guidance of Head Coach Mike Rogers, who is beginning his 16th season, presents a formidable challenge. Rogers has a proven track record of developing NCAA qualifiers, with 11 wrestlers reaching the tournament since his arrival in Lancaster. His coaching has produced Rick Durso ’16, a two-time EIWA Champion and All-American.
The Diplomats’ recent win against Hofstra demonstrates their ability to perform under pressure and secure crucial victories. They will aim to leverage this momentum as they host Morgan State, seeking to maintain their position within the Liberty Division. The EIWA’s realignment, creating both Liberty and Independence Divisions, aims to foster greater balance and competition across the conference.
Morgan State’s participation in the Liberty Division alongside established programs like American, Army, Bucknell, Lehigh, and Navy signifies the program’s rapid ascent and the EIWA’s recognition of its potential. The Bears are the only HBCU with a Division I wrestling program, carrying a unique responsibility to represent and elevate the sport within the HBCU community.
Freshman Marwan Nazeer has also earned recognition, being named a recipient of the Black Wrestlers Association’s scholarship award. This honor highlights the program’s commitment to academic excellence and its role in supporting student-athletes from diverse backgrounds.
The upcoming dual meet against Franklin & Marshall represents a significant opportunity for Morgan State to test its progress and demonstrate its competitiveness against a well-established EIWA program. Coach Monday’s emphasis on recruiting, combined with the talent of athletes like Harney and Nazeer, positions the Bears for continued growth and success in the years to come. The match promises to be a compelling contest, showcasing the evolving landscape of collegiate wrestling and the rising prominence of HBCU programs within the sport.
Fans can follow Morgan State Athletics online at www.morganstatebears.com and on social media platforms including Facebook (/MorganStateBears), Twitter (@MorganStBears), and Instagram (/MorganStateBears).
