McKendree enters the upcoming season as the team to beat in the Great Lakes Valley Conference men’s wrestling division, capturing the top spot in the preseason coaches’ poll released Wednesday by the conference office. Head coach James Kisgen prepares for his 25th season with the Bearcats, leading a squad that earned five first-place votes and 34 total points following a conference championship and a third-place finish at the NCAA Division II National Championships.
Following McKendree in the Conference Poll
The Great Lakes Valley Conference preseason poll, presented by Primo Designs, reflects votes from the league’s head coaches, who are prohibited by conference bylaws from voting for their own programs. Grand Valley State secured the remaining two first-place votes to finish second with 30 total points under head coach R.J. Boudro. Boudro. Indianapolis grabbed third place with 25 points, while Upper Iowa followed closely in fourth with 23 points.
Rounding out the seven-team poll, Maryville placed fifth with 18 points, Quincy took sixth with 11 points, and Drury finished seventh with six points.
| Rank | School | Points (First-Place Votes) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | McKendree | 34 (5) |
| 2 | Grand Valley State | 30 (2) |
| 3 | Indianapolis | 25 |
| 4 | Upper Iowa | 23 |
| 5 | Maryville | 18 |
| 6 | Quincy | 11 |
| 7 | Drury | 6 |
McKendree and Grand Valley State return All-American talent
McKendree returns significant firepower from its national-contending lineup, anchored by 184-pound national champion and All-American Darion Johnson, alongside 165-pound All-American Sam Richardson. Kisgen holds a career 210-96 overall record with the Bearcats entering his 25th season at the helm.
Grand Valley State brings back considerable experience from a 9-6 campaign that ended with a 12th-place national finish. The team returns 285-pound two-time All-American and national qualifier Carter Blough, alongside fellow national qualifiers Jak Keller at 133 pounds, Maclain Morency at 157 pounds, Bradley Mayse at 184 pounds, and Brayden Mirjavadi at 197 pounds.
Indianapolis enters its 17th season under head coach Jason Warthan, returning 197-pound conference freshman of the year and national qualifier Ethan Farnell. The Greyhounds also welcome back national qualifiers Nathan Smith at 125 pounds, Gavin Garcia at 149 pounds, and Michael Ortega at 157 pounds. Upper Iowa features head coach Heath Grimm—who enters his 27th season and has directed the Peacocks to nine top-11 national finishes—alongside returning wrestlers Nick Mueller at 165 pounds and Tanner Arjes at 141 pounds.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Wrestling Poll
How are the preseason rankings determined?
The league’s head coaches vote on the preseason poll, though conference bylaws strictly prevent them from casting a vote for their own wrestling programs.
What were McKendree’s achievements last season?
The Bearcats captured the Great Lakes Valley Conference Championship and secured a third-place finish at the NCAA Division II National Championships.
Who are the returning national qualifiers for Grand Valley State?
The team returns two-time All-American Carter Blough at 285 pounds, alongside national qualifiers Jak Keller, Maclain Morency, Bradley Mayse, and Brayden Mirjavadi.
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