Quick Facts:
Head Coach: LeRoy Gardner
Years at School as Head Coach: 2
Career Record at Current School: 15-15
Assistant Coach: Blake Mangum
Volunteer Assistant Coach: Vinny Barber
2017-2018 Dual Record: 7-8
Program History: Beginning fifth year
NCAA III Regional: 8th place
2018 NCAA Qualifiers: Devon Jackson (125), Nathan Rankin (133)
Season Outlook:
Fueled by a pair of NCAA III National qualifiers last season, the University of the Ozarks wrestling team is building on last year's success under third year head coach LeRoy Gardner. The Eagles made history last season with Devon Jackson (125) and Nathaneal Rankin (133) qualifying for the NCAA III National Championships in Cleveland, Ohio, marking the first time in the program's four-year history wrestlers have advanced to the national stage. The Eagles return several key wrestlers for the 2018-2019 season. Rankin (125), Corey Muniz (125), Jaylen York (141), Ny'Trell Dean (149), Russell Miller (157), Jacob Sherrill (165), Cam Barnes (197) and Adolfo Sotolongo (285) have plenty of experience to lead the Eagles into the 2018-19 season. Beginning its fifth year of existence, the Eagles improved four spots at the NCAA III Regional from the previous season.
Top Records (Returners):
Nathanael Rankin (So., 133) NCAA III Qualifier, Southeast Wrestling Conference Champion (Record: 24-2)
Ny'Trell Dean (Sr., 149) 4th at SE Conference (Record: 16-9)
Cameron Barnes (So., 197) 3rd at SE Conference (Record: 17-12)
Jaylen York (So., 141) (Record: 17-8)
Jacob Sherrill (Sr., 174) (Record: 17-12)
Adolfo Sotolongo (So., 285) (Record: 18-12)
Top Incoming Wrestlers:
Stephen Fox (2-time State Champion)
Byron Zeno (State Champion)
Cameron Oliver (3rd Place, State Championships)
Ndayambaje John (5th Place State, Championships)
Dontae Johnson (4th Place, State Championships)
Shumar Blair Two-time State Place-winner)
Travale James (4th Place, State Championships)
Tinker Kinser (State Place-Winner)
Coach Gardner Quotes:
"We want to build on the success from last year," said Gardner. "The returning guys saw the process and what it takes to qualify for nationals. The returners know that qualifying can happen here and now they want to put in the work to accomplish it. We talk a lot about 'why not you'. Nobody has put limits on you. You be that guy. Our guys understand they can go to the big show and have a chance to win a title. We want them prepared to compete at the highest levels."
2018-2019 Online Media Guide
2018-2019 Schedule
November
1 at Lyon College Dual
4 at Oklahoma City University Open
13 Arkansas Baptist Dual
13 Ouachita Baptist University Dual
17 at Southwestern Open @ Arlington, Texas
17 at Olivet College Duals
30 vs Lindenwood University Dual
DECEMBER
1 at Hatcher Invite
15 at Nebraska Wesleyan University Duals
JANUARY
4 at Central College Dual
5 at Central College Under Armour Invitational
17 Drury University Dual
22 Central Baptist College Dual
26 at Huntingdon College Duals
FEBRUARY
1 at Westminster College Dual
2 at Missouri Valley College Open
9 at Southeast Conference Tournament @ Nashville, Tenn.
23 at NCAA III Lower Midwest Regionals @ Dubuque, Iowa
24 at NCAA III Lower Midwest Regionals @ Dubuque, Iowa
MARCH
8 at NCAA III National Championships @ Roanoke, Va.
9 at NCAA III National Championships @ Roanoke, Va.