MONTEVALLO, Ala. – The Montevallo wrestling team is set to begin its 2025-26 season on Saturday at the Pepsi Patriot Open in Corbin, Ky. Head coach Daniel Ownbey and the program enter their third season of competition with high expectations following a strong 2024-25 campaign.
"I think the preseason has been the best we've had so far in our history," Ownbey said when asked about offseason preparation. "A big reason for that is that guys who were here in year one (of the program) are standing up and being vocal leaders. We've got guys holding each other accountable and pushing themselves to the limit."
Sophomore Cole Hunt echoed that mindset, saying, "The main focus has been having intent and coming in, 100% focusing on the little details and techniques and getting after it every single day."
Montevallo's roster features a strong mix of key returners and exciting newcomers who will be relied on heavily in 2025-26. Colt Brown and Jake Chisolm return after making the national tournament a season ago in their respective weight classes, while Hunt and junior Carson Freeman are both expected to take on major leadership roles this season. Freshmen Ryder Gibson and KamRon Powell were two newcomers mentioned by Ownbey and Freeman, along with transfer Max Stedeford, as standouts in the preseason.
"We have more guys in the room, more depth," Freeman said about the roster makeup this season. "I'm super excited with the makeup," Ownbey added. "I think we have the pieces where we can realistically talk about the possibility of qualifying 10 to nationals. Iron sharpens iron, and whoever comes out on top will come through."
The Falcons earned national recognition in the National Wrestling Coaches Association preseason rankings, with the team receiving votes in the Preseason Top 25 for the first time in program history. Jake Chisolm enters the season ranked No. 10 nationally in the 165, while Max Stedeford was ranked No. 15 in the 149.
Hunt pointed to the team's culture as a main focal point heading into the program's third year of competition. "The guys that are returners have bought in, and I believe that we have built a culture that's based around being champions inside and outside of the room," Hunt said.
Montevallo is set to host three matches at Central State Bank Arena this season. The Falcons open the home slate on Thursday, Nov. 6, against Truett McConnell before returning on Jan. 6 to host Conference Carolinas foe Emmanuel. Senior Night is scheduled for Feb. 2 against preseason No. 2 Lander.
"I want them to see the passion we have in our wrestling. Our guys are very passionate and motivated," Ownbey said when asked what he wants fans to see this season. "We want the crowd to keep coming out and to know that we are ready," Freeman added.
The Falcons begin action on Saturday at 8:00 a.m. CT.
