CORBIN, Ky. – The Montevallo wrestling team opened its 2025-26 season in impressive fashion on Saturday, totaling nine placers, including three individual titles, at the Pepsi Patriot Open. The Falcons racked up 198 team points, finishing second overall in a competitive field.

Cole Hunt led the charge with a dominant run to the 125-pound title, earning five consecutive victories capped by a 17-4 major decision over NAIA No. 25 Jordan Rodriguez (Cleary) in the championship bout. Hunt also defeated No. 3 Matteo Vargo (University of the Cumberlands) by an 11-5 decision to earn a pair of ranked wins on the day. Max Stedeford joined Hunt atop the podium, claiming the 149-pound Open division crown in his Montevallo debut with a decisive 15-2 win over Raymond Cavey (Southeastern) in the finals. The Pittsburgh, Pa. native took down No. 24 Ian Boden (Cornerstone) by decision to punch his ticket to the final. Cole Sykes secured the Falcons' third title of the day, powering through five straight matches to capture the 184-pound Freshman/Sophomore division championship with a 13-6 decision over Derek Washington (Southeastern) in the final.

In addition to the trio of champions, Montevallo placed six more wrestlers on the podium. Junior Carson Freeman earned a runner-up finish at 157 pounds, while Kaden Brown also notched a second-place finish at 141 after a strong showing.

At 285, Willie Cox battled back to win four consecutive matches en route to third place with a major decision over No. 25 Phillip Terrell, 17-6, in the 285-pound Open division, and CJ Duren took third in the 149-pound Freshman/Sophomore division, highlighted by a tech fall victory. Jordan Weltzin and Nick Dempsey rounded out the Falcons' placers, each finishing fourth at 141 and 157, respectively, in the Freshman/Sophomore divisions.

UP NEXT: The Falcons return to action on Thursday, Nov. 6, hosting Truett McConnell for Youth Night inside Central State Bank Arena. Action begins at 6:30 p.m.