This year should be another excellent year for the University of the Cumberlands men’s wrestling team. The Patriots hope to grapple their way to a NAIA Nationals appearance that will land them in the “Top 10” for a 7th consecutive year.

While the team lost nationally ranked Thetlon Detry to graduation, there are many returnees who will try to fill his shoes. Three NAIA All-Americans will return this season including Delrico Choates, Brad Cooper and Eric Flinchum. Other Cumberlands contenders who are expected to make an immediate impact are Ernie Spritzer, Chris Wilkes, Todd Allen and Matt Bishop.

Freshmen Dan Muncy, Ethan Baker and Tommy Hutchison look to lead the group of new faces, along with transfer athletes, Jason Daviaux and Ken Prophete. Coming off the proverbial bench of a “red-shirt season” will be Cornelius Wiggins, David Bertsch, Earl Wallter and Renwick Richardson who expect to vie at the national level, as well.

"I'm excited to get this season underway. I feel like we have some new guys that are ready to prove themselves, not only amongst their team but nation-wide. We also have some talented returnees whom are looking to improve on last years accomplishments although talent is just one of the many integral ingredients required to be successful in college wrestling. With a lot of hard work, it should be another exciting and successful season,” comments returning head coach Jess Wilder. Along with his returning assistants Shaine Jamie and Andrew Medders, Coach Wilder, has also added two high-caliber assistants to his coaching arsenal in Thetlon Detry and Andrew Critchfield.

The Patriot wrestlers will begin quest for nationals on October 30th at the Georgia Tech Open in Atlanta.