Eagles Wrestling Set to Open Season on Saturday

WALNUT RIDGE, Ark. (10/31/24) – Under first year Head Coach Erik Cooley, the Williams Baptist wrestling team looks forward to the start of its 2024-25 campaign on Saturday, Nov. 2.

Cooley, a WBU alum, became the only collegiate head wrestling coach born in the state of Arkansas when he was hired back in May.

WBU was chosen to finish sixth in the AMC/SAC preseason rating this season.  Freshman Noel Mejia was ranked sixth in the 125 pound weight class, and junior Gatlin Taylor was ranked fourth in the 133 weight class.

Taylor returns from last year's squad alongside Kade Carter and Martavious Burns to provide leadership in the program.

The Eagles look to bring in new faces as well with transfers Grayson Pennison and Ian Halfacre.  The team also features three freshmen in Mejia, Payton Holland, and Jimmy Singleton.

"We have a good group this year that I believe can do some special things.," said Coach Cooley.  "I can't wait to get started on Saturday and see how far we can go."

WBU will kick off the season on Saturday, Nov. 2 at the Patriot Open in Corbin, Ky. hosted by the University of the Cumberlands.