ABILENE, TX – The McMurry University Men's Wrestling team is no longer a vision—it is a reality. The inaugural War Hawks squad, strategically constructed under Head Coach
Lance Brown, is poised to make a powerful statement in the Fall of 2025. This founding class features state champions, national placers, and deep multi-style experience, ensuring the team is ready to compete from day one.
Talent Anchors the Inaugural Roster
Coach Brown has successfully recruited a debut class featuring wrestlers with proven success at the highest levels of high school and national competition, providing immediate strength across the lineup.
- Lower Weight Leader: The lineup is anchored at 125 lbs by Aaron Michaels, a highly decorated Texas wrestler bringing elite credentials, including a 2x Texas Freestyle State Champion and a Greco State Champion title.
- National-Level Competitor: In the upper-middle weights, Jose Cordova (184 lbs) is a significant addition. Cordova is a New Mexico Freestyle State Champion and a national-level performer, having earned All-American Honors with a 3rd place finish at the New Mexico Nationals.
- Upper Weight Power: Providing punch near the top of the lineup is Yahiya Said (197 lbs), a 6th place finisher at the Texas High School State Championships and a 2-time state qualifier.
- Heavyweight Presence: The team also secured a crucial physical presence at the most important weight class with Nicholas Garcia (285 lbs).
Depth across the middleweights, particularly from 157 lbs to 174 lbs, is built on a foundation of post-season experience with athletes like
Adrian Cavazos (157 lbs), a Florida Regional and District Placer, and
Tyler Gardner (165 lbs), a 2x District Placer.
A Schedule Built for the National Stage
Head Coach
Lance Brown has scheduled a demanding debut season designed to accelerate the team's development and establish a competitive culture. The season begins on Saturday, November 1 at the Luther Hill Invitational in Iowa.
"Starting a program means laying a foundation, and we've built a 2025-2026 schedule designed for growth and maximum exposure," Coach Brown said. "Our goal isn't just to compete; it's to build a team ready for the national stage. The early tournaments and tough duals are exactly what we need to develop the intensity and resilience necessary to succeed in the SLIAC Conference Tournament and at the NCAA regional level."
The War Hawks will make history in Abilene with three home duals:
| Event |
Date |
Opponent |
Time |
| Inaugural Home Dual |
Wednesday, November 19 |
Schreiner University |
7:00 PM |
| New Year's Dual |
Thursday, January 1 |
Northern Oklahoma College |
5:00 PM |
| January Dual |
Friday, January 23 |
Murray State College |
3:00 PM |
The team's ultimate focus lies in the post-season: the inaugural SLIAC Conference Tournament (Feb. 13-14) and the Region 6 National Qualifier Tournament (Feb. 28 - Mar. 1) serve as the stepping stones to the NCAA Men's National Championship (Mar. 13-14). This accomplished first class is prepared to put McMurry Men's Wrestling on the map.
About McMurry University Athletics:
McMurry University is a member of the NCAA Division III and the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC), with the wrestling programs competing in the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SLIAC). Located in Abilene, Texas, McMurry University is committed to developing scholar-athletes who excel academically and athletically.
