Leavenworth, Kan.— A new season brings new opportunities for the University of Saint Mary men's wrestling program as veteran head coach Chuck Kearney and the Spires prepare to begin the 2026-27 campaign with a blend of experienced returners and an exciting group of newcomers looking to make their mark on the collegiate wrestling landscape.

The Spires enter the season following a successful 2025-26 campaign that saw USM capture the KCAC Dual Championship and finish second at the KCAC Team Tournament. While the NAIA National Championships presented some challenges for the program, Coach Kearney views those experiences as opportunities for growth and development as the Spires look to take another step forward this season.

Kearney, who previously coached at the NCAA Division I level at the University of Oregon, has led the University of Saint Mary men's and women's wrestling programs since their inception. Now, as the program enters another season, Kearney believes the foundation is in place for another exciting chapter of Spire wrestling.

"We're in a transition where we've gone through a core group of men who have wrestled together for four years, and now we have that next group where the baton has been handed off to them," Kearney said.

Leading the way for the Spires is senior Josey Jernegan in the 157lb. weight class, a four-year contributor who has established himself as one of the program's top competitors. A two-time KCAC Champion, Jernegan finished the 2025-26 season with an impressive 30-6 record and earned a Top-12 finish at the NAIA National Championships. With another year of experience under his belt and a strong preseason, Kearney believes Jernegan has the potential to compete for a national championship for the Spires.

Sophomore Graham Kilpper is another name to watch after an impressive freshman campaign. Kilpper recorded 27 victories last season and made his name known at the 2026 KCAC Championships as he rightfully battled his way to being the 2025-26 KCAC Champion in the 165lb. weight class. Graham continued to develop physically during the offseason and had an outstanding summer of training. His early success has given the Spires another experienced competitor to build around as he looks to take another step forward in his still young collegiate career.

However, Kearney emphasizes that the program's success will be measured by much more than its top returning wrestlers. A large part of the team's development will depend on how the Spires younger athletes embrace expanded roles and continue to grow within the program.

Ben Smith and Ryan Buccat both put together phenomenal freshman seasons, while Luke Hancock, a Leavenworth native, is also expected to continue developing. Devon Lolar returns after finishing fourth in the heavyweight division at the KCAC Championships last season and has spent the offseason working toward closing the gap between placing fourth and competing for a conference title.

Redshirt freshman Caden Gallet will also look to make an impact at 125 pounds—put together, a class full of competitors that now have a few seasons under their belt and know the level it takes to not only compete in the NAIA but also on a squad ran by coach Kearney.

The Spires have added several talented newcomers and transfers who have already begun making an impression in the practice room. Andrew Garcia has looked strong during preseason training, while freshman Lansing native Jeremy Welch is fighting to make an impact in the 133lb. weight class. Kearney hopes Welch and other Spire wrestlers competing at that weight can help continue USM's tradition of success in the 133lb. division.

Transfer Zach Dawson has brought a competitive edge to the room, while Lane Vogel of Bonner Springs, Kansas and Sam Alvarez of Rockwall, Texas have continued to thrive since joining the program. At heavyweight, local Greysen Cline has so far impressed the coaching staff with his strength and footwork.

With a deep roster and plenty of competition throughout the lineup, Kearney believes the Spires have the pieces to put together a special season. The challenge will be how quickly the younger athletes adjust to collegiate wrestling, respond to adversity, and embrace the importance of being great teammates that build up the USM tradition-rich program.

"We have good problems. We have a lot of athletes, and we're going to have to make some hard decisions come February," Kearney said. "The way we get up, learn from it, and move on is crucial to how we develop."

Kearney also credits the continued support of his coaching and athletic training staff, including assistant coach Gabe Blough, graduate assistant Freddy Barajas, Raeann Bromert, and support staff member/Spire wrestling legend, Brody Gee, for helping build the culture and competitive environment surrounding both Spire wrestling programs.

The Spires will have plenty of opportunities to showcase that development throughout the season, including an exciting home schedule at the Ryan Sports Center. USM will look to build momentum in front of its home crowd while continuing to establish itself as one of the NAIA's premier wrestling programs.

Spire wrestling fans, the journey begins tomorrow at the Falcon Invite in Wichita's Hartman Arena, the same venue that will host the 2027 NAIA Wrestling National Championships. The opportunity to begin the season in the very arena where the Spires hope to finish their championship journey provides a unique connection between the first competition and the ultimate goal.

With the first NAIA Coaches' Top 25 poll of the season released October 22, the Spires have already received national recognition, earning votes in the preseason rankings.

As the season unfolds, Kearney and the Spires will look to build on last year's accomplishments, embrace the challenges that come with a changing roster, and continue developing a program that year-after-year has been capable of competing on the national stage.

For the full conversation with Head Coach Chuck Kearney, including his thoughts on the upcoming season, visit the Urban Edge Network.