Posted: Aug 23, 2025
Fayette, Mo. - The Central Methodist Men's Wrestling program is proud to announce its 2025 recruiting class—one of the deepest and most decorated groups in program history. This year's class features 23 commitments from seven different states, including transfers from powerhouse collegiate programs and standout high school champions.
In total, the 2025-26 incoming class is represented by:
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11 Individual State Champions
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13 Combined State Titles
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14 All-American Honors
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32 State Placements
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45 State Qualifications
Head Coach Graham Karwath described the class as "a mix of proven winners and hungry competitors who will raise the level of our room from day one."
High-Profile Transfers:
Several wrestlers arrive in Fayette already carrying collegiate experience:
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Drew Cooper (133, Gretna, Neb.) – An NJCAA National Runner-up at Iowa Central, Cooper redshirted during his true freshman year at the University of Nebraska. He was a Nebraska State Champion and Folkstyle All-American at Skutt Catholic.
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Griffin Ray (184, Hillsboro, Mo.) – Ray was a Missouri State Champion and USA Folkstyle All-American at Hillsboro. He comes to CMU after stints at Nebraska and SIU-Edwardsville.
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Gavin Alexander (133/141, Hillsboro, Mo.) – Alexander was a four-time Missouri State Placer and State Champion at Hillsboro, transferring from SIU-Edwardsville.
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Dayton Boyd (125, Farmington, Mo.) – A Missouri State Champion and four-time State Qualifier at Farmington, Boyd comes to CMU after transferring from new Heart member Missouri Baptist.
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Justis Theis (125/133, Roxanna, Ill.) – Theis joins CMU from NJCAA powerhouse Indian Hills Community College, where he was part of their National Championship team.
Missouri Stronghold:
The Show-Me State continues to be a vital pipeline for CMU Wrestling. This class includes several of Missouri's best high wrestlers:
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Blake Eads (141/149, Garden City, Mo.) – Missouri State Champion, three-time Placer, and four-time qualifier at Sherwood High School.
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Landon Morris (149, Moberly, Mo.) – Four-time State Qualifier and District Champion at Moberly High School.
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Owen McCracken (165, St. Charles, Mo.) – Two-time state qualifier and four-time conference placer at Francis Howell North School.
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Doone Taylor (184, Kansas City, Mo.) – State Qualifier and ranked as high as No. 3 in the state at Winnentonka High School.
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Andrew Nehre (141/149, St. Louis, Mo.) – Team Captain and Missouri Citizenship Award winner at Gateway Science Academy.
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Conner O'Harra (157, Macon, Mo.) – Varsity starter and Tiger Pride Award winner at Macon School.
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Kerrick Lewis (165, St. Charles, Mo.) – Varsity Starter from Lutheran High School.
Louisiana Pipeline:
Louisiana wrestling has become a key recruiting ground for CMU, producing multiple impact signees:
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Brayden Forman (149, Lafayette, La.) – Louisiana State Champion and Adidas National Champion with wins over elite competition nationwide at Acadiana.
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Cole Gros (141/149, Geismar, La.) – State Runner-up and two-time Public School State Champion at Dutchtown.
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Konner Burch (174, Springfield, La.) – Two-time Louisiana State Champion at Springfield.
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Jermarcus Thomas (133, Gonzales, La.) – Louisiana State Placer at East Ascension.
Florida Connection:
CMU also landed a trio of Florida standouts, all with state titles to their name:
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Kevin Olavarria (174/184, Homestead, Fla.) – Florida State Champion, U20 Pan-American placer for Puerto Rico, and two-time NHSCA All-American from South Dade
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Luis Acevedo (125, Homestead, Fla.) – Florida State Champion and three-time State Placer from South Dade.
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Eric Hodge (165, Homestead, Fla.) – Florida State Champion and two-time HS All-American from Sommerset.
Additional Talent Nationwide:
Beyond Missouri, Louisiana, and Florida, CMU is adding wrestlers from across the country:
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Walker Walls (285, Dallas, Texas) – Three-time TAPPS State Champion, two-time National Prep All-American, and two-time NHSCA All-American from Bishop Lynch
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Carsen Cook (184, Princeton, Texas) – Regional Qualifier and three-time District Placer from Princeton.
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Warren Taylor (125, Miamisburg, Ohio) – Ohio Freestyle State Placer and Sectional Champion from Legacy Christian.
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Gabe Kiddoo (165, Westville, Ill.) – Two-time Illinois State Qualifier and Regional Champion from Westville.
Building for the Future:
This class represents a balance of immediate impact athletes and long-term developmental depth. With multiple State Champions and transfers with national-level experience, CMU is positioned to raise the bar both in the Heart of America Conference and on the NAIA national stage.
"From top to bottom, this group embodies our standard," Said Head Coach Graham Karwath. "They're tough, proven, and ready to make an immediate impact."
#TakeFlight
