Ferrum Wrestling Soars at Mid-Atlantic Championships, Eyes National Glory
LYNCHBURG, Va. – The #5-ranked Ferrum College men’s wrestling team delivered a dominant performance at the 2026 NCWA Mid-Atlantic Conference Championships, securing a third-place finish with 169 team points. The Panthers showcased both individual brilliance and impressive depth, qualifying a remarkable 14 wrestlers for the upcoming NCWA National Championships.
Keel and Curva Claim Championship Titles
Freshman Ezekiel Keel and Cameron Curva led the charge, each capturing individual championships in their respective weight classes. Keel, wrestling at 125 pounds, earned the title of Outstanding Wrestler after a flawless 5-0 run through the bracket, culminating in a 15-5 major decision victory. Curva secured the 149-pound title, winning via medical forfeit in the finals.
Roulo Honored as Coach of the Year
The team’s success didn’t go unnoticed by the conference. Ferrum Head Coach Blake Roulo was rightfully named Mid-Atlantic Conference Coach of the Year, recognizing his leadership and the program’s consistent excellence.
Strong Performances Across the Board
Beyond the champions, Ferrum demonstrated impressive depth with seven total place-winners. Andres Cortes (157 pounds) and Braeden Fluke (285 pounds) both reached the finals, earning runner-up finishes. Cortes fell in a close 2-0 decision, while Fluke lost a narrow 6-5 match.
Josiah Canales Maldonado (133 pounds) and Hunter Thompson (174 pounds) each secured third-place finishes, adding valuable points to the team total. Joseph Toner (184 pounds) placed fourth, while Braden Crawford (141 pounds) finished fifth. Robert Owens Jr. (165) and Noah Harris (197) each earned seventh-place finishes.
National Championship Qualification
Ferrum qualified 11 wrestlers automatically for the 2026 NWCA National Championships, and secured three additional wildcards. The qualified wrestlers include Ezekiel Keel, Josiah Canales, Braden Crawford, Cameron Curva, Andres Cortes, Robert Owens Jr., Hunter Thompson, Joseph Toner, Noah Harris, and Braeden Fluke. Hayden Thompson, Blake McCarty, Grayson Ringwald, and Franklin Melton also qualified from the NCWA roster.
NCWA Nationals Bound
The 2026 NCWA National Championships will be held from March 26-28 at Brookshire Grocery Arena in Shreveport, Louisiana. Ferrum’s strong showing at the Mid-Atlantic Conference Championships positions them as a strong contender for national success.
Did you know?
Ezekiel Keel joins an elite group of Ferrum wrestlers with his number 1 ranking, all of whom went on to achieve significant accolades.
FAQ
Q: Where will the 2026 NCWA National Championships be held?
A: Brookshire Grocery Arena in Shreveport, Louisiana.
Q: How many wrestlers did Ferrum qualify for the National Championships?
A: 14 wrestlers.
Q: Who was named Mid-Atlantic Conference Coach of the Year?
A: Blake Roulo.
Q: What was Ferrum’s overall team placement at the Mid-Atlantic Conference Championships?
A: Third place.
Pro Tip: Maintain an eye on Ezekiel Keel at the National Championships – his Outstanding Wrestler performance at the Mid-Atlantics suggests he’s a force to be reckoned with.
Stay updated on the Ferrum College wrestling team’s journey to the National Championships by visiting the official Ferrum Panthers wrestling page.
