Wrestling | 10/23/2025 2:00:00 PM
The 2025-26 Empire 8 Men's Wrestling season gets underway on Saturday, November 1. For the first time, the Empire 8 will host a four-team dual tournament to crown a league champion. The Empire 8 duals will take place on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
2025-26 Empire 8 Wrestlers to Watch
(Sorted Alphabetically by Institution)
SUNY Brockport - Head Coach Troy Seymour
Kiam Coleman, Jr., 174 lbs., Yonkers, NY/Yonkers - Coleman was the 2024-25 SUNYAC Champion at 174 lbs, earning him all-conference honors. He went 6-0 on the season with two wins by fall, one by tech fall and one major decision.
Gavin McLaughlin, Sr., 165/174 lbs., Poughkeepsie, NY/Roy C. Ketcham - McLaughlin, the 2024-25 SUNYAC Champion at 165 lbs, earned all-conference honors. At the NCAA DIII Region II Championships, McLaughlin finished eighth in his weight class.
Elmira College - Head Coach John Franchi
John Robyck, Jr., 285 lbs., Pine City, NY/Elmira - Robyck is a newcomer to the Soaring Eagles squad this season. He is expected to be an exciting addition.
Donavan Smith, So., 165 lbs., Wellsburg, NY/Elmira - Smith is also a newcomer for the Soaring Eagles. He is a transfer from Long Island University and will be an important piece to the team.
St. John Fisher University - Head Coach Ryne Morrison
Paul Lichter, Jr., 157 lbs., Wantagh, NY/General Douglas MacArthur - Lichter went 19-6 overall in 2024-25 recorded two wins by fall, six by technical fall and three by major decision. He placed fifth in his weight class in the NCAA Division III Region II Championship.
Braydon Vandenberg, Jr., 197 lbs., Niagara Falls, NY/Canisuis - Vandenberg finished the 2024-25 season 19-8 overall, winning six matches by fall, four by technical fall and three by major decision. He placed fifth in his weight class in the NCAA Division III Region II Championship.
Utica University - Head Coach Steve Lofaso
Logan Banks, So., 133 lbs., West Hartford, CT/Conard - Banks, in his debut season for the Pioneers, earned three wins, two by fall. He is expected to be a leader for the Pioneers in 2025-26.
Hunter Morton, So., 157 lbs., Hillsdale, NJ/Pascack Hills - In his 2024-25 season, Morton finished with seven wins, two by fall, two by technical fall and one by major decision.
2024-25 Empire 8 Men's Wrestling Returning All-Americans, All-Region & Major Award Winners
- Trevor Bishop, St. John Fisher, So., 141 lbs., Brunswick, NY/Tamarac - 2024-25 Empire 8 Co-Rookie of the Year, 2024-25 141 lbs. All-Region
- Derek Bernardino, St., John Fisher, Sr., 133 lbs., Verona, NJ/Verona - 2024-25 133 lbs. All-Region
- Jackson Burns, St. John Fisher, Jr., 285 lbs., Spencerport, NY/Spencerport - 2024-25 285 lbs. All-Region
- Jaden Friel, Brockport, 141 lbs., Williamsville, NY/Williamsville South - 2024-25 141 lbs. All-Region
- Paul Lichter, St. John Fisher, Jr., 157 lbs., Wantagh, NY/General Douglas MacArthur - 2024-25 157 lbs. All-Region
- Simon Lingle, SUNY Brockport, Jr., 197 lbs., Newfane, NY/Newfane - 2024-25 197 lbs. All-Region
- Gavin McLaughlin, SUNY Brockport, Sr., 165/174 lbs., Poughkeepsie, NY/Roy C. Ketcham - 2024-25 174 lbs. All-Region
- Braydon Vandenberg, St. John Fisher, Jr., 197 lbs., Niagara Falls, NY/Canisuis - 2024-25 197 lbs. All-Region