7 Shocking Facts About Central Missouri State Wrestling's 2025-2026 Season: Mules' Rise To Power
The University of Central Missouri (UCM) Mules Wrestling team, often still referred to by its former name, Central Missouri State Wrestling, has exploded into the national conversation during the 2025-2026 season, proving they are a serious contender in NCAA Division II wrestling. This season has been defined by powerhouse performances, key individual awards, and a significant debut in the national rankings, signaling a new era of dominance for the program based in Warrensburg, Missouri.
The latest updates from late 2025 and early 2026 show the Mules are performing at an elite level, securing multiple major tournament victories and earning weekly conference honors. Under the leadership of Head Coach Cody Garcia, the program is blending veteran talent with promising newcomers, establishing a deep roster ready to compete in the demanding Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) and the ultra-competitive NCAA-II Super Region IV Tournament.
Head Coach Cody Garcia: The Architect of UCM Wrestling's New Era
The resurgence of the University of Central Missouri Mules Wrestling program is inextricably linked to the leadership of Head Coach Cody Garcia. Hired as the 10th head wrestling coach in UCM history, Garcia has quickly established a culture of excellence and high expectations.
- Full Name: Cody Garcia
- Current Title: Head Wrestling Coach, University of Central Missouri Mules Wrestling
- Tenure: Entered his fourth season as Head Coach in 2025-2026.
- Contract Status: Signed a three-year contract extension, announced in May, securing his leadership through the coming seasons.
- Alma Mater: University of Nebraska-Omaha (UNO).
- Collegiate Career (UNO): Garcia was a standout student-athlete for the UNO wrestling team from 2006 to 2011, competing at the highest levels of NCAA Division II.
- Coaching Pedigree: His coaching career is marked by success at the Division II level. He was part of the coaching staff that led the UNO squad to the NCAA Division II National Championship in 2011.
- Previous Coaching Stop: Prior to arriving in Warrensburg, Garcia served as a successful head coach at Baker University, showcasing his ability to build and sustain competitive programs.
- Legacy: Garcia is known for his strategic approach to recruiting and developing talent, focusing on building a deep roster that can succeed both in duals and major tournament formats like the Super Regionals and the National Championship.
Garcia's commitment to the program was highlighted by his recent contract extension, a clear vote of confidence from the UCM Athletics department. His transition from Baker to UCM has revitalized the Mules, bringing a championship mindset to the UCM Wrestling facilities.
7 Shocking Facts Defining the 2025-2026 Mules Wrestling Season
The 2025-2026 campaign has been one of the most successful in recent memory for the Central Missouri State Wrestling program. Here are seven key facts that showcase their current dominance and future potential:
1. Seven Individual Champions at the Kaufman/Brand/Bayly Open
In a stunning display of depth, the Mules dominated their home tournament, the prestigious Kaufman/Brand/Bayly UCM Open, in November 2025. The team secured an incredible seven individual champions across the Open and Amateur divisions. This performance is a massive indicator of the program's strength, demonstrating that not only the starters but also the depth wrestlers are championship-caliber. Key athletes like Damon Ashworth and James Wright were noted for their strong performances at this event, setting the tone for the season.
2. The Team Debuted at No. 17 in the NWCA National Rankings
The UCM Mules Wrestling team officially broke into the national spotlight by debuting at No. 17 in the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) Team Rankings in December 2025. This ranking is crucial for the program's visibility and recruiting efforts, solidifying their status as one of the top 20 NCAA Division II wrestling programs in the nation. Achieving a national ranking so early in the season is a testament to the team's consistent performance in dual meets and tournaments.
3. Two MIAA Wrestler of the Week Honors in Quick Succession
The Mules have consistently earned recognition from the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA), one of the toughest conferences in college wrestling. In the 2025-2026 season, two different UCM wrestlers earned the MIAA Wrestler of the Week honor:
- Gage Bernall: Named Wrestler of the Week for the fifth week of the season. Bernall, often competing around the 149 lbs weight class, has been a reliable scorer for the Mules.
- Anthony Erickson: Earned the award for the seventh week of the season. Erickson's recognition highlights his impressive recent match results and his impact on the team's dual meet success.
4. Damon Ashworth's All-American Status
A major entity for the program is Damon Ashworth. Competing in the 157 lbs or 165 lbs weight class, Ashworth was named an All-American at the NCAA-II Championships in the prior season. His return and continued high-level performance in the 2025-2026 season provides the Mules with a proven championship-level leader and a consistent source of points against top-tier opponents.
5. Strong Performance in the NCAA-II Super Region IV Tournament
The NCAA-II Super Region IV is a brutal qualifying event, and the Mules have shown they are a force within it. In the prior year, UCM finished 3rd out of 11 teams at the Super Region IV Tournament, which they hosted in Warrensburg, MO. This strong finish resulted in four individual qualifiers advancing to the NCAA-II National Championship. The team’s ability to compete at this regional level is a key indicator of their potential to bring home national hardware.
6. The Dominance of Karim Allal
A rising star for the Mules is Karim Allal, who wrestles at 125 lbs. Allal has demonstrated a flair for quick, decisive victories, including a memorable match where he won by fall (pin) in just 1:51 against a competitor from McKendree. His aggressive style and ability to secure bonus points (technical falls, major decisions, and falls) in the lighter weight classes are vital for the team’s overall dual meet score.
7. A Commanding Dual Meet Victory Over Missouri Valley
The team’s ability to dominate in dual meets was clearly demonstrated in November 2025 with a decisive victory over Missouri Valley, winning the dual 38-6. This kind of lopsided score showcases the depth and strength across multiple weight classes, from the lower weights with wrestlers like Allal and Drew Stanfield (133 lbs) to the middle and upper weights with athletes like Jasper Allison (165 lbs) and Trey Brewer. The Mules are not just winning; they are dominating their opponents.
The Future of Central Missouri State Wrestling
The trajectory for UCM Mules Wrestling is overwhelmingly positive. With Head Coach Cody Garcia locked in for a multi-year extension, a deep roster featuring multiple MIAA Wrestler of the Week honorees, and a recent debut in the national rankings, the program is poised for sustained success. The focus now shifts to the second half of the 2025-2026 schedule, where the team will look to maintain its momentum in conference duals and prepare for the ultimate test: the NCAA Division II Super Region IV Tournament.
The collective drive of the team, from veterans like Damon Ashworth to promising newcomers like Landen Davis and Cody Culp, creates a competitive environment. Fans of Central Missouri State Wrestling can expect the Mules to be a major factor in the MIAA standings and a team to watch closely as the road to the NCAA-II National Championship in Indianapolis heats up in the coming months. The new era of UCM wrestling is here, and it’s marked by high-scoring performances and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
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