Men's wrestling to begin season on Sunday

On Sunday, the Otterbein University men's wrestling team kicks off its 2025-26 campaign. Plenty of new talent bolsters a roster of veterans, as the Cardinals were picked to finish fourth in the Ohio Athletic Conference.

Led by Brent Rastettler in his 10th season, Otterbein will begin the year at the Lycoming Invitational.

The Cardinals return Logan Cormell, who competed at 165 last season. Last year as a junior, he went 11-11, including a 2-0 mark in the OAC. He placed seventh at Regionals and is currently ranked fourth in the region in the preseason.

At 149, Trent VandenEynden had a tremendous freshman campaign, posting a 15-12 overall record. He added eight falls and three tech falls and is ranked sixth in the NWCA preseason regional rankings. Fellow sophomore Luke Dolan also had a standout season as a freshman, compiling a record of 22-12, 4-1 in the OAC. Like VandenEynden, he is ranked sixth regionally, coming in at 157.

Elli Cassady is another talented sophomore that returns for Rastettler's squad. As a freshman at 174, he went 12-13, adding two falls and three tech falls.

Gabe Thacker floated between weights last season as a sophomore, primarily competing at 133. He posted a record of 11-12, including a 3-1 record in conference competition.

Caiden Hooks continues to be a solid option, as he went 10-12 with seven falls at 184 a year ago. Senior Carter Mottley went 12-6 last year six falls, two techs and three major decisions.

After Sunday's invitational, the Cardinals will kick off OAC action already with a dual at Wilmington College on Nov. 11. Otterbein will host two duals before the end of the 2025 calendar year, with Thomas More and Muskingum paying visits to Westerville.

NCAA Regionals will take place Feb. 27-28 at a location yet to be determined. The top three placers in each weight class will advance to the NCAA Division III Championships in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

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Players Mentioned

Logan Cormell: Senior

Luke Dolan: Sophomore

Caiden Hooks: Senior

Carter Mottley: Senior

Gabe Thacker: Junior

Trent VandenEynden: Sophomore

Players Mentioned

Logan Cormell
: Senior

Luke Dolan
: Sophomore

Caiden Hooks
: Senior

Carter Mottley
: Senior

Gabe Thacker
: Junior

Trent VandenEynden
: Sophomore