JT1Wrestle Takes A Look At Eastern Oregon 2026-2027

 

2026-2027 looks to be a great year for Mountaineer wrestling as Eastern Oregon returns 4 of their 5 NAIA qualifiers from last season, plus two more tough wrestlers that should also be NAIA qualifiers this year.  They'll be a relatively young team, led by a poised and already proven senior. 

Gone is Cole Cross a Cascade Collegiate Conference (CCC) runner-up last season. 

133
Braden Carsen

One half of the Carsen brothers, Braden looks to earn the distinction of a four-time CCC place-winner this season, as he'll contend for a conference title. Thus far the Mountaineer has been 4th-5th-2nd.  19 wins on the season, he was 5th at the Missouri Valley Invitaional. 

133
Kal Carson

 
22-8 on the year, the younger Carson brother had to rely on a wildcard selection to get into the NAIA championships last season.  Took runner-up finishes at both the Mountaineer Open & the Spokane Open. 

141
Dan Guerreo

The Arizona native went 23-9 last season, finishing one match shy of a top 8 finish at the Missouri Valley Invitational. 

149
Eric Larwin

I was really shocked with as well as Eric Larwin had wrestled at other points in the season that he did not qualify for last year's NAIA championships.  Only a sophomore, still plenty of time to break through & earn that accomplishment + more.  23 wins on the season, he was most impressive at the Missouri Valley Invitational, making the finals.  He also took 2nd at the Mat Cat Open. 

157
Carlos Valdez

35 wins in his first start as a Mountaineer last season, including winning a couple of early season opens, placing 6th at the CCC & 8th at the Missouri Valley Invitational. 

HWT
Nico Rodriguez

Eastern Oregon saves the best for last.  The Idaho native earned his second All-American honor last season, as he's now 5th & 7th in the NAIA nation.  30 wins on the season, he is also 2nd & 3rd in CCC, taking 3rd at the Oppenheim Open.  Not to mention, a NWCA Scholar All-American, he's getting it done in the classroom too.  Have to add in that I'd imagine he'd beat me should we play Madden on any of the new consoles, like Playstation 4.   However, SNES? Say Madden '97, no way.