FOREST, Va. — The Shenandoah University Wrestling team was voted fourth out of eight teams in the 2026 ODAC Wrestling Preseason Coaches Poll released by the ODAC office on Sunday. New to the poll and the ODAC Wrestling scene this year is the University of Lynchburg, re-creating the eight team league. Roanoke topped this season's poll once again by unanimous vote.

Shenandoah Wrestling, in its 7th season of competition, is coming off of a 4-6 (2-4) dual record, and a 4th place finish at the 2026 ODAC Championships. The team sees a very similar schedule this season, traveling to familiar events such as the Tonee Ellis Memorial Tournament at Alvernia, the Petrofes Invitational at Messiah, and a Tri-Match at Hunter College. The team also hosts its annual Shenandoah Invitational on November 21st. The Hornets have 11 scheduled dual matches to go alongside their attendance at the 46th Annual Virginia Duals on January 8-9. This year's ODAC Championships are set to be hosted at Averett University on February 13th.

The Hornets' top returner is Senior Anakin Burks, who opens the season ranked 4th in Region III at 133 pounds. Other key returning contributors include Junior Tyler-Nicholas Ritz moving up to 184 pounds, Sophomores Jack Birth at 197 pounds, Aidan Kammar at 174 pounds, and Griffin Stewart at 149 pounds. The Hornets welcomed 14 newcomers to the team this season.

ODAC WRESTLING PRESEASON POLL
1. Roanoke College (7)    49 pts.
2. Washington and Lee University (1)    43 pts.
3. Averett University    37 pts.
4. Shenandoah University    28 pts.
5. Greensboro College    20 pts.
5. University of Lynchburg    20 pts.
7. Randolph College    14 pts.
8. Southern Virginia University    13 pts.


UP NEXT

The Hornets' 2026-27 season begins on Saturday, November 7th at the Tone Ellis Memorial Tournament hosted by Alvernia University.


#GoSUHornets