West Virginia University’s wrestling team started the 2025-26 season at the Southeast Open in Salem, Virginia, on Sunday, securing three individual titles. The event was held at the Cregger Center and featured strong performances from both new and returning athletes.
Freshman Gunner Andrick claimed victory in the 133-pound freshman/sophomore division after winning five matches. In the semifinals, Andrick defeated teammate Casen Roark by decision, 4-1, before taking the title with a 5-3 decision over Jude Robson in the finals.
Redshirt junior Brody Conley returned to competition following an injury late last season and won the 174-pound title. Conley began with a major decision win against Appalachian State’s Alex Hooper (12-3), followed by a pin against Gardner-Webb’s Andrew Wilson. He then defeated three Minnesota wrestlers consecutively: Jed Wester by decision in the quarterfinals, No. 21-ranked Clayton Whiting in overtime during the semifinals (8-1), and Ethan Riddle by decision (8-2) for the championship.
In another standout performance, freshman Leo Contino secured five wins to take first place in the 165-pound freshman/sophomore division. Contino won his opening two matches by fall and advanced past Davidson’s Anwar Alli with a 5-0 decision using a three-point nearfall. He then beat North Carolina’s Luke Sipes (2-1) before clinching his title with an overtime takedown against Virginia Tech’s Benjamin Weader for a 4-1 victory.
Other notable placers for West Virginia included Jett Strickenberger (second at 125 pounds), Louie Gill (fifth at 125 pounds), Mason Kernan (sixth at 133 pounds), Willie McDougald (second at 149 pounds), Ian Bush (third at 184 pounds), Rune Lawrence (second at 197 pounds), among others across various weight classes.
The Mountaineers are scheduled to compete next against American University on Saturday, November 8, in Washington, D.C.
For further updates on West Virginia University wrestling, visit WVUsports.com or follow WVUWrestling on X, Instagram and Facebook.