A year after McMurry University announced the addition of men’s and women’s wrestling, the War Hawks are officially on the mat and ready to make their mark.
The University’s newest athletic programs began competition this fall, bringing more than 30 student-athletes into a wrestling facility designed to position McMurry as a rising name in collegiate wrestling.
Located on the northwest corner of the second floor of the Kimbrell Arena building, the wrestling facility gives new life to a familiar space. For years, the room served as an all-purpose recreation area — a place many alumni will remember for Exercise for Life classes led by Dr. Pug Parris.
Now refreshed and re-equipped, the 100-by-35-foot space features custom mats, a full complement of free weights and cardio equipment, and specialized resistance tools for year-round conditioning.
“It’s a state-of-the-art wrestling facility,” said Head Coach Lance Brown. “We’ve got everything we need to train, to compete, and to prepare our athletes to succeed. But more than that, it’s a place that shows our students they belong here. They take pride in it every time they step on the mat.”
The facility has quickly become a gathering place, where early-morning practices, film sessions, and post-meet reflections are shaping both performance and culture. “You can see it in their energy,” Brown said. “They know they’re part of something that’s being built from the ground up.”
A Team on the Rise
McMurry’s inaugural wrestling season includes a full schedule of regional and national competition. The teams are part of NCAA Region VI, one of the strongest in the country, which includes programs from Iowa, Illinois, and the upper Midwest. The War Hawks’ women’s team will also make a national appearance this January, competing against sixth-ranked Presbyterian College in South Carolina — a duel that will air on ESPN+.
Recruiting has been strong. The original goal was to sign 12 men and 12 women, but enthusiasm for the new program exceeded expectations.
The roster includes several state champions and multiple-time state placers from across the country.
“Wrestlers are naturally driven,” said Brown. “They’re balancing tough academic schedules with intense competition, and they’re thriving.” The women’s team currently holds an average GPA near 3.8, and the men’s average is around 3.4.
Growing the Sport in West Texas
As one of the few collegiate wrestling programs in the region, McMurry is helping grow interest locally by partnering with an Abilene gym to offer youth wrestling sessions. “We’re already seeing interest from younger athletes and families who didn’t realize they had a college program right here in West Texas,” Brown said.
“This first season is about setting the foundation,” he added. “We’re focused on building a culture — one based on faith, family, and hard work. Every day on the mats, you can feel that foundation taking shape.”
