As the Linfield Wildcats gear up for the 2024-25 wrestling season, they do so with a renewed sense of excitement and potential. The team, entering its third year since the program's revival, is ready to take a prominent place among NCAA wrestling programs and build on the foundational work laid by head coach Frank Johnson and new assistant coach Alex Glaudé. With both men's and women's teams set to compete, the atmosphere on campus is electric as the program aims at taking another step forward in its progression.
 
PROGRAM BUY-IN
Johnson is loving the dedication and effort he's seeing from this year's athletes.
 
"The kids have really bought in," said the veteran head coach. "They're working hard. It's nice to see kids push themselves without having to be pushed."
 
The demonstrated level of buy-in is essential for a nascent program that is on the cusp of establishing a consistent culture of winning and discipline. Further, it creates a foundation where athletes feel accountable not only to themselves but also to their teammates, fostering an environment of trust and collaboration.
 
WHO TO WATCH FOR
The Wildcats once again turn to Jacob Barnes to lead the team not only on the scoresheet, but also behind the scenes. Barnes qualified for regionals in the 2023-24 season after going 26-4 with a team-high 20 pins and expect to build off that solid performance in what should be a promising campaign.
 
"I see a guy who needs to find another gear," said Johnson about Barnes. "He's always been a leader… he really cares about his teammates."
 
Jacob Moore, a junior from Keizer, has set a goal to again qualify for the regional championships after securing one win in the postseason last year. Moore went 4-10 in the regular season in 2024-25, totaling three pins. This season, the junior is expected to compete in the 133-pound division.
 
After short stints at Division I Arizona State and Cornell, transfer Jonathon Fagen also brings in high expectations for himself. The Fruitland, Idaho, product won four state championships in high school has designs on developing into a dominant force in the Division III ranks.
 
"Fagen has brought an energy to our room. He's just got another gear," said Johnson. "He's a tremendous leader on and off the mat. He works very hard."
 
Carlos Kisokwa enters the season as a freshman out of Kamiakin High School and is showing early promise on the mat.
 
"Carlos is a tremendous athlete and his work ethic is second to none," Johnson said. "He works out twice a day, every day, and he really stands out."
 
Alongside Kisokwa, newcomers Hayden Briggs, Fermin Carrillo Rueda, Nestor Diaz, Caleb Hall, and Roan Zigenis round out a strong freshman class.
 
LOOKING AHEAD
The 2024-25 season could well turn out to be a landmark year for Linfield wrestling. With a talented and motivated roster on both sides of the ledger and a dedicated coaching staff, the Wildcats are ready to make their mark in the NCAA ranks. The emphasis on character, hard work, and community engagement should serve as the bedrock for a program that is not just focused on winning but on creating a lasting legacy.
 
"We want McMinnville to be the best place in the country to wrestle," proclaimed Johnson. "I think we're on our way there. I feel like we're just getting started."
 
The first meet for both squads is Saturday, Nov. 2, at the Simpson Duals in Redding, California.