Morgan State University Joins Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association as First HBCU Member

By Ashley Brown

In a historic move for collegiate athletics, the Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association has welcomed Morgan State University as its newest member institution. With this addition, Morgan State becomes the 12th member of the nation’s oldest wrestling conference and the first Historically Black College and University to join since the EIWA was founded in 1904.

The Bears are set to make their EIWA dual meet debut at Lehigh University on Nov. 15, marking a significant milestone for both the university and the conference. “This is an exciting time for Morgan State. The EIWA is a great fit for our wrestling program competitively, academically, and regionally,” said Dena Freeman-Patton, vice president and director of athletics at Morgan. “Our student-athletes are looking forward to competing for championships.”

In welcoming Morgan State into the fold, EIWA executive director Gene Nighman expressed enthusiasm for the new collaboration. “I’m pleased to welcome Morgan State University as the newest member in the long and storied history of the EIWA.  Starting back in 1904, the EIWA member institutions have been committed to advancing the sport of wrestling and providing all participants with an elite Championship experience,” he stated. As the 121st season approaches, Nighman looks forward to the upcoming EIWA Championship Tournament, where all twelve schools will gather at Lehigh University on March 7, 2025.

Reviving Morgan’s Wrestling Program

Morgan State’s wrestling program was reestablished after a 24-year hiatus, ending in October 2021, through a groundbreaking $2.7 million donation. The donation was the largest single gift in the Athletic Department’s history. Spearheaded by Mike Novogratz and the HBCU Wrestling Initiative, this support aims to revive wrestling programs at HBCUs nationwide. HBCU wrestling programs have declined due to funding issues and Title IX compliance.

Historically, Morgan State has a rich wrestling legacy. The program began in the early 1950s and enjoyed considerable success throughout the 1960s, winning multiple conference titles. Under the leadership of head coach James Phillips from 1975 to 1995, the Bears amassed an impressive record of 13 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference titles. They produced four national champions along with 75 All-Americans. Unfortunately, the program was discontinued after the 1996-97 season due to resource limitations.

Reviving the program, Morgan State hired Kenny Monday as head coach in the summer of 2022. Monday is a  three-time NCAA All-American and Olympic gold medalist.

Morgan State’s wrestling team will showcase its talents next in the Blue vs. Orange intrasquad dual on Oct. 18. The official season opener will follow at the Southeast Open on Nov. 2.