The Rise Of The Mavericks: 5 Reasons Colorado Mesa University Wrestling Is A National D-II Powerhouse In 2025
Colorado Mesa University (CMU) Wrestling has solidified its position as a dominant force in NCAA Division II athletics, with the program achieving historic success and national recognition as of late 2025. This momentum is fueled by a combination of elite coaching, a strong foundation in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC), and a roster of exceptional student-athletes who are consistently earning All-American honors on the national stage. The Mavericks, both men's and women's teams, are not just competing; they are setting a new standard for collegiate wrestling in the Rocky Mountain region, making the 2025-2026 season one of the most anticipated in program history.
The CMU Mavericks men's team was recently ranked No. 18 nationally, a testament to their performance at major events like the Reno Tournament of Champions and the Midwest Classic, while the women's program continues its reign as a perennial national title contender. With the 2025-2026 schedule underway, the Grand Junction, Colorado-based program is poised for a deep run into the NCAA Championships, driven by a core group of returning All-Americans and a highly competitive recruiting class.
CMU Wrestling Program Leadership and Key 2024-2025 Season Highlights
The foundation of Colorado Mesa University's wrestling success lies in its dedicated coaching staff and the individual brilliance of its top athletes. The 2024-2025 season served as a monumental stepping stone, culminating in multiple All-American finishes at the NCAA Division II National Championships.
CMU Wrestling Program Personnel and Overview
- Institution: Colorado Mesa University (CMU)
- Location: Grand Junction, Colorado
- Athletic Conference: Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC)
- Head Men's Wrestling Coach: Mike Mendoza (Hired 2019)
- Assistant Men's Wrestling Coach: Kyle Greenwald
- Men's Team Recent Ranking: No. 18 in the Nation (late 2025)
- Women's Team Recent Ranking: No. 5 in the Nation (2025-2026 Season)
- Home Arena: Brownson Arena
The 2024-2025 All-American Trio: Dayson Torgerson, Owen Cline, and Tyler Doyle
The 2024-2025 season was a historic one for the Mavericks, as three men's wrestlers earned NCAA Division II All-American honors, showcasing the program's depth across various weight classes. Their success at the national tournament, held in Indianapolis, Indiana, demonstrated CMU's ability to compete with the best in the country.
- Dayson Torgerson (125 lbs): Torgerson, a key leader for the Mavericks, earned a 7th-place finish at the NCAA Championships. His performance at the 125-pound weight class was instrumental in the team's overall standings, capping off a stellar season that included strong showings at the Reno Tournament of Champions.
- Owen Cline (157 lbs): Cline was the highest placer for CMU, securing an impressive 4th-place finish at the 157-pound weight class. His run included a crucial victory over a high-seeded opponent, solidifying his status as one of the elite wrestlers in the country. Cline's consistent performance has made him a top contender for the 2025-2026 season.
- Tyler Doyle (285 lbs): Competing at the heavyweight 285-pound weight class, Doyle also achieved a 7th-place All-American finish. His ability to bounce back in the consolation rounds, including a sudden victory win, highlighted his resilience and determination, contributing vital team points at the national level.
The Dominance of CMU Women’s Wrestling: A Top-Five National Program
While the men's team has seen a rapid ascent, the Colorado Mesa University women's wrestling program has been a consistent powerhouse, firmly establishing itself as one of the premier programs in the country. The women's team competes in the National Collegiate Women's Wrestling Championships (NCWWC) and has been a fixture in the national rankings.
National Contention Since 2020. The Mavericks women's team has been nationally ranked in the top five since the inaugural NCWWC tournament in 2020. This sustained excellence is a rare feat and speaks volumes about the program's recruiting, development, and competitive culture. Their consistent high placement makes them a perennial favorite for the national title every year.
Key Women's Athletes and Recent Success. The 2025-2026 season is already off to a strong start, with the Mavericks securing key victories at early-season events like the Fall Brawl, where they defeated highly ranked opponents such as No. 4 NAIA Providence and Vanguard. Individual talent continues to shine, with athletes like Mia Zuniga earning recognition as the RMAC Women's Wrestler of the Week for her dominant performances. The roster for the 2025-2026 season is loaded with talent, including Keyla Ajoleza and Alejandra Alfaro-Salazar, promising an exciting run for the team.
Mike Mendoza's Blueprint: Strategy and the 2025-2026 Outlook
Head Coach Mike Mendoza, who took the helm in 2019, has been the architect of the Mavericks' recent surge. His coaching philosophy has created a culture of excellence, pushing the team to new heights in the competitive NCAA Division II landscape. Mendoza's strategy focuses on developing complete athletes who excel both on the mat and in the classroom, evidenced by the team's multiple Scholar All-American awards, including one earned by Sammy Mobly (157 lbs) in the 2025 class.
The 2025-2026 Season Schedule and Key Events
The upcoming 2025-2026 schedule is packed with high-stakes matchups designed to prepare the team for the national championships. These events are crucial for earning qualifying spots and improving national rankings.
- Early Season Challenges: The Mavericks typically open their season against regional opponents like Colorado Northwestern Community College and the Colorado School of Mines.
- RMAC Duals: Conference duals against rivals such as Western Colorado and New Mexico Highlands University are critical for securing the RMAC title.
- Major Tournaments: CMU's participation in elite tournaments like the Midwest Classic in Indianapolis and the Reno Tournament of Champions allows them to test their mettle against top-tier Division I and Division II programs, providing a valuable gauge of their national standing.
The consistent success of the Colorado Mesa University wrestling program—from the men's historic All-American haul to the women's sustained top-five national ranking—paints a clear picture of a program on the rise. With a strong coaching staff, a deep roster of talented athletes, and a relentless competitive spirit, the Mavericks are not just building a winning tradition; they are establishing themselves as a true national power in NCAA Division II wrestling.
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