PAINESVILLE, Ohio — The Lake Erie College wrestling team enters the 2026-27 season with high expectations and a roster loaded with talent from top to bottom.

The Storm finished 5-4 overall and 3-3 in the G-MAC last season but have earned national and regional recognition this preseason, earning votes in the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) Preseason Poll.

"We are really excited about the upcoming year," Head Coach John Penfold said. "We are very young with just two seniors, but brought in a strong group of first-years and transfers to go along with a strong core of returners that will hopefully propel us into the Top 25 by mid-season."

Redshirt senior Carsen Richards headlines the returning group as he enters the season ranked eighth nationally and second in the region at 141 pounds. A national qualifier in 2026, Richards posted an 18-11 record while placing third at both the NCAA Division II Super Regional and the G-MAC Championships.

Classmate Josh Howey is coming off a 16-5 season, including an 8-1 record at 157 pounds. The Detroit, Michigan, native is ranked 14th nationally and fourth in the region. His junior season featured a fourth-place finish at the NCAA Division II Super Regional and a runner-up finish at the G-MAC Championships.

Muskegon Community College transfer Jack Guerrero was a junior college All-American after recording 30 wins last season and enters the year ranked fifth in the region at 125 pounds. Redshirt sophomore Joey Romano looks to build on an impressive rookie campaign in which he posted an 11-5 record. He enters the season ranked sixth in the region at 133 pounds. Classmate Josh Jordan also earned preseason recognition, ranking sixth in the region at 165 pounds.

Lake Erie also welcomed 15 freshmen to bolster its roster and provide depth across multiple weight classes. Three Rivers, Michigan, native Louis Smith captured the Michigan Division 2 state championship at 175 pounds and recorded 141 career wins in high school. Fellow Michigan native Owen Fogel was a two-time Michigan Division 4 state champion, winning at 113 pounds in 2025 and 126 pounds in 2026.

The Storm open the season Nov. 7 at the Michigan State Open. Lake Erie will compete at home for the first time on Dec. 4 when it hosts Tiffin. The Storm will also host the G-MAC Championships on Jan. 30.

Fans can follow all the action throughout the season on FloWrestling.