When Morgan State’s wrestling team went up against the big dogs, the University of Pennsylvania, well, let’s just say the odds were not in their favor. With their impressive history and depth, the Quakers were expected to dominate—and they did. But for Morgan State, this wasn’t just another blowout loss. Nope, it was a turning point, revealing some technical gaps but also highlighting their progress and sheer determination.

Head Coach Kenny Monday saw the match as a chance to really evaluate where his team stands. After the match, he gave an honest rundown of how they performed, pointing out areas that need work and reaffirming his vision for their growth. Since Morgan State’s program is still pretty new, they’re leaning on his experience and guidance to find their footing in the competitive world of college wrestling.

‘You can’t win if you can’t get off the bottom’: breaking down the loss

Coach Monday didn’t hold back when talking about the team’s struggles, honing in on a key issue: bottom wrestling. “You can’t get off bottom in college wrestling; it’s tough to win,” he stated, cutting straight to the chase about one of the biggest challenges they faced against Penn Wrestling. This was especially clear during the 157-pound match—a bout where Morgan State had some chances but ultimately stumbled due to some costly mistakes.

Even with the loss, the coach made sure to point out some individual highlights. Freshman Ethan Doolin showed some solid technique and grit, although he still needs to work on his conditioning. Then there’s Darion Roberts, who put up a strong fight against a top-10 ranked opponent. “Darion showed he belongs on this stage,” Monday remarked, stressing how valuable these high-pressure matches are for building confidence and sharpening skills. For Monday, it’s obvious that while there’s talent on the team, they need to get better at executing under pressure. “We left a few points on the board,” he admitted, noting the missed opportunities in those tight matches. They’ve got to focus on conditioning, technical consistency, and being more aggressive as they gear up for the next challenges.

‘We’re building from scratch’: a vision for growth

Morgan State’s wrestling program is definitely a work in progress, and Monday knows that better than anyone. “Starting from scratch is no easy task,” he said, reflecting on the unique challenges of building a team in such a competitive field. But he’s optimistic about the direction they’re heading, giving credit to the athletes’ dedication and the support from the administration. One central area they’re focusing on is helping athletes adapt to the demands of NCAA wrestling. As Monday put it, “It’s all about experience.” Every match, win or lose, teaches them something that gets them closer to their long-term goals. Plus, they’ve been making improvements to facilities and match prep, creating a more professional and competitive vibe for the wrestlers.

Fan support has also been a nice surprise. While they’re still building that fan base, the excitement from the Morgan State community has given the team a nice morale boost. Monday stressed how important this support is, saying, “It’s not just about the wins; it’s about creating something the school and fans can really get behind.” Sure, the loss to Penn Wrestling showed the gap between Morgan State and the top-tier programs, but it also reinforced the team’s potential and their commitment to getting better. For Coach Kenny Monday and his crew, the journey ahead is tough but filled with promise. With every match, they’re learning, improving, and laying down the foundation for a brighter future in upcoming wrestling events.