COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. The Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) released its 2026-27 Men's Wrestling preseason coaches' poll Tuesday afternoon, with Western Colorado earning the No. 4 spot in the conference rankings. Adams State claimed the top position, followed by Colorado Mesa at No. 2 and Colorado School of Mines at No. 3. The Mountaineers round out the top four as they look to build on last season's success and make another strong push in the RMAC this winter.

Western received one second-place vote and three third-place votes in this year's preseason poll, demonstrating the confidence coaches have in the Mountaineers heading into the upcoming campaign. Western enters the season following a 10-5 overall record and a 4-2 mark in conference competition last year. The Mountaineers recorded key victories over CSU Pueblo, New Mexico Highlands, Chadron State and Colorado Mesa, showcasing their ability to compete against quality opponents throughout the RMAC.

With a combination of experienced returners and new faces joining the program, Western will look to maintain its momentum and continue competing among the conference's top teams. The Mountaineers will rely on their returning talent and continued development across the lineup as they prepare for another challenging season on the mat.
Two key returners for Western are Devin Gomez and Vincent Cabral, both of whom gained valuable postseason experience last season. Gomez enjoyed a strong campaign, finishing with a 23-9 overall record and placing second at the NCAA Division II

Super Region VI Championships. His runner-up finish earned him a spot at the NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships, where he represented the Mountaineers on the national stage. Gomez will look to build on that performance and take another step forward during the 2026-27 season.
Cabral also returns after qualifying for the NCAA Division II Super Region VI Championships, where he earned a fifth-place finish. His postseason experience will be an important asset for Western as the Mountaineers look to strengthen their lineup and compete for conference and regional success. With both wrestlers returning, Western will have proven postseason competitors leading the way as the team begins its preparations for the new season.

The Mountaineers will officially open their 2026-27 campaign on Sunday, November 8, at the Mines Rookie Open in Golden, Colorado. Competition is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m., giving Western its first opportunity to test its lineup before the heart of the season gets underway.