Morgan State Wrestler Makes HBCU History with EIWA Championship Victory
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Posted By: Will Moss on March 09, 2026 Morgan State redshirt freshman Eugene Harney etched his name in program history this past Saturday, becoming the Bears' first-ever Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association (EIWA) champion during the 122nd annual championship hosted by American University at Bender Arena. Competing at 149 pounds, Harney battled through the field to claim his first career EIWA title, marking a milestone moment for both the HBCU and its recently revived wrestling program. His victory also secured a bid to the upcoming NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships. Key Takeaway: Harney's historic championship win is a testament to the resilience and determination of Morgan State's wrestling program, which has steadily built itself back up since its reinstatement. This achievement shines a spotlight on the excellence of HBCU student-athletes and the growing competitiveness of their athletic programs on the national stage.
The Cincinnati, Ohio, native outlasted No. 2 seed Riley Bower of Bucknell, 6–5, in a thrilling final. Bower, one of the few wrestlers to defeat Harney earlier this season, jumped out to a 3–0 lead after a first-period near fall. Harney closed the gap in the second period and surged ahead 5–4 entering the final minute. "With 23 seconds remaining, Bucknell challenged a reversal call that had been waved off, but officials upheld the ruling. As a team, Morgan State totaled 64 points to place eighth in the standings. Lehigh captured the team title with 163.5 points, followed by Navy with 135.5. Harney's win marks Morgan State's first conference championship since the program's reinstatement, a resounding statement for the only HBCU currently competing at the Division I wrestling level. This historic achievement showcases the growing talent and competitiveness of HBCU student-athletes and the increasing prominence of their athletic programs on the national stage. HBCUConnect's Perspective: This remarkable victory by Eugene Harney is a testament to the resilience and determination of HBCU student-athletes, who continue to defy expectations and make their mark in the highly competitive world of Division I athletics. Harney's historic championship win not only brings pride to the Morgan State community, but it also inspires young HBCU athletes to strive for excellence and showcases the growing competitiveness of HBCU sports programs. This achievement is a powerful reminder of the incredible talent and potential within the HBCU ecosystem, and it is sure to motivate and empower the entire HBCU community.
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Will Moss
Founder & CEO, HBCU CONNECT, LLC Hampton University class of 1995 Member Since June 1999 |
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