EUREKA, Calif. - The Cal Poly Humboldt men's wrestling team will open its 2026-27 season Sunday, Nov. 1, when the Lumberjacks compete in the Redwood Duals in Eureka, Calif.

Humboldt will begin the new campaign with three duals, facing Southwestern Oregon Community College and Sierra College before meeting host College of the Redwoods. The Redwood Duals will be an all-day event starting at 10 a.m.

Sunday's competition will mark the first appearance for the Lumberjacks under new head coach Anthony Mancini as Humboldt begins its third season since the program returned to NCAA competition.

SEASON NOTES

Humboldt enters the season looking to build upon a runner-up finish at the 2026 MPSF Championships.

The Lumberjacks accumulated 128 team points and finished behind only Menlo in the four-team championship field. Humboldt placed nine wrestlers on the podium, led by Josh Neiwert's individual conference championship at 133 pounds.

Neiwert completed the 2025-26 season with an 18-4 record. The junior returns to lead a group that includes several wrestlers who contributed to Humboldt's strong conference showing.

Isaiah Miller placed second at 133 pounds during last season's MPSF Championships, while Eric Ruiz-Cornelio was the runner-up at 184. Joe Anthony Perez, Nathan Vasquez and Sam Weinberg also return after earning third-place finishes in their respective weight classes.

Garen Keshishian and Sage Adie each placed fourth at the conference championships, while Jayson Victoria returns after representing Humboldt at 149 pounds.

The 2026-27 roster features 37 wrestlers, including ten seniors, nine juniors, 13 sophomores and five freshmen. Humboldt's roster combines an experienced group of returning competitors with several newcomers preparing to make their collegiate debuts.

A NEW ERA

Mancini enters his first season leading the Lumberjacks after being named head coach in May.

He arrived at Humboldt following five seasons as an assistant coach at San Francisco State, where he helped develop eight national qualifiers, three All-Americans and a national champion.

Mancini has also coached internationally with Puerto Rico and the Philippines and previously served as a volunteer assistant at Nebraska-Kearney. As a collegiate wrestler, he competed at Franklin and Marshall before finishing his career at Nebraska-Kearney, where he posted a 15-4 record as a graduate student.

Assistant coach Nathan Aguilar joins Mancini on Humboldt's coaching staff.

OPENING WITH SOUTHWESTERN OREGON

Humboldt will begin the Redwood Duals against Southwestern Oregon Community College.

The matchup will provide the Lumberjacks with their first opportunity to test the 2026-27 lineup in dual competition. It will also give Humboldt's returning wrestlers and newcomers an early chance to establish their roles across the lineup.

MEETING SIERRA COLLEGE

The Lumberjacks will continue Sunday's competition against Sierra College.

With three duals scheduled during the event, the matchup will challenge Humboldt to maintain its energy and execution throughout a full day on the mat.

CLOSING AGAINST COLLEGE OF THE REDWOODS

Humboldt will conclude the Redwood Duals against host College of the Redwoods.

The local matchup will close the Lumberjacks' season-opening event and provide the North Coast wrestling community with an opportunity to see Humboldt compete nearby before the team begins the remainder of its road schedule.

UP NEXT

The Lumberjacks will travel to La Grande, Oregon, on Sunday, Nov. 8, to compete in the Mountaineer Open at Quinn Coliseum.

Humboldt will then face Sacramento City College and San Francisco State at the Curtis Shurkamp Dual Meet on Saturday, Nov. 14, in Sacramento.

For more information on Cal Poly Humboldt men's wrestling, visit humboldtathletics.com, download the Lumberjacks' mobile app on Apple iOS or Google Android, and follow the Lumberjacks on Instagram, Twitter/X and Facebook.

Instagram: @humboldt.athletics
Twitter/X: @HumboldtJacks
Facebook: Cal Poly Humboldt Lumberjacks