SIUE Wrestling Bolsters Roster with Five Talented Newcomers
EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – the SIUE Cougars wrestling program is gearing up for a promising season with the addition of five highly-regarded recruits: Jason hampton, Kalias Nazario, Maximus Hay, Kiernan Meink, and Wil Oberbroeckling. The incoming class addresses key needs in the lower to middle weight categories and signals the program’s growing ability to attract talent from across the Midwest and beyond.
“This is an exciting class where we attacked some needs in the lower to middle weights,” said SIUE Associate Head Coach Daryl Thomas. “We were able to get some guys with extremely high ceilings, from very well-respected high school and club programs. They are all high character individuals that really want to help continue to elevate the SIUE brand nationally. This class showed our ability to attract talent not only right here at home in Illinois but from all over the Midwest while also keeping our Florida pipeline open.”
Here’s a closer look at each of the newest Cougars:
Jason Hampton – Joliet, Illinois (Joliet Catholic Academy)
Hampton, a standout from Joliet Catholic Academy, chose SIUE over Appalachian State, Citadel, Central Michigan, and Northern Colorado. The Illinois native boasts an impressive high school career,consistently placing among the state’s best,including three top-four finishes at the Illinois state championships (4th,2nd,3rd). He also secured a 2nd place finish at the Preseason Nationals Showcase. Hampton cited his connection with the coaches, the campus atmosphere, and the team dynamic as key factors in his decision.
Kalias Nazario – Fort Lauderdale, Florida (Mater Lakes Academy)
Nazario arrives at SIUE as a decorated wrestler from Mater Lakes Academy in Florida.A state champion and three-time FHSAA state finalist, Nazario also earned recognition on the national stage as a three-time NHSCA All-American and a Preseason Showcase Nationals All-American. Currently ranked 11th in the country at 165lbs by Mat Scouts and 19th at 157lbs by Flowrestling, Nazario was also listed as the #105 recruit in the class of 2026 by Mat Scouts. He selected SIUE over Campbell, Northern Colorado, North dakota State, Bellarmine, and Franklin and Marshall, drawn to the campus’ beauty and the coaching staff’s welcoming approach.
Maximus Hay – Milwaukee,Wisconsin (Browndeer High School)
Hay,hailing from Milwaukee,Wisconsin,was attracted to SIUE’s winning culture. “I love the habitat and energy, and you can feel the will to win,” he stated. He chose the Cougars over offers from Appalachian State,North Dakota State,and Wisconsin. Hay is a two-time WIAA state finalist.
(Facts on Kiernan Meink and Wil Oberbroeckling was incomplete in the provided source and will be updated as it becomes available.)
The addition of these five athletes underscores SIUE’s commitment to building a competitive wrestling program and solidifies its position as a rising force in collegiate wrestling.
Keywords: SIUE Wrestling, College Wrestling, Wrestling Recruiting, SIUE Cougars, NCAA Wrestling, Illinois Wrestling, Florida Wrestling, Wisconsin Wrestling, Nebraska Wrestling, Iowa Wrestling, Daryl Thomas, College Sports, Athlete Profiles.
