By Madison Lightfoot 

Two McNeese wrestlers have qualified for the National Collegiate Wrestling Association national tournament following the 2026 NCWA Southwest Conference Championship on March 14 at Wayne State College in Wayne, Nebraska. 

Junior Hunter Dawdy and junior Christian Satchel earned national qualifying spots in a tournament that featured multiple teams with experience competing against NCAA Division I programs. Dawdy placed eighth in his weight class, while Satchel placed sixth. 

Dawdy, who founded the program, said the two qualifiers bring the program’s total to seven national qualifiers since its founding. 

Dawdy called qualifying for nationals a long-term dream. 

“We all hang out outside of the mat room a lot more than we did in previous seasons,” he said. The increased camaraderie helps athletes “treat it more like a sport they enjoy and less like a job.” 

Satchel said the tournament was a demanding experience due to a tough flight schedule and the need to cut some weight. However, he believes qualifying for nationals was expected and necessary for the program’s progress.  

“For us to consistently get guys going to nationals is a step in the right direction,” Satchel said. 

Both wrestlers said the season included challenges with scheduling and managing a larger roster. Dawdy said tournaments were sometimes announced on short notice. Satchel said a structured schedule and fundraising plan for the team might get more athletes to compete. 

He also said the program remains accessible to students and the team can be flexible with outside life to make sure members can compete.