EDINBORO, Pa. – The Mercyhurst wrestling team opened 2026 at the Bobby Kauffman Open hosted by Edinboro. Maxx Fesinger and Jaden Crockett picked up wins for the Lakers in the first action of the new year.
 
Fesinger, competing unattached, in the 174 lbs bracket opened the day with an 8-3 decision over Buffalo's Giorgio Valenzuela. The freshman took down his opponent in the opening round to take a 3-0 lead. In the second period, Fesinger started on the bottom before earning an escape and another take down. Valenzuela posted a take down in the third period, but Fesinger earned the win with a point from riding time, 8-3.
 
Fesinger fell in the next round, but was crowned the fifth place finisher in the 174 lbs bracket after a forfeit by Gannon's Mitchell Baronner.
 
At 165 lbs, Jaden Crockett fell in his opening match, but bounced back with a major decision in his next bout. Crockett tallied four takedowns in the match and posted a riding time point in the win over Gannon's John Watson.
 
Crockett dropped his last two matches of the day.
 
Edwin Mooney competed in the 133 lbs bracket while Colin Scherer, Noah Adamson, and Xavier Dombkowski battled at 149 lbs.
 
Jake Leclerc entered in the 184 lbs bracket while Joshua Johnson Cantrell and Nathaniel Stone competed at 197 lbs. Gino Guerrisi rounded out the Lakers that competed at 285 lbs.
 
Full results can be found here.