BRISTOL, R.I. — Roger Williams University wrestling is ready to hit the mat for the 2026–27 season, looking to build on a successful 2025–26 campaign that saw the Hawks finish with a 14-6 overall record and place 10th at the NCAA Division III Northeast Regional Championships in New London, Conn.
Entering his 15th season at the helm, head coach Jon Egan '05 will lead a Hawks squad returning four All-Region wrestlers, providing an experienced foundation as Roger Williams prepares for another demanding schedule. Senior Shaun McLaughlin (Natick, Mass.) at 141 pounds, senior Jack Forte (Westbury, N.Y.) at 157 pounds, senior Joshua Nieroda (West Suffield, Conn.) at 184 pounds, and junior Jayden Toppan (Gloucester, Mass.) at 285 pounds headline the returning group.
With a combination of proven regional competitors, experienced returners, and incoming freshmen and transfers, the Hawks will look to build momentum early and continue their progress throughout the season.
EXPERIENCED RETURNERS LEAD THE WAY
McLaughlin, Forte, Nieroda, and Toppan headline a returning core that will be expected to make an immediate impact. Each enters the new campaign with All-Region recognition, bringing valuable experience as Roger Williams looks to build on last season's 14 victories and top-10 regional finish.
The four returners will be important pieces of the Hawks' lineup as the team prepares to compete across a schedule featuring dual meets, open tournaments, and regional competition. Their experience will provide a foundation for the team as it looks to develop consistency and continue competing at a high level.
NEW FACES LOOK TO MAKE AN IMPACT
Alongside its experienced returners, Roger Williams welcomes a group of freshmen and transfers who will have opportunities to establish themselves in the lineup. The early portion of the schedule will provide the newcomers with opportunities to compete, gain experience, and earn their place on the mat.
The Hawks' coaching staff is eager to see how the incoming group develops and which wrestlers can contribute right away.
"I am excited for the freshmen and transfers to compete and see who can be an impact guy for us on the mat. We also have a number of returners who will be impact guys for us immediately. This should be a fun year," said the Hawks' coaching staff.
The Support Staff
Head coach Jon Egan '05 enters his 15th season leading the Roger Williams wrestling program, bringing continuity and experience to the Hawks as they prepare for the 2026–27 campaign.
Egan will be supported by assistant coaches Tim Ferreira, Andrew Fallon, Matt Lucas, and Mason Lynch. Together, the coaching staff will guide the Hawks through a schedule designed to provide opportunities for the returning core and newcomers to compete, develop, and contribute throughout the season.
CHALLENGING SCHEDULE AWAITS
Roger Williams is scheduled to open its campaign on Sunday, November 1, at noon in Springfield, Mass., competing against Western New England University, Plymouth State University, and the United States Merchant Marine Academy.
The Hawks will also host several events throughout the season, including the Roger Williams Invitational on November 14 and the Scott Viera Open on December 12. The program's schedule also includes the Frank Antonawich Intersquad Duals on October 17.
As the season progresses, Roger Williams will face a mix of dual meets, open tournaments, and regional competition, providing opportunities for the Hawks to test their depth and continue building toward the postseason.
WHAT'S NEXT?
Roger Williams is scheduled to open the 2026–27 season on Sunday, November 1, at noon in Springfield, Mass., against Western New England, Plymouth State, and the United States Merchant Marine Academy. With four All-Region wrestlers returning and a blend of experienced competitors and newcomers, the Hawks will look to get their season off to a strong start.
