MANKATO, Minn. – Minnesota State head wrestling coach Jim Makovsky named Drake Hayward, Kole Marko, Caleb Meunier and Walker Bents team captains for the 2024-25 season on Thursday (Oct. 3). 

"All four of these young men have demonstrated outstanding leadership during our training and in the locker room this fall," Makovsky said. "They possess a growth mindset and lead both by example and by serving. We have ten new freshmen and five transfers on our roster and they not only welcomed the newcomers into our program, but assisted in integrating them into our team culture." 

Hayward hails from Neenah, Wisconsin. In his fourth season at MSU, he amassed an 18-6 overall record at 174 pounds last fall, including 10-3 in duals. A year prior, Hayward accumulated a 26-9 record and went 18-3 in tournaments. He opened his freshman season 7-1 in 2021-22. 

Marko (Amery, Wisconsin) enters his third year at MSU after garnering NWCA Scholar All-America honors in 2023-24. He finished with a 29-7 overall record, including 10-2 in duals and placed fifth at the NCAA Division II Super Region V Tournament in March. A four-time high school champion in Wisconsin, Marko also posted a 29-7 record in his first season with the Mavericks and finished fourth at 165 pounds at the NCAA Division II Super Region V Tournament in 2022-23. 

Meunier (Winneconne, Wisconsin) began his MSU tenure with a 28-9 overall record in 2022-23, including 18-4 in tournaments. He also took fourth place at the NCAA Division II Super Region V Tournament at 149 pounds. He followed a strong freshman campaign with a 24-11 record at 157 pounds last season and went 7-6 in duals. 

Bents is a sophomore from Glenwood, Minnesota. He adds leadership to the Mavericks after wrestling for North Dakota State each of the past two seasons. Last year, Bents wrestled at 141 pounds and posted an 8-7 overall record. He recorded a pair of victories by fall, including a season-best pin of 1:45. 

"Being named captain is an incredible honor, and we're grateful for the opportunity. We're committed to leading the team to success academically, socially and athletically. Our team is filled with amazing individuals, and we are working every day to become the best versions of ourselves," Marko stated, on behalf of the captains. 

Minnesota State wrestling begins its 2024-25 campaign at the Yellow Jacket Open on November 2 in Rochester, Minnesota. Makovsky is in his 32nd season as head coach.