East Stroudsburg University wrestling launches into the 2025–26 season Sunday, Nov. 2, with the 58th annual men’s ESU Open and the 5th annual women’s ESU Open at Koehler Fieldhouse. Wrestling begins at 9:30 a.m. at 213 Smith Street. Admission is free for ESU students with a valid ID.

The event is one of the first major open tournaments of the NCAA wrestling season and has long drawn competitors from across the region and beyond.

“The ESU Open has been and still is one of the premier wrestling tournaments in the state,” said head men’s and women’s coach Anibel Nieves. “We have teams from all over the region, and fans can expect a full day of competitive matches.”

The tournament will also highlight a key figure in ESU’s women’s program. Mia Macaluso returns for her second season as the first full-time women’s assistant wrestling coach in school history. She said the ESU Open provides both a challenge and an opportunity for her team.

“The ESU Open is one of the strongest tournaments for women’s collegiate wrestling,” Macaluso said. “Our women’s team looks stronger than ever this season. I’m excited to showcase our talent on the mat to kick off the season in our Koehler Fieldhouse.”

The open format gives the event its unique character. With eight to nine mats running at once, fans often move around the venue to follow their favorite wrestlers. The competition features both men’s and women’s divisions running side by side. While collegiate men compete in folkstyle, collegiate women wrestle in freestyle, the style used in international and Olympic competition.

An “open” tournament means anyone who meets the weight and entry requirements may compete. Schools and clubs can enter multiple athletes in the same weight class, which creates deep and competitive brackets. The competition field typically includes varsity starters, backups, redshirts, and even unattached wrestlers looking to gain experience.

The ESU Open is not limited to college athletes. Current and former high school wrestlers are eligible to enter with a valid USA Wrestling card. Registration is handled through FloArena. Medals will be awarded to the top three finishers in each weight class, with placements recognized through sixth place.

For ESU, the event is steeped in tradition. The men’s open dates back nearly six decades, while the women’s division is marking its fifth year. Both tournaments have become fixtures on the early-season wrestling calendar, providing athletes with valuable mat time and fans with the opportunity to witness high-level competition in one place.

“From start to finish, there will be great matches on every mat,” Nieves said. “It’s a great opportunity for the community and students to see high-level wrestling up close.”

The event is expected to draw strong participation from college programs and wrestling clubs across several states, making it one of the largest and most competitive open tournaments of the fall.

This year’s event also comes at a historic moment for women’s wrestling. In 2025, the NCAA officially added women’s wrestling as its 91st championship sport, with the first national championship scheduled for March 2026. The recognition marks a significant milestone for the sport and presents new opportunities for female athletes nationwide.