Wheeling, W. Va. - With the 2026-2027 season right around the corner, the Wheeling University Athletic Department is making its final preparations for fall camp. On Monday, July 27, each of the department's fall sport head coaches will take the podium for the second annual Fall Sports Media Day. Each coach will give a season preview as fans get ready to cheer on the Cardinals in 2026-2027.
"With the 2026-2027 season right around the corner, we are excited to welcome the community back inside the Alma Grace McDonough Center to kick off the year," said Wheeling Assistant Athletic Director for Communications and Engagement Zack Zeigler. "We strive to be Wheeling's University, and having that connection between our coaches and the community is one way for us to do just that. It marks the official kickoff of our athletic season as we get ready to welcome our Cardinals back to campus."
The Fall Sports Media Day will feature all nine teams represented, with football, volleyball, men's and women's soccer, men's rugby, men's and women's cross country, and men's and women's golf each taking the podium. Each head coach will give a season preview, highlighting some of the top returners and newcomers while giving fans a look at what to expect during the 2026-2027 season. The event will be hosted by Zeigler and will feature addresses from President Dr. Dianna Vargo and Director of Athletics Carrie Hanna before each of the coaches takes the podium. Each coach will speak first, and then all seven head coaches will be available for additional comment from the media after the event has concluded.
Up first will be Head Golf Coach Thadd Obecny, fresh off his men's team's run to the NCAA Division II National Championships. The first of three new head coaches will be next, as Head Cross Country Coach Ben Healy addresses the crowd. After taking over as head track & field coach in the spring, Healy will begin his first season as head cross country coach in 2026, leading the Cardinal runners on the course. Next will be Head Men's Rugby Coach Maxwell Hamilton in his second season after leading the Cardinals to a third straight national championship during the 7s season. The other two newest head coaches will follow, as Head Men's Soccer Coach Jack Shearer and Head Women's Soccer Coach Jaclyn Ketter address the media for the first time as head coaches of their respective programs. Head Volleyball Coach Christy Benner will follow before Head Football Coach Zac Bruney rounds out the day with the 2026 Wheeling football preview.
Fans and community members are welcome to join us inside the Alma Grace McDonough Center to help celebrate the start of the 2026-2027 season. Fans who cannot attend can tune into the live stream on MEC.TV, which will feature each coach's address. The Wheeling Athletics social media channels will also provide live coverage of the event, including highlights throughout the day. For more information about the event, contact Assistant Athletic Director for Communications and Engagement Zack Zeigler at zzeigler@wheeling.edu.
The 2026 Wheeling Athletics Fall Sports Media Day is scheduled for Monday, July 27, at 1 p.m. inside the Alma Grace McDonough Center. You can watch the event live by clicking HERE.
