2026 Sports Preview
Area sports programs prep for 2026 seasons amid roster changes and new leadership
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Key Points
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Wright State's 2026 schedule opens with the Raider Invitational at the Nutter Center featuring Santa Clara, Eastern Illinois, and Marquette, in a landmark event that also marks the NCAA’s first allowance of high school matches at the arena.
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Seven of the 10 players who appeared in Wright State's Horizon League final or NCAA tournament game-back actions are expected to return for the 2026 season, underscoring continuity amid sustained success.
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Adams Central has moved up from Class C-1 to Class B for the season, which shifts the competition level and postseason dynamics, as top B programs include players who would previously be competing at higher classifications, alongside the team’s return of six starters.
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Hastings College is implementing a new program era under first-year head coach Harley Rhoades, a Chadron State alum who emphasized building a collaborative culture and great people, after the team opened the season 3-1 in the Siouxland Invitational.
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Doniphan-Trumbull's cross country program aims to defend its Class D title with a strong returning core led by Kaser Johnson, complemented by Carter Hannon and Bladen Rainforth, while the team also adds freshmen and a transfer after graduating two seniors.
Area sports programs are gearing up for 2026 with a mix of continuity and change. Wright State volleyball enters the season with seven returning players from last year's NCAA tournament run, aiming for another Horizon League title under coach Travers Green. Meanwhile, high school teams across the region face new challenges—Adams Central moves to a tougher classification, Hastings College starts fresh under a new coach, and several programs navigate injuries and roster shifts as they pursue postseason goals.
Wright State Volleyball Builds on Tournament Success
Wright State has won three Horizon League tournament titles and three regular-season titles in four years. The program's 2026 season opens with the Raider Invitational at the Nutter Center, featuring Santa Clara, Eastern Illinois, and Marquette. Seven of the 10 players who appeared in the Horizon League final or NCAA tournament are expected to return, providing a strong foundation for another NCAA berth push.
Adams Central Faces Higher Competition Class
Adams Central has moved up from Class C-1 to Class B for 2026, which increases the level of competition and changes postseason dynamics. Six starters return for the Huskers. The team must also manage an injury to Isabelle Weston, whose torn retina forced position changes. Setter McCarter shifted to libero, requiring younger players and returning experience to fill gaps while maintaining ambitious expectations.
Hastings College Begins New Era Under Rhoades
Hastings College hired first-year coach Harley Rhoades to reshape the program after a 6-20 season. Rhoades, a Chadron State alum, is building a new culture focused on creating great humans and good citizens through hard work. The team opened the season 3-1 in the Siouxland Invitational, signaling early progress under the new direction and philosophy.
Doniphan-Trumbull Defends Cross Country Title
Doniphan-Trumbull's cross country program aims to defend its Class D title with a strong returning core led by Kaser Johnson. Supporting runners Carter Hannon and Bladen Rainforth provide veteran leadership. The team graduated two seniors but adds freshmen and a transfer to rebuild depth. Hastings High baseball also looks strong, with a healthy pitching staff led by Ella Tinsman and returning contributors aiming to build on last year's state tournament run.
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