NAIA Preview Series: #15 Eastern Oregon

Photo courtesy of Eastern Oregon University Athletics / Dawson Forcella, SID.

Jeremy Eusterwiemann
@wiems19

The Mountaineers are coming off their highest finish ever at the NAIA National Championships, finishing 10th at the event. #15 Eastern Oregon looks to continue to build off that success with multiple All-Americans returning as they are looking forward to making a splash yet again at Nationals. The program had a great season and continued to push themselves to new heights not only on the mat but also in the classroom. Finishing inside the top ten is in reach, and do not be surprised if they end up with five All-Americans. What will be interesting to watch is finding out who will be their “Cinderella.”

Below is an interview with Eastern Oregon head coach Mhar Caballa.

1. What are your reflections on last season?
Last season the team made huge jumps and peaked toward the end of the season. Led by Coach Carlene Sluberski, the team ended the year with their highest team finish in school history, placing 10th at the NAIA National Invite. Coach Carlene had four All-Americans and out of the four there was one national runner-up at the NAIA National Invite. Adding on, the team had six NWCA Scholar All- Americans. From last season, I believe the program is heading in the right direction.

2. Talk about your returning class. Who are some of the women you have high expectations for this year?
We have a great group of returners this season and are doing a good job leading the freshman to our expectations. We have three returning All-Americans from 2022 and one from 2021. Returners to look out for are Nayeli Flores Roque at 101 pounds, Stephanie Blankenship at 109 pounds, Irma Retano at 116 pounds, Kaylee Moore at 130 pounds, Morgan Shines 136 pounds, Erin Redford 143 pounds, and Olivia Robinson at 155/170 pounds. I am excited for this returning class and can’t wait to see them compete.

3. Talk about your incoming freshmen class. Who are you excited about and what are some of the names that you expect an immediate contribution from?
The freshmen are ready to go, willing to learn to get better and are coming to practice with a purpose. We have a tough freshman class this season and a couple of them are looking to make an impact right away. The freshmen that I am excited about include Paige Chafin at 116/123 pounds, Liv Wieber at 136 pounds, and Anna McDougal at 155 pounds. Those are some to name a few. Be on the lookout for our other freshmen as well as they are not going to take a back seat to anyone and are going to make some statements.

4. How do you feel about your preseason?
Our pre-season has been good. Everyone is competing with each other and keeping each other accountable. It’s good to see teammates pushing one another and making each other better from it. One part of pre-season that I saw that is worth mentioning is how the team encouraged each other and cheered each other on in all our workouts. No one was left behind.

5. Talk about some of your team’s goals this season. Are there any specific events you’re excited about?
These are our team goals for this season: 3.2 team GPA and 3.0 for individuals, top 3 team at CCC championships, top 8 team finish at NAIA Nationals, 6 Academic All-Americans, and 5 NAIA All-Americans.

6. What are some things you’ve built into your program that you credit for the success you’ve had so far?
I came in with high expectations from the start and the team has been meeting those expectations.

7. Who are some of the personalities in the room that are providing leadership and shaping your culture?
The upperclassmen are stepping up and are becoming leaders on the team, making sure everyone is on the same page, striving towards their goals and playing their part on the team. They hold everyone accountable to make sure everyone is striving for success on the mat and in the classroom.