Hicks Named Mid-South Conference Coach of the Year for Fourth Time

LEBANON, Tenn.--Cumberland head wrestling coach James Hicks has been named the 2025-26 Mid-South Conference Coach of the Year, marking the fourth time in his career he has earned the league's top coaching honor.

Hicks guided the Phoenix to one of the most successful seasons in program history, as Cumberland captured a share of the Mid-South Conference Regular Season Championship with a 5-1 conference dual record and finished 10-1 overall.

Cumberland's success extended beyond the dual slate. The Phoenix placed second at the Mid-South Conference Championships and qualified nine wrestlers for the NAIA National Championships with automatic bids. One of the defining moments of the season came when Cumberland, for the first time in program history, had two wrestlers ranked No. 1 in the NAIA at the same time.

This marks Hicks' fourth Mid-South Conference Coach of the Year award, having previously earned the honor in 2023-24, 2022-23 and 2015-16. He was also recognized as the 2023-24 Mid-South Conference Coaching for Significance Award winner.

Under Hicks, Cumberland has become a consistent conference contender and national presence, and the 2025-26 season added another championship chapter to an already decorated tenure.

The Phoenix will now prepare for the NAIA National Championships set to take place in Wichita, Kansas from March 5-7.

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Players Mentioned

James Hicks: 5' 3"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

James Hicks
: 5' 3"; Freshman