Colton Stoneking, a standout wrestler at Fairmont State University, is making waves on the mat after transferring from George Mason University. Originally from Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, a small town known for its rich wrestling history, Colton has embraced his passion for the sport since the age of five. “I started wrestling when my dad brought me to practice. I was always into doing flips, so wrestling was a way to use my energy without getting in trouble. Ever since, it’s all history from there,” Colton recalls.
This year, Colton Stoneking kicked off his junior season with a strong performance, going 4-1 and finishing as the runner-up in the 141 weight class at the Glenville State Invitational. Colton continued to showcase his skills and determination at the Washington & Jefferson Invitational, where he finished the day with a perfect 4-0 record. He won three of his matches by bonus points and fought through a tough final, winning 11-6 to secure the title. These achievements highlight his impressive start to the season and set the tone for his continued success.
Colton’s freshman season was marked by numerous successes in the 149 lbs. division. He earned MEC Honorable Mention at the MEC Championships after finishing third, contributing to Fairmont State’s best-ever third-place finish in the team competition. He also showcased his skills with a convincing 20-5 victory against Bluefield State, where he won via technical fall, and he pinned opponents in several matches, including a key victory at the Non-Conference Dual with Washington & Jefferson. He claimed second place at the Purple Raider Open and earned first place in the Waynesburg Invitational, where he had four wins.
Since transferring, Colton has noticed significant improvements, not just in wrestling but in life overall. “Transferring schools allowed me to become my more ideal self rather than what people wanted me to be. I attribute my improvements to the self-discipline and independence I have gone through, as well as my family being a big support system in anything I do,” he explains.
However, the journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Colton admits that overcoming anxiety and maintaining confidence have been tough. “My whole life, I have dealt with anxiety, which is the downside of being a perfectionist. Being able to be confident in tough times is hard, but wrestling has given me the ability to be comfortable in uncomfortable situations. I wouldn’t trade it for the world,” he shares.
The support from his teammates and coaching staff at Fairmont State has also played a crucial role in his development. “The support system here surprised me a lot. I thought it wouldn’t be as good when I came to West Virginia, but overall, my experience has been great. Coach Gennaro dug me out of a deep mental block and made my life a lot better. My teammates, especially the guys I live with, have provided me with a brotherhood that I wouldn’t trade for anything,” he says.
As Colton looks ahead to the season, he emphasizes the importance of focus. “My goals are just to perform at my best. When I look too far ahead, my head goes in circles. Controlling what I can control in the moment is all I can do, and the Lord will lead the way,” he states.
Before his matches, Colton likes to get energized by listening to upbeat music, especially songs by Rihanna and Beyoncé. He also makes sure to eat a classic pre-match meal that includes a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, a banana, a cliff bar, and a V8 Energy drink to fuel his performance.
Despite his many accomplishments, the most rewarding moment for Colton is seeing the smiles on his parents’ faces when he comes off the mat. “Win or lose, I know they will always have my back, and making them happy is a lifelong goal of mine,” he reflects.
With his talent and determination, Colton Stoneking is certainly a rising star in Fairmont State wrestling, and his journey is just beginning.
