Setting a fast pace

Andy Newberry
18 February 2026

Student Life General Sports

Keeling, Wrightsman highlight MSU Cycling dominance at A&M

Andy Newberry
18 February 2026
3 min read

The Midwestern State University Cycling team began its 2026 Road Racing season on Feb. 14-15 in College Station and dominated the event with 17 total podium finishes to take the lead in the South Central Collegiate Cycling Conference.

Sophomore Blake Keeling, the reigning conference mountain bike champion, had talked about wanting to show he’s improved in road racing as well, by winning the omnium for Men’s A. He was first in the criterium and second to teammate Sebastian de Leon in the road race, and third in the time trial.

Sophomore Gabby Wrightsman won the Women’s A omnium, and MSU Texas teammate Emma Kasza-James was second.

Gabrielle Wrightsman picture of her face — Gabrielle Wrightsman

Wrightsman won the time trial and the criterium, and Kasza-James was first across in the road race.

MSU Cycling Director Mario Arroyave enjoyed seeing the offseason work pay off. “The team came into College Station knowing that the (Texas A&M) Aggies would be in full force, being that it was their home race,” Arroyave said. “They brought some momentum into the weekend, but we were

Blake Keeling and Sebastian de Leon of MSU on the podium at College Station — MSU Cycling's Blake Keeling (first place) and Sebastian de Leon (second place) on the podium after great performances in the Men's A division at College Station in February.

Jayden Munoz on podium after a second-place finish — At left, Jayden Munoz of MSU Cycling after finishing second in Men's D Omnium in College Station alongside future Mustang Kai Kutie.

MSU Cyclist tries to pass an opponent in College Station — MSU Cycling member Erich Kohlberg won first in Men's B Omnium in the first road race of the Spring 2026 in College Station.

able to stay focused and execute on what we needed to do to perform at a high level.”

Depth is a big part of the equation for MSU Cycling men’s team this year, and that showed itself as newcomer Erich Kohlberg won the Men’s B omnium, winning the criterium and the road race. “I’m very excited and enjoying being here with the teammates and my coach,” said Kohlberg, a Business Management major from Bolivia. “I wanted to come here when they showed me the possibilities for international students. Coach made me feel comfortable and gave me confidence to reach great goals in future races.”

Other highlights to note include a 1-2-3 finish in the Men’s A road race with Brody Burnham, third, joining de Leon and Keeling on the podium. Keeling said last week it would be “interesting to see how competitive the group would be and how they stacked up.” That competition could help pave the way for a great run at nationals.

“We can bring some competition to these bigger programs and show them that just because we’re this little school, doesn’t mean they can just mess around,” Keeling said.

Romain Gireme of MSU Cycling took first in the time trial, and Jayden Munoz took second in the Men’s D time trial. De Leon was third in the Men’s A criterium. Arroyave noted that future Mustangs Kai Kutie (third in Men’s D Omnium) and Carson Tenney (second in Men’s B Omnium) fared well.

Next up for the 2026 Mustangs is Texas State on March 14-15. The conference championships will be in Wichita Falls, hosted by MSU, on April 18-19.

Follow us: Stay informed throughout the season on our Instagram page: @msu_cyclingteam