Five University of North Carolina wrestlers were recognized on Apr. 6 as Scholar All-Americans by the National Wrestling Coaches Association.
The award highlights the academic achievements of student-athletes in wrestling, acknowledging those who have excelled both on the mat and in their studies. This year, five Tar Heels joined a group of 390 student-athletes from 73 institutions to receive this distinction.
Jake Dailey, a redshirt-freshman majoring in exercise and sport science, won 19 matches during the season and was an Atlantic Coast Conference runner-up at 184 pounds. Charlie Darracott, a graduate student in his second season with North Carolina, posted eight wins including multiple victories at Soldier Salute and claimed the title at the Mountaineer Open at 165 pounds.
Bryce Hepner made an impact as a first-year Tar Heel with 19 wins while pursuing his master’s degree in applied professional studies. Hepner finished seventh at 165 pounds at last month’s NCAA Championships. Cullen Kane earned his second Scholar All-America honor after securing seven wins this season; he is studying economics and recorded victories across four tournaments including a fall at the Mountaineer Open.
Kysen Terukina qualified for nationals as a Tar Heel and achieved national academic recognition for the first time after recording 14 wins during his only season with North Carolina.