NC State’s wrestling team, ranked tenth nationally, secured a 21-14 victory over Appalachian State in Boone on Sunday. The win marked the Wolfpack’s return to the win column and extended their winning streak against the Mountaineers to 13 matches under head coach Pat Popolizio.
The dual meet saw NC State win six out of ten bouts. Three of those victories came by major decision, providing bonus points that contributed to the final score. The match also featured lineup changes, with Andrew Macchiavello moving up to compete at 197 pounds and freshman Xavier Wilson making his collegiate debut at 285 pounds.
Vincent Robinson, Ryan Jack, and Jackson Arrington each recorded major decision wins for NC State. Despite losing the last three bouts of the evening, these performances helped secure the overall team victory.
Koy Buesgens achieved his second win this month over Kaden Keiser after previously defeating him at the Southeast Open earlier in the season. True freshman Will Denny continued his strong start by earning another victory at 165 pounds.
Looking ahead, NC State will participate in a tri-meet hosted by Journeymen Wrestling at Willow Springs High School in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina on Sunday, December 7. The Wolfpack are scheduled to face Morgan State at 1 p.m., followed by Rutgers at 3 p.m.
Head coach Pat Popolizio commented on his team’s performance: “This marks the 13th consecutive win over the Mountaineers, all of which have been since Pat Popolizio has been at the helm of the program.”