The University of North Carolina wrestling team, ranked 23rd nationally, began its dual meet season with a decisive 40-0 win over Northern Colorado at Carmichael Arena in Chapel Hill. The match took place on Sunday and drew an attendance of 541.
North Carolina introduced seven new starters to the lineup for this opening contest. The team secured victories through three technical falls, one major decision, five decisions, and one forfeit.
The dual started at the 141-pound weight class where redshirt-freshman Luke Simcox achieved his first collegiate dual win by technical fall, defeating KJ Evans 15-0. True freshman Nate Askew followed with a 4-2 decision over Emilio Trujillo, marking his first dual victory as well.
At 157 pounds, Laird Root earned a major decision with a 14-4 win against Daishun Rowe. Bryce Hepner (165), Joshua Ogunsanya (174), and Jake Dailey (184) each posted decisions in their respective matches.
In the lower weights, Robert Platt (197) won by technical fall with a score of 17-2 against Andrew Donahue. Heavyweight Nolan Neves followed with another technical fall, defeating Enzo Cappabianca 21-4. At 125 pounds, Kysen Terukina closed out the day with his first win for North Carolina in a 6-2 decision over Aydan Thomas.
Ethan Oakley also contributed to the team’s score by receiving a forfeit at the 133-pound class.
Following this victory, North Carolina will next compete at home against Navy on Saturday at 3 p.m.