In its best showing of the season, NC State wrestling earned wins over Morgan State and No. 13 Rutgers.
Despite a slow start to the year, the Wolfpack (5-2) showed up ready to dominate at the Journeymen Jostle, hosted by Willow Spring High School. The Pack began the day by tearing Morgan State (0-6) to shreds, 45-4, before knocking off Rutgers (5-1) 27-11.
Securing a win in nine of ten bouts against the Bears, the Pack left no doubt. Sixth-year Don Cates built important momentum with a pin in the 184-pound bout, while No. 7 sixth-year Ryan Jack also earned a fall in the 141-pound match.
NC State also earned four tech falls, helping the red-and-white earn an impressive 41-point margin. Notably, freshman Jason Kwaak earned a tech fall in his collegiate debut, winning the 165-pound bout 15-0.
With one victory in the bag, the Wolfpack kept the good vibes rolling by disposing of the Scarlet Knights with ease. Rutgers is a good measuring stick for NC State with six ranked wrestlers and competing in the Big Ten — arguably the nation’s toughest conference for wrestling.
The highlight of the afternoon came in the 174-pound bout, pitting No. 3 redshirt junior Matty Singleton against No. 9 Lenny Pinto — Rutgers’ top-ranked wrestler. Despite Pinto’s pedigree as a three-time NCAA qualifier, Singleton dominated with a first-period pin after just 1:07 to remain undefeated on the season.
The Wolfpack’s other superstars also showed out against the Scarlet Knights. No. 1 redshirt sophomore Vince Robinson completed a sweep on the day with an 8-3 decision over No. 28 Ayden Smith. Meanwhile, in the heavyweight bout, No. 2 sixth-year Isaac Trumble made his season debut with a 9-1 major decision over No. 20 Hunter Catka, setting the tone for a national championship quest.
The Wolfpack took its lumps in the 133, 141 and 184-pound bouts with losses. The most notable of these came in the 141-pound duel when Jack suffered an 8-6 loss to No. 12 Joey Olivieri. Cates dropped the 184-pound bout by tech fall, while redshirt junior Troy Hohman dropped a 12-5 bout against No. 12 Dylan Shawver.
In the 197-pound bout, freshman Cason Howle earned his second win of the day with a gritty 4-3 decision. No. 21 freshman Will Denny also won by a 4-2 decision, showcasing the talent for the Pack’s freshman class.
Rounding out the day, No. 8 redshirt sophomore Koy Buesgens and No. 11 redshirt junior Jackson Arrington both won by major decision. Buesgens remains undefeated this season during his breakout campaign, while Arrington continues to impress after a redshirt season.
Next up, NC State will travel north to take on undefeated No. 2 Ohio State. The Wolfpack is looking to avenge a 21-20 loss to the Buckeyes from 2023. The duel meet is set for Friday, Dec. 12, at 7 p.m. with streaming available via Big Ten Plus.
