With the crowd cheering wildly, redshirt sophomore Vince Robinson’s national championship banner was unveiled for all to see.
“That means a lot,” said head coach Pat Popolizio. “Any time you can have guys win NCAA titles and have years of NCAA eligibility, that’s very impactful.
The moment captured what NC State wrestling is pursuing this year: championships and greatness. With several wrestlers ranked in this year’s top 10, the Wolfpack is ready to add to its collection of national championships this season.
“We’re gonna add, probably I would say three or four more banners,” said redshirt junior Matty Singleton. “Mine is definitely going up next year, first home duel.”
The celebration was just the beginning of NC State’s dominant 30-3 victory over Northern Colorado. The Pack (1-0) took nine of the 10 bouts against the Bears (0-1), showcasing impressive depth beyond its slew of national championship contenders.
Robinson began his pursuit of a second national championship with a 13-3 major decision over Northern Colorado’s Aydan Thomas in a 125 pound matchup. However that was just the start of Robinson’s night — the defending champ spent all night by the mat cheering his teammates on and being the team’s biggest supporter in a sign of leadership and pride in NC State.
“It’s a brotherhood, it’s a culture,” Robinson said. “It’s good to keep that alive when guys like Trent [Hidlay] did the same thing before me. Just to keep supporting my teammates cause I know how it feels when they’re out there screaming my name.”
Like Robinson, Singleton’s season and pursuit of a championship delivered a victory. In the most heated matchup of the night, Singleton earned a 7-3 decision in the 174 pound bout. Despite a questionable unnecessary roughness call and a stiff competition from his opponent, Singleton’s patience and skill prevailed in the third period as Singleton pulled away.
“Things get chippy, it wasn’t anything super personal from me and I doubt it was from him either,” Singleton said. “When you get in matches like that, I don’t mind it at all. I think I can survive those experiences, and even thrive much more than other people.”
Making their highly anticipated return to the Wolfpack, sixth-year Ryan Jack and redshirt junior Jackson Arrington opened the season with wins after redshirting last year. Jack remains at the 141 pound level, while Arrington bulked up during his redshirt year to qualify for the 157 pound class.
“Those guys have a ton of experience,” Popolizio said. “They’ve won at a high level and they’re a little rusty taking a year off, but give them a month into the season and they’ll be feeling a lot better and in rhythm.”
In his season debut, redshirt sophomore Koy Buesgens began his second straight campaign at the 149 pound class. Like a boa constrictor, Buesgens slowly squeezed the life out of his opponent, starting slow before it snowballed into an 11-2 decision in favor of Buesgens. The dominant showing is a promising sign for the breakout star.
Among the veteran heavy squad, NC State also started newer wrestlers, including three true freshmen: Cason Howle won his debut at the 197 pound level 4-2, Everest Ouellette dominated the heavyweight match in an 8-2 win, Will Denny won his debut 6-2 in the 165 pound bout.
The Wolfpack saw one more win as sixth-year Don Cates won the 184 pound bout 7-3 to set the tone for his season. Watch for Cates to build off of the performance for a strong, final season in Raleigh.
Next up, NC State will compete at the National Duals Invitational in Tulsa Oklahoma. The Wolfpack will face No. 13 Northern Iowa on Saturday Nov. 15 at 10 a.m. with coverage available from FloSports and ESPNU.
