The #4 NC State wrestling team completed its regular season by defeating rival #7 Virginia Tech for the fourth time in the past five years inside Reynolds Coliseum Sunday night, 21-10.

The Pack won the first four bouts all by decision to jump out to a 12-0 lead. The Hokies responded with the next three to pull it to within 12-10. But NC State won the last three bouts of the night.

The bout started at 165 pounds as #21 Thomas Bullard scored the bout's lone takedown in the second period, and racked up 1:01 of ride time for a 4-0 decision.

In one of the most anticipated matches of the season, a top-five battle at 174 pounds, #4 Hayden Hidlay scored the lone takedown of the match with 24 seconds left in OT to come away with a 3-1 win over #3 Mekhi Lewis.

Brother, #3 Trent Hidlay, followed with his own hard-fought decision at 184 pounds with a 3-1 win over #14 Bolen. The bout didn't feature a takedown, as both got an escape, but a second period illegal move by Bolen while on top was the difference.

#15 Isaac Trumble secured takedowns in both the first and third periods, and added in 2:43 of ride time, to get a 6-0 shutout over #30 Howard.

The Hokies first win came at heavyweight, as #14 Traxler scored the winning takedown with 18 seconds left to defeat Owen Trephan 3-2.

At the break, the Pack led 12-3.

#20 Sam Latona scored the upset over #14 Camacho at 125 pounds, with two takedowns and a two-point near fall in the third led for a 9-3 decision. The lone bonus point win of the dual was by the Hokies at 133 pounds, as #5 Myers scored a 14-6 major decision over #14 Kai Orine.

The Pack broke a three-bout winning streak at 141 pounds, as #24 Ryan Jack scored the only takedown of the bout in the first period and added in 1:37 of ride time for a 4-3 decision over #22 Gerardi.


The Pack clinched the dual with a top-5 win at 149 pounds. #3 Tariq Wilson collected takedowns in the first and third period also with a reversal into a two-point near fall in the second and went out in style inside Reynolds with a 9-3 decision over #5 Andonian.

#11 Ed Scott closed the dual with a 4-3 decision over #28 Brady.

Up Next: With the dual season completed, the Pack now heads to the postseason. The 2022 ACC Championships will be held at Virginia on Sunday, March 6.

#4 NC State 21, #7 Virginia Tech 10
165: #21 Thomas Bullard (NCSU) dec. Clayton Ulrey; 4-0 3-0
174: #4 Hayden Hidlay (NCSU) dec. #3 Mekhi Lewis; 3-1 (SV1) 6-0
184: #3 Trent Hidlay (NCSU) dec. #14 Hunter Bolen; 2-1 9-0
197: #15 Isaac Trumble (NCSU) dec. #30 Dakota Howard; 6-0 12-0
285: #14 Nathan Traxler (VT) dec. Owen Trephan; 3-2 12-3
125: #20 Sam Latona (VT) dec. #14 Jakob Camacho; 9-3 12-6
133: #5 Korbin Myers (VT) major dec. #14 Kai Orine; 14-6 12-10
141: #24 Ryan Jack (NCSU) dec. #22 Collin Gerardi; 4-3 15-10
149: #3 Tariq Wilson (NCSU) dec. #5 Bryce Andonian; 9-3 18-10
157: #11 Ed Scott (NCSU) dec. #28 Connor Brady; 4-3 21-10

Attendance: 2,680
https://twitter.com/PackWrestle/status/1495577868155469827?t=VHfi_flBgPqoJQ84Ls5UXg&s=19

What an amazing weekend for Wolfpack wrestling. The crowd for the VT dual, although "only" around 2,700, was INCREDIBLE, and even more raucous than the UNC dual two days before with a crowd of around 3,600. Hayden said post-match that the crowd yesterday for the VT dual was the best he's seen in Reynolds, and Pop says we already have one of the very best atmospheres for college wrestling in the country.

The fan support and attendance at Reynolds means so much to Pop and and team. Of course the same can be said for any sport. But the growth in attendance and support for Wolfpack wrestling has been very meaningful for Pop, and will help the program take the next step in achieving the goal that Pop has consistently talked about from when he started coaching here -- to win a team National Championship.

Quote:

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"Going out [like that] our last time with those three guys was very impactful," head coach Pat Popolizio said. "All three got a win, and that's what we talked about tonight sending those guys out. Tonight was a big win for them.

"They're everything. They're the leaders, they've paved the way. They've helped build this culture, this fanbase we've still got some seats to fill up, but I'd rival this atmosphere against any arena in the country. That goes back to the hard work those guys have been putting in, and Wolfpack fans showing up."

[...]

"It was as good as I can ever remember here," Hidlay said of the crowd. "They were so loud after our wins, but they were so loud after mat returns. It makes a difference to me, for sure. It's incredible. I love these fans. It's grown every year, and they keep getting more knowledgeable about the sport. It was great to put on a show for them one last time.

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From this excellent write-up on the VT dual: https://www.on3.com/teams/nc-state-wolfpack/news/nc-state-wrestling-super-seniors-shine-last-reynolds-appearance/

Wild weekend. Too many blessings to count. I’ve got a great team and a great family. When so many people have your back, it’s easy for a badass to bounce back. Onward!! @PackWrestle pic.twitter.com/z2yvAVkJh2

— Hayden Hidlay (@Hidlaymania) February 21, 2022

Sending @Iamtariqwilson @Thomas_bullard7 @Hidlaymania with a W appreciate everything these guys have done for @PackWrestle thank you WPN for making Reynolds a great atmosphere to compete in. #PACKmentality https://t.co/DnRfAVhbmj

— 🐺🔴⚫️Pat Popolizio (@pat_popolizio) February 21, 2022

After claiming the ACC Dual Championship with a perfect 5-0 mark, and going 13-1 overall, the NC State wrestling team finished the 2022 season ranked fourth in the final NWCA Coaches Poll.

Not only has the Pack finished in the top-10 of the final poll each of the last seven seasons, but NC State has been ranked in the top-10 in 98 straight polls dating back to the 2015-16 season.

NC State recorded four ranked wins on the season, including a pair of top-10 victories: #7 Virginia Tech (21-10) and #10 Missouri (19-12). The Pack's lone loss of the season was a neutral site affair to then-No. 1 Iowa, 19-15.

This season the Pack finished with a 13-1 record, perfect 5-0 against ACC foes, and outscored its opponents 385-104 (29.6-8.0). NC State claimed victory in 99 of the 130 individual matches (76.2%), and 48 wins (48.5%) have been for bonus points.

In capturing the fourth ACC Dual Championship in the last five seasons, the Pack outscored its five conference foes a combined 147-33 and won 40 of the 50 individual matches.

Dating back over the past seven seasons, NC State has won 101 of its 111 duals (91.0 percent) overall. That winning percentage sits third-best in the NCAA over the last seven seasons, and the 101 dual victories lead the nation.

@PackWrestle recent NWCA Coaches Poll finishes:
2022 (13-1) 4th
2021 (6-1) 7th
2020 (15-0) 3rd
2019 (16-3) 10th
2018 (15-2) 6th
2017 (13-2) 7th
2016 (23-1) 2nd

: Hear from @TimmyMccall about his story from Hope Mills, N.C. to @PackWrestle and all about #PackMentality

https://t.co/7E0JJqoGFS

Against VT Sunday, 3 starting @PackWrestle seniors had their last home matches. HC @pat_popolizio on Hayden Hidlay, Tariq Wilson and Thomas Bullard:

"They're everything, those guys are the leaders. They've paved the way, they helped build this culture."
https://t.co/ELFQfsLjLq

NCAA released their tournament allocations for each conference today: Link

125: 3 --> Camacho should make the finals which would guarantee a spot. We will see if he can beat the VT guy finally.

133: 5 --> This is a deep weight class and Orine should be ok no matter what happens.

141: 4 --> Jack will need to win his first match to guarantee as spot.

149: 4 --> Tariq has already guaranteed an NCAA spot. If he wins the tournament he should have a top 4 seed in NCAAs which is big.

157: 5 --> Another deep weight class. If Ed wins his first match he's in.

165: 3 --> Thomas will need to make the finals to guarantee a spot. He will need to win his first 2 matches.

174: 4 --> This is interesting. I don't know how seeding is going to work here. Hayden will have the highest ranking going into the tournament but Lewis technically was undefeated in ACC matches due to the VT forfeit so imagine he will get the 1 seed. Haden and the UNC dude both had 1 loss in ACC matches, UNC guy beat Hayden but Hayden will be higher ranked. Anyways, not worried about Hayden making NCAAs but he may have lost his chance at a top 4 NCAA seed with his loss to Gavin.

184: 5 --> Deep class and Trent is at the top. Already guaranteed NCAA tournament spot and will be a top 4 seed if he wins the tournament.

197: 3 --> Trombley will be the 1 seed and won't have to face Pitt or Virginia to reach the finals which sets up nicely for him and gives him a great shot at winning the tournament. He will need to win that first match to guarantee a spot.

285: 3 --> Another confusing weight class. Houghton was 3-0 and Trephan was 0-1 (and a loss OOC to VT). I think that means if Houghton is the guy he gets the 1 seed? Not sure about this one. If true he will need to win his first match to make the finals and should be a lock for NCAAs.

I don't think we have placed all 10 wrestlers at NCAA tournament ever? Definitely since Pop got here. Looks like we have a really good shot at getting all 10 wrestlers in and placing top 5 in the NCAA tournament.

AustinWolf828 said:

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NCAA released their tournament allocations for each conference today: Link

125: 3 --> Camacho should make the finals which would guarantee a spot. We will see if he can beat the VT guy finally.

133: 5 --> This is a deep weight class and Orine should be ok no matter what happens.

141: 4 --> Jack will need to win his first match to guarantee as spot.

149: 4 --> Tariq has already guaranteed an NCAA spot. If he wins the tournament he should have a top 4 seed in NCAAs which is big.

157: 5 --> Another deep weight class. If Ed wins his first match he's in.

165: 3 --> Thomas will need to make the finals to guarantee a spot. He will need to win his first 2 matches.

174: 4 --> This is interesting. I don't know how seeding is going to work here. Hayden will have the highest ranking going into the tournament but Lewis technically was undefeated in ACC matches due to the VT forfeit so imagine he will get the 1 seed. Haden and the UNC dude both had 1 loss in ACC matches, UNC guy beat Hayden but Hayden will be higher ranked. Anyways, not worried about Hayden making NCAAs but he may have lost his chance at a top 4 NCAA seed with his loss to Gavin.

184: 5 --> Deep class and Trent is at the top. Already guaranteed NCAA tournament spot and will be a top 4 seed if he wins the tournament.

197: 3 --> Trombley will be the 1 seed and won't have to face Pitt or Virginia to reach the finals which sets up nicely for him and gives him a great shot at winning the tournament. He will need to win that first match to guarantee a spot.

285: 3 --> Another confusing weight class. Houghton was 3-0 and Trephan was 0-1 (and a loss OOC to VT). I think that means if Houghton is the guy he gets the 1 seed? Not sure about this one. If true he will need to win his first match to make the finals and should be a lock for NCAAs.

I don't think we have placed all 10 wrestlers at NCAA tournament ever? Definitely since Pop got here. Looks like we have a really good shot at getting all 10 wrestlers in and placing top 5 in the NCAA tournament.

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Good summary. I think HWT would be my concern for getting all 10 in to NCAA's. Bullard always scares me because you never seem to know what you're going to get. Jack will have to win a tough match but he should be alright.

More champs

The ACC Dual Champions @PackWrestle will be on the siren before the second period!

https://twitter.com/Canes/status/1497324869486354433?t=MExFbdREhCGD8tjFJGAM3g&s=19

https://twitter.com/Canes/status/1497379136637075457?s=20&t=86w0xVE9o-y5ldNXEf5gXQ

Houghton getting the nod for the ACC tournament.

ACC tournament brackets also come out today at 4 est

AustinWolf828 said:

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ACC tournament brackets also come out today at 4 est

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| @PackWrestle with 7 of its 10 wrestlers awarded a bye into the semifinals, as the Pack will look for a fourth straight ACC title this Sunday at the 2022 ACC Wrestling Championship in Charlottesville.

https://t.co/AkwlMkQdjY

Some things to watch for as far as NCAA implications concerning the ACC tournament this weekend.

Already guaranteed a spot in the NCAA tournament regardless of what happens on Sunday and have a decent chance of getting a top 4 seed at NCAAs:

Tariq Wilson
Hayden Hidlay
Trent Hidlay

No surprises here. Hayden probably needs someone else to lose in order to get a top 4 seed.


Just needs to win 1 match:

Camacho needs to beat Curry who he beat 15-6 already OR Agin who he pinned already to make the NCAA tournament.

Orine needs to beat Courtney from Virginia who he already beat 10-5 to make NCAA tournament.

Ed Scott just needs to beat Connor Brady who he beat 4-3 two weeks ago.

Thomas Bullard needs to beat Justin McKoy who he beat 4-1 already OR Dinette who he already beat 5-0.

Isaac Trumble has to beat Howard OR Shaw both of which he already defeated 6-0.

Houghton needs to beat Slinger who he beat 9-4 or Whitman who the backup beat 7-2.


Work to do:

What looks like the key to getting 10 into NCAAs is Ryan Jack. He has to beat a Duke guy who was unavailable at the Duel AND Clarke from UNC who he lost to 3-4 at the UNC duel. If he loses he has to work his way to the consolation semifinals by beating 2 guys who he barely beat 4-3 earlier in the year.

AustinWolf828 said:

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Some things to watch for as far as NCAA implications concerning the ACC tournament this weekend.

Already guaranteed a spot in the NCAA tournament regardless of what happens on Sunday and have a decent chance of getting a top 4 seed at NCAAs:

Tariq Wilson
Hayden Hidlay
Trent Hidlay

No surprises here. Hayden probably needs someone else to lose in order to get a top 4 seed.


Just needs to win 1 match:

Camacho needs to beat Curry who he beat 15-6 already OR Agin who he pinned already to make the NCAA tournament.

Orine needs to beat Courtney from Virginia who he already beat 10-5 to make NCAA tournament.

Ed Scott just needs to beat Connor Brady who he beat 4-3 two weeks ago.

Thomas Bullard needs to beat Justin McKoy who he beat 4-1 already OR Dinette who he already beat 5-0.

Isaac Trumble has to beat Howard OR Shaw both of which he already defeated 6-0.

Houghton needs to beat Slinger who he beat 9-4 or Whitman who the backup beat 7-2.


Work to do:

What looks like the key to getting 10 into NCAAs is Ryan Jack. He has to beat a Duke guy who was unavailable at the Duel AND Clarke from UNC who he lost to 3-4 at the UNC duel. If he loses he has to work his way to the consolation semifinals by beating 2 guys who he barely beat 4-3 earlier in the year.

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Great summary. And I agree, before the brackets were released, I assumed Jack would be the big question mark. If the guys are ready to go, could be a huge day for the program.

Very helpful post, dj! Nice job!

dj5377 said:

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Every year, I try to follow/track the team scores as the tournament goes on. That sometimes get confusing, so ...

I know many that read this probably already know the details, but ... I hope this scoring primer helps you enjoy a full day of wrestling on Sunday!

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Yes, many of us know those details. Now, can you also explain Cricket for all of us who already know those details, too?

howlie said:

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dj5377 said:

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Every year, I try to follow/track the team scores as the tournament goes on. That sometimes get confusing, so ...

I know many that read this probably already know the details, but ... I hope this scoring primer helps you enjoy a full day of wrestling on Sunday!

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Yes, many of us know those details. Now, can you also explain Cricket for all of us who already know those details, too?

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Yeah, I just knew there are some hard core wrestling fans here, so I didn't want to step on their toes. I'm more of a numbers guy for all sports, so I like to figure these things out. Obviously the Semifinal round is the big round. If you can win that, you can do no worse than 2nd instead of if you lose you can do no better than third. I wish they would put that round on ACC Network as well, but at least ACC Network Extra has it.

After capturing back-to-back-to-back ACC gold in 2019, 2020 and 2021, the NC State wrestling team will be looking to tie a school record with a 4th straight ACC Championship, this Sunday in Charlottesville, Va.

After capturing back-to-back-to-back ACC gold in 2019, 2020 and 2021, the NC State wrestling team will be looking to tie a school record with a 4th straight ACC Championship, this Sunday in Charlottesville, Va. https://t.co/GxuzHFFrSe

— NC State Wrestling 🤼‍♂️ (@PackWrestle) March 3, 2022

After capturing back-to-back-to-back ACC gold in 2019, 2020 and 2021, the NC State wrestling team will be looking to tie a school record with a fourth straight ACC Championships (1988-91), as the Wolfpack head to the 2022 ACC Championship on Sunday, March 6 in Charlottesville, Va.

A six-team, one-day tournament, the No. 1 and No. 2 seeds in each of the 10 weight classes receive a bye into the semifinals. The tournament is double elimination as well.

The Wolfpack had three wrestlers receive a No. 1 seed (tied for most in the ACC with Virginia Tech). NC State also had a four receive No. 2 seeds, meaning seven of the Pack's 10 will have a bye into the semifinals.

The schedule: 11:00 AM First Round Matches 1:00 PM Semifinals 3:30 PM Consolation Semifinals 5:00 PM Consolation Finals 7:00 PM Finals.

The finals will be televised on the ACC Network, and all the other action will be streamed on ACC Network Extra on two mats.

Here is a breakdown of each weight class and the top contenders:

125
NCAA bids: 3 | Coaches Panel Rankings: 3
Defending Champion: Sam Latona (Virginia Tech)
NC State: #19 R-So. Jakob Camacho (14-3) No. 2 seed

No. 1 seed Latona and No. 2 seed Camacho are on a collision course to meet in the ACC final for the second straight year. First, Camacho must get past his semifinal opponent, which would likely be Pitt's Curry. The two met in the dual, and a four-point near fall late in the third led to a 15-6 major decision for Camacho.

133
NCAA bids: 5 | Coaches Panel Rankings: 5
Defending Champion: Korbin Myers (Virginia Tech)
NC State: #17 R-Fr. Kai Orine (12-4) No. 4 seed

R-Fr. Kai Orine will be in his first ACC Championship, and opens with #23 Courtney of UVA. The dual was close until Orine hit a six-point move in the third for a 10-5 win. #5 Korbin Myers of Virginia Tech awaits the winner in the semifinals.

141
NCAA bids: 4 | Coaches Panel Rankings: 4
Defending Champion: Tariq Wilson (NC State) now at 149
NC State: #20 Fr. Ryan Jack (14-6) No. 3 seed

In his first ACC Championship, Fr. Ryan Jack will open against Duke's Rowland they did not wrestle in the dual. The winner gets #8 Clark of UNC in the semifinals. Both dual matches for Jack against the top seed (#5 Matthews of Pitt) and Clark were one-takedown bouts.

149
NCAA bids: 4 | Coaches Panel Rankings: 5
Defending Champion: Austin O'Connor (North Carolina) now at 157
NC State: #3 Gr. Tariq Wilson (13-0) No. 1 seed

A fifth ACC Championship for Tariq Wilson, he broke through last season with his first ACC title (at 141 pounds). Going 5-0, Wilson is the top seed and awaits the winner of #24 Sherman of UNC and #28 Verkleeren of UVA. #8 Andonian of VT is the second seed.

157
NCAA bids: 5 | Coaches Panel Rankings: 5
Defending Champion: Hayden Hidlay (NC State) now at 174
NC State: #8 Fr. Ed Scott (19-1) No. 3 seed

As the third seed, #8 Ed Scott's path to an ACC title will be one to follow. In the quarters, he will face #24 Brady of VT, which was a one-takedown match in the dual. Awaiting in the semifinals, #19 Keating of UVA who was Scott's lone loss on the season (11-10). 2021 149-pound NCAA champion #4 O'Connor of UNC is the top seed.

165
NCAA bids: 3 | Coaches Panel Rankings: 3
Defending Champion: Jake Wentzel (Pitt)
NC State: #20 Gr. Thomas Bullard (14-5) No. 2 seed

Another five-time ACC Championship participant, Thomas Bullard looks for his first ACC title. He opens with a bye, and awaits the winner of #21 McCoy of UVA (who's lone loss this year was to Bullard) and Duke's Dinette. 2021 NCAA finalist #15 Wentzel of Pitt is the top seed.

174
NCAA bids: 4 | Coaches Panel Rankings: 4
Defending Champion: None
NC State: #4 Gr. Hayden Hidlay (12-1) No. 2 seed

One of the biggest matchups of the tournament looks like it will take place in the semifinals, as second seed Hayden Hidlay takes on VT's #6 Lewis. #8 Lautt of UNC and #12 Finesilver of Duke will battle in the top half. Hidlay will look for an NCAA record fifth conference championship.

184
NCAA bids: 5 | Coaches Panel Rankings: 5
Defending Champion: Trent Hidlay (NC State)
NC State: #3 R-So. Trent Hidlay (15-0) No. 1 seed

Defending champion Trent Hidlay went 5-0 in ACC action, and awaits the winner of #24 Battista of UVA and #29 Harvey of Pitt in the semifinals. In the other half, #23 Kane of UNC and #9 Bolen of VT will faceoff, Kane won in OT in the dual. Hidlay vs. Bolen has been the ACC final each of the past two years they split the matches.

197
NCAA bids: 3 | Coaches Panel Rankings: 5
Defending Champion: Nino Bonaccorsi (Pitt)
NC State: #16 Fr. Isaac Trumble (16-3) No. 1 seed

His first ACC Championship, Fr. Isaac Trumble went 5-0 against ACC foes and got the top seed and awaits the winner of #29 Howard of VT and #31 Shaw of UNC. In the bottom half, 2021 NCAA Finalist #8 Bonaccorsi will battle #17 Aiello of UVA, they were U23 World Team teammates this fall.

285
NCAA bids: 3 | Coaches Panel Rankings: 4
Defending Champion: None
NC State: #24 Jr. Tyrie Houghton (18-7) No. 2 seed

His first ACC Championship and heavyweight and first since 2020, Tyrie Houghton got the second seed after a 3-0 conference mark. He will face the winner of #33 Slinger of Pitt and UNC's Whitman. Top-seed #14 Traxler will look for revenge after his dual loss to #27 Miller of UVA in the other semifinal.

Orine writes his ticket to NCAAs with a quarterfinal win.

ESPN's useless App is showing both streams on Mat 1 so I cant watch Jack's quarterfinal match.

Jack wins his quarterfinal with a Tech fall. He still needs to upset the 2 seed in the semis punch his ticket to NCAAs. One more quarterfinal match at 157. To have all 10 in the semis.

Good comfortable performance for Orine. Jack took care of business and got us some bonus points against an overmatched kid from Duke. Good start for our fringe guys.

QUARTERFINALS

133 - #4 Orine vs. #5 Brian Courtney, UVA
141 - #3 Jack vs. #6 Patrick Rowland, Duke
157 - #3 Scott vs. #6 Connor Brady, Va. Tech

Byes: 125, 149, 165, 174, 184, 197, 285

Tariq gets Sherman AGAIN

Good win by Ed

PossumJenkins said:

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Good win by Ed

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Got taken down quick bc he wasn't ready to wrestle. Bounced back and controlled the rest of the way. Big win.

thank you for the updates

Ed punches his ticket to NCAA's AND takes VT out of the semis. All 10 State guys in the semis now too.

AustinWolf828 said:

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Ed punches his ticket to NCAA's AND takes VT out of the semis. All 10 State guys in the semis now too.

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Yes, perfect start but now it gets real.

Semifinals:
125 - #2 Camacho vs. #3 Gage Curry, Pitt
133 - #4 Orine vs. #1 Korbin Myers, Va. Tech
141 - #3 Jack vs. #2 Kizhan Clarke, UNC
149 - #1 Wilson vs. #4 Zach Sherman, UNC
157 - #3 Scott vs. #2 Jake Keating, UVA
Semifinals (2):
165 - #2 Bullard vs. #3 Justin McCoy, UVA
174 - #2 Hidlay vs. #3 Mekhi Lewis, Va. Tech
184 - #1 Hidlay vs. #5 Gregg Harvey, Pitt
197 - #1 Trumble vs. #4 Max Shaw, UNC
285 - #2 Houghton vs. #6 Brandon Whitman, UNC

Biggest matchups to me are Jack and Hayden. Jack needs this for NCAAs and Hayden going h2h with VT.

I need more screens for all the Wolfpack action on today