UNCP wrestlers were able to claim victory in their individual matchups, 125-pound freshman Nick Daggett, who scored eight of his 12 points in the third period alone, and Eric Milks who ended a victory drought by winning a 9-1 major at the 157-pound weight class.
The following week, the Braves traveled to Indianapolis Ind. for the two-day Midwest Classic, and while the Black and Gold finished 29th on the first day and 30th on the second day of the 35-team tournament, 16 teams were nationally ranked.
The weekend following Christmas (Dec. 29 and 30 ), UNCP shined at the Citrus Invitational in Fort Lauderdale Fla. as they sent 13 wrestlers to the podium on Saturday.
Sophomore Darian “Tank” Edwards went undefeated in the 184-pound bracket throughout the tournament and caped off his gold medal weekend performance by grinding out a 6-5 decision victory to secure first place for his weight class.
The Braves started off the new year by traveling 615 miles and 9 and a half hours up north to Brookville N.Y. to participate in a four-team dual meet at Long Island Wrestling Day.
The Black and Gold began the day just getting edged out by the Long Island University Pioneers 18-20 after heavyweight Andrew Clayborn was taken down in sudden death overtime to deliver the home team the victory.
UNCP secured their first and only victory of the day against the American International Hornets 46-7, mostly due to six weight class forfeits.
While the Brave’s Jayquon McEntyre at 133 pounds and Bryce Walker at 184 pounds both won by tight decisions, the Golden Eagles of Clarion University secured their 32-6 victory by winning the other eight matchups.
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