This weekend was truly and "All-American" weekend for many wrestlers across North Carolina.
First, the NCAA Championships saw four wrestlers from NC based schools earn All-American honors. Leading the way was Austin O'Connor, (UNC) who finished 3rd at 149lbs. His consolation win over 4th place Mitch Finesilver (Duke) made him the highest placing Tar Heel and helped UNC secure 19th place, their best team finish since 1995. Chip Ness (UNC) also finished 6th at 184.
Hayden Hidlay (NC State) dropped a controversial semi final to eventual champion Jason Nolf at 157, but battled back to finish 4th and help lead the Wolfpack to a 17th place team finish.
Mitch Finesilver (Duke) earned his way to a 4th place finish and helped push Duke into the top 25 along with UNC and NC State.
Campbell took a record six qualifiers to this year's tournament, while Appalachian State and Gardner Webb had four and one respectively.
The NCAA men weren't the only show this weekend, as USA Women's Folkstyle Nationals took place in Oklahoma City. A record thirteen girls from North Carolina made the trip this year, with a record five girls earning All-American honors. Here is a list of the girls who competed from North Carolina, with All-Americans in Red with their placement:
12U
90- Kayla Evans- 5th place
14U
110- Reagan Riddick-5th place
119-Kaly Brookshire
127- Abigail Flincher
145- Eva Keefauver- 7th place
16U
100- Heaven Fitch- 3rd Place
100-Gracie Short
122- Michalah Allen
138- Abigail Martin
144- Autum Motes
180 Saige Cook- 8th place
Junior
112- Megan Zelesky
112- Brooklyn Hermel