2026 NCHSAA Wrestling Champs Reflect on Paths to Victory

Austin Green of Mooresville Fights Back From ACL Surgery to Win Second Straight State Title

Just nine months removed from ACL surgery, Mooresville’s Austin Green delivered a dominant performance at the 2026 NCHSAA Wrestling Championships, defending his crown and cementing himself as a two-time state champion. Green capped a gritty season with a decisive victory, finishing the year at 25–4.

“It’s been a rough season,” Green said moments after his match. “I knew I was going to win, but no one expected me to. I’ve been working out every second I got, and it just shows it pays off.”

The journey back to the mat was personal for Green. Both of his titles are dedicated to late coach Ben Watson, whose influence he says shaped not only his wrestling but his character. “Coach Ben made me love this sport. I wish I could know what he’d say today, but I hope I made him proud,” Green said, holding back emotion.

Green credited a finely tuned training plan for keeping him sharp: “The whole season I worked as hard as I could, but the week before states I tapered off — a few fewer workouts, a few less lifts — so I could be at my best,” he explained. “Without that plan, I couldn’t have done what I did this weekend.”

For Green, this championship wasn’t just a comeback but a testament to perseverance, preparation, and a coach’s lasting legacy.

Bentley Sly of Stuart Cramer Makes History as Four-Time NC State Champion

Bentley Sly etched his name into North Carolina wrestling lore at the 2026 NCHSAA State Championships, clinching his fourth consecutive title in dominant fashion from Stuart Cramer High School. The sophomore sensation, who entered as the heavy favorite, powered through the bracket undefeated, showcasing the relentless drive that defines his career.

“It feels good to be part of history,” Sly said post-match. “Just looking at the next level. Never content about any win. Always hungry.” Despite the pressure of lofty expectations, Sly leaned on his preparation and coaching staff to stay composed: “Just a little bit [of pressure, but my coaches always pushing me. Always being prepared. There’s really nothing to be nervous about. I just do what I’ve been told.

Sly’s path to greatness involved a laundry list of mentors who shaped his elite skill set. He rattled off names like Coach Jimmy, Coach Casey, Coach Ian, Coach Patrick, Coach Hunter, Coach John John, Coach Orge, Coach Shope, Coach Worsher, and Coach Sly—each contributing unique lessons. “All the coaches have certain skills to give me, so just listen to all of them,” he advised. For the younger generation eyeing similar success, Sly’s message is simple: “Listen to your coaches and work hard.

With high school accolades secured, Sly turns his focus to Appalachian State, where he’ll balance college wrestling with RTC commitments. “Work hard. Listen to John Mark. Just do everything right. Do all the right things. Keep my head straight,” he said, signaling no plans to slow down anytime soon.

Andy Davis of Davie County Delivers Gut-Check OT Win for First State Title

Andy Davis from Davie County High School turned a grueling overtime battle into triumph at the 2026 NCHSAA State Wrestling Championships, rallying from behind to claim his first state championship in dramatic fashion.

“I knew it couldn’t be my pace. He caught me on my back there in the beginning. But I knew the match was over. We still had two periods left,” Davis recounted. “I pushed the pace the whole time. Only by the Lord.”

Davis showered praise on his club coaches at Combat Athletics, especially Josh Stanley, who he called “the best coaches in the freaking state.” They pushed him relentlessly: “They have always been there for me. I wouldn’t be who I am today without them.” Mentally, Davis stays locked in until the final whistle: “The match is never over until that last whistle. You always got to wrestle.” Those 30-second practice sprints paid off in OT, where he snagged the decisive takedown despite exhaustion.

Reflecting on his season of ups and downs, Davis credited persistence and faith, while shouting his cousin, Riley Edwards: “Riley, if you watch this, I love you, bro. You’ve been a real light to me.” This victory marks a breakthrough, built on grit, guidance, and unbreakable resolve.

Eli Horton of Mooresville Secures Third State Title with Early Takedown, Iron Defense

Eli Horton from Morehead High School claimed his third consecutive NCHSAA State Championship in 2026, using a quick first takedown and stout defense to outlast a gritty opponent at the Greensboro Coliseum.

“I got the first takedown pretty quick. The goal was probably to try to turn him, but he's pretty good,” Horton said. “He defended my bar tilt I like to use. Then I just kind of paced the rest of the match to win it.”

Even after two prior titles, Horton's fire burns bright: “I just wanted to win. I just wanted to get better. The main thing to do is score.” He commutes over an hour—often 75 minutes one way—three times a week to train at Combat Athletics with the state's top talent, crediting coach Josh Stanley and elite partners. “Good guys, best in the state, best club in the state. Get better.”

Horton's parents fuel the grind, driving him without hesitation. “My mom and dad drive me every day. Every time I want to go, they'll take me.” With high school accolades stacking up, he eyes offseason glory: Nationals and All-American status as the next big targets.

Will Varner of Kings Mountain Powers Through Shoulder Injury for Second State Title

Will Varner from Kings Mountain High School capped his high school career with a second NCHSAA State Championship in 2026, battling back from a nagging shoulder injury and limited mat time to defeat a tougher-than-expected Tripp Sullivan.

“It was good. Coming off, I haven’t been in the room really in two weeks, so it was hard to really get going like I did a few weeks back,” Varner said. “But we made it work, and it happened thanks to all the guys in the corner.”

Post-summer surgery, Varner aggravated the shoulder again, slowing his pace but not his spirit: “It slows you down a little bit. I tried to push through as much as I can.” He credited the Dark Horse crew—Jake Glunt, Luke Glunt, coaches Jim Avola, Adam Cox, John Milner. Also, Ryan Hayes—for keeping him steady through the grind.

Bittersweet emotions hit as Varner reflected on his final high school bout: “It’s great. All the people I met… I miss all my brothers.” College wrestling looms next, shoulder rehab pending: “It’s the best thing for me. Keep me straight.”

Lorenzo Alston of Uharrie Charter Becomes Their First Four-Time School Champ with Loyalty, Elite Training

Lorenzo Alston from Uharrie Charter School made history at the 2026 NCHSAA State Wrestling Championships, capturing his fourth state title as the first in program history and joining North Carolina’s elite company.

“It feels amazing. Everything that I dreamed of… It’s been a long, long ride,” Alston said. Despite options for bigger programs after middle school, loyalty kept him home: “The school that I’m going to now, I’ve been going there since I started wrestling. They’re one of the people that got me into wrestling.”

Alston leveled up in 11th grade by training at NC State RTC with college wrestlers like world champion Trent (Hidley) and top-ranked Vince (Robinson). “Staying up there with those guys, seeing how they live and train, it really motivated me… Great partners.” He shouted out high school coaches Kendall Nelson, Casey Gashaw, Brandon Palmer, Cohen Palmer, and further college coaches, Coach Espo, Coach Pop, and Kevin Jack for their investment.

Eyes on the future, Alston aims high: “I’m ready to continue… Hopefully, next year, I’ll be good enough to start and become NCAA champion.”

Dominic “Jack Jack” Hittepole of Wheatmore Claims Second State Title Through Relentless Conditioning

Dominic “Jack Jack” Hittepole from Wheatmore High

School refused to rest on his laurels en route to a second NCHSAA State Championship in 2026, pushing the pace in a hard-fought finals match.

“The second one means a lot to me… A lot of people get that one, and they think they’re done. Right after the season ended last year, I just had to keep grinding,” Hittepole said. He amped up conditioning to dictate tempo: “I really just want to make sure I push it on them, keep driving in, keep shooting… Last year, my condition wasn’t the best, but I managed to get away with it with more of my technique.”

Even as a defending champ, Hittepole’s coaches elevated his game for college readiness: “The goal this year was to, in practice, keep pushing myself harder… It really prepared me for that next level.” Motivation stays simple: “When you already have one, then you can have another. Why not go get it?”

College wrestling beckons as Hittepole eyes new challenges beyond high school glory.

Cael Dunn of South Davidson Caps Four-Time Championship Journey with Mental Mastery

Cael Dunn from South Davidson High School closed out his high school career with a fourth NCHSAA State Championship in 2026, dispatching his finals opponent with clinical efficiency as the heavy favorite.

“So much today was just mental preparation, just being ready to go out there, and just being grateful for today, the opportunities that I was given,” Dunn said. “Just going out there and getting the job done, enjoying the process.”

Reflecting on a lifetime in the sport—from late nights to grueling practices—Dunn emphasized growth: “Any wrestler would tell you it’s a lot of late days, a lot of early mornings… But at the end of the day, it makes you tougher, it makes you a better person.” He saved special thanks for his father, Matt Dunn, whose sacrifices fueled the ride: “There was never a point where I didn’t believe this could happen, and a lot of that was because of my dad.”

Emotion swelled as Dunn processed his final high school bout: “I can’t believe it’s over… It was a long road.” This triumph crowns a legacy of resilience and appreciation for wrestling’s transformative power.

Jaylon Willard of RJ Reynolds Ends 23-Year Drought as Heavyweight State Champion

Jaylon Willard from RJ Reynolds High School etched his name into school lore at the 2026 NCHSAA State Wrestling Championships, becoming the first state champion for the program since Ryan Hart won at 112 pounds in 2003.

“It feels great, man, to come in the room after football season, put in hard work, get back in shape,” Willard said. “Last year I didn’t even qualify to come here. Coming back to make the state champion… Just go out there and wrestle.”

Willard credited coach Wilson for his transformation: “It’s all thanks to Coach Wilson. He pushed me a crazy amount this year, drilling with me, making sure I had everything I needed.” Transitioning from gridiron to mat demanded rapid conditioning, but the payoff was a historic title for the team and school.

Offseason freestyle looms large, with Willard targeting the Tar Heel Invitational and Virginia Beach Nationals to build on this breakthrough momentum.

Carson Raper of South Rowan Wins First Title as Freshman, Dedicates to Injured Brother

Carson Raper from South Rowan High School stormed to his first NCHSAA State Championship as a freshman in 2026, dominating early before holding firm in a tense finish at the Greensboro Coliseum.

“Yeah, I mean, I wasn’t trying to keep it close. I was trying to score points,” Raper said. “Sometimes it just didn’t work out… but I still got the outcome I wanted. I went out there and tried to score points.”

Raper drew extra motivation from his brother, sidelined by injury: “Even when he’s not wrestling, he was right out there supporting me.” He credited longtime coaches Adam Cox and Jacob Cox for his foundation: “That’s all my wrestling, all I’ve learned from Adam, all my coaches pretty much. It’s just a blessing to have them.”

With a long career ahead, Raper eyes NHSCA Nationals, Fargo for All-American honors, Ironman, Powerade, and more freestyle dominance next season.

Alan Benitez of A Forbush High School Breaks Through for First State Title at 120 Pounds

Alan Benitez of Forbush High School delivered a masterful turnaround at the 2026 NCHSAA State Wrestling Championships, dominating the finals at 120 pounds after rallying from an 8-2 deficit in an earlier match against the same opponent.

“It feels awesome. I’ve been working for four years now. It took a lot of work, a lot of dedication, a lot of sacrifice from my friends, my family,” Benitez said. He flipped the script from the prior bout: “Last week, I was down 8-2… going at him way too aggressively. This match, just changed my mentality, kept my pace on him, and he just couldn’t handle it.”

Benitez stayed controlled and trusting: “I didn’t go at him all crazy, under control. Just took my time, trusted my practice.” He gave special thanks to Coach Cody for convincing him to wrestle this year, plus Eli Thomas and Josh Stanley for technical breakthroughs: “Coach Cody kept me doing this… He’s the reason I’ve been wanting to get better.”

Abdul-Jamil Zaggout of West Forsyth Adapts Strategy to Claim 132-Pound State Championship

Abdul-Jamil Zaggout from West Forsyth High School outsmarted a familiar foe at the 2026 NCHSAA State Wrestling Championships, defending blast doubles and securing the 132-pound title after facing the same opponent in regionals.

“From this match from last week, his blast doubles definitely hurt a lot more… I’ve been blocking with my head the entire time,” Zaggout said. He adjusted wisely: “I was going to have to let it go [the assassin]. It was too risky… I might as well just get my three and keep wrestling from there.”

Relocating from New York brought challenges, but Zaggout thrived: “It was really easy for me to get comfortable around the team… Everyone’s really kind. No matter how much you wrestle, they’re always giving you a good fight.” The victory unleashed pure joy: “It feels amazing. I don’t know what to think right now. A whole different feeling.”

This state crown validates Zaggout’s rapid adaptation to North Carolina wrestling’s welcoming, competitive culture.

Connor Reece of Northwest Guilford Overcomes Unexpected Foe for State Championship Glory

Connor Reece from Northwest Guilford High School powered through an unanticipated finals matchup at the 2026 NCHSAA State Wrestling Championships, securing the state title with unshakable confidence and adaptability.

“It feels great. Walked into this tournament knowing I was going to win it. Didn’t think any different. Made it happen,” Reece said. Despite the bracket surprise—“Not who I expected to have in the finals”—he stayed locked in: “Didn’t have a game plan, never seen him wrestle before. Just knew I was going to go in and wrestle like a professional.”

Reece acknowledged the scrappy battle: “Felt a little sloppy, a little bit of nerves, but… I was giving my attacks good. Very scrappy wrestler.” With the first title secured, he sets sights higher: “Nationals, man. I’m going to go. I’m going to win nationals… Improve on my seventh place from last year.”

This victory erases past doubts, propelling Reece toward national dominance.

Jace Barrier of Mooresville Matches Style, Staves Off Fatigue for Second State Title at 126 Pounds

Jace Barrier from Mooresville High School went toe-to-toe in a stylistic showdown at the 2026 NCHSAA State Wrestling Championships, claiming his second state title at 126 pounds by mirroring his tall opponent’s approach.

“It feels amazing. It feels even better. I couldn’t do it without my coaches, me working hard,” Barrier said. He broke down the match: “He had a similar wrestling style to me… I just had to match his level, work off elbow control, passing the elbow, and set up my shots.”

Fatigue crept in late, but Barrier stayed disciplined: “In my neutral, in the third period, I was a little tired, but then I kept my stance really good.” As a senior, emotions ran high over his final high school bout: “It doesn’t feel real… It’s very sad. It goes by fast.”

Barrier reflected on minor tweaks needed—like more underhooks and circling—but savored a career-capping triumph built on hard work and coaching.

Drew Teeter of Mooresville Evolves from Undisciplined Freshman to State Champion at 175 Pounds

Drew Teeter from Mooresville High School completed his transformation at the 2026 NCHSAA State Wrestling Championships, winning the 175-pound title through newfound discipline and elite training.

“I’ve been training with my training partner right there, Mitch. He’s a state champion. He teaches me everything I know,” Teeter said. “And then Gary Eller. He makes me disciplined… Whenever I’m out there training with him, it feels like nothing.”

Teeter owned his past mistakes: “My freshman year really didn’t listen… I was missing practices. I wasn’t doing anything right.” Turning point came via coach talks: “Once I got out of the stubborn point… Everybody knew I was going to win states after that.” Darkhorse and high school teammates sharpened him.

Winning before family—especially grandpa Bill Mayhew, “the GOAT”—sealed the magic: “It feels amazing getting a win in front of him.” This crowning achievement reflects growth, grit, and team bonds.

Trevelyan Hall of Lumberton Outlasts Unorthodox Foe for Third State Title

Trevelyan Hall from Lumberton High School navigated a tricky, unorthodox opponent at the 2026 NCHSAA State Wrestling Championships, claiming his third state title through patience and late adjustments.

“The fact that the dude was able to have an orthodox neutral. I had a hard time just figuring it out,” Hall said. “Once I was able to get a little bit more tighter and get more lower on my positioning and time his fakes, that’s all there was to it.”

Mental fortitude carried him: “What keeps me going is up here, in heart… You got to take [the mental part] really serious.” Hall stays driven by family and supporters, tuning out pressure: “I think about my mom… No one else is pressuring you into it.”

For Lumberton’s youth, his advice rings clear: “Stay positive, please. Don’t ever give up on wrestling.” Offseason plans include bulking up for Nationals, Fargo, and college opens to keep evolving.