Pushing Limits, Building Champions: 6 NC United High School Athletes Take on College Competition.
For the first time, NC United high school wrestlers stepped into the collegiate arena, competing in the Southeast Open—a tournament that gathers athletes from NCAA Division 1, 2, and 3 programs. This opportunity allowed our young athletes to face elite collegiate competition, setting a new standard for high school wrestling development in North Carolina. Utilizing our CAP Scoring system, we have evaluated each athlete’s performance.
Highlighting the Competitors
NC United took six talented high school wrestlers to the Southeast Open, marking a significant milestone in our program’s journey. Competing against older and more experienced college athletes was a challenge, but our wrestlers rose to the occasion. Here’s how each of them fared:
- Lorenzo Alston (157): 3-2 record, advancing to the Round of 8 in the consolation bracket. Notably defeated Nathan Rickards, a standout from Virginia.
- Nate Askew (149): 2-2 record, with a deep run to the Round of 8 and then the Round of 4 in the consolation rounds, securing a quality win over Ohio State Champion Hayden Hughes from UTC.
- Liam Hickey (133): 1-2 record, with an impressive win against Zander Phaturous (Campbell), an athlete with a 13-8 D1 record and a history of strong tournament placements.
- Jack Harty (184), Tyler Watt (133): Both earned 1-2 records, showcasing determination against formidable competition.
- Sebastian Rivera (HWT): 0-2 record, gaining valuable experience and insights from high-level matches.
The CAP Scoring System at Work
Using our CAP Scoring system, we tracked each athlete’s progress and performance, providing insights that go beyond traditional win-loss records. Here’s how our wrestlers scored:
- Lorenzo Alston (157) led with a CAP Score of 1.1, showcasing resilience and skill throughout the tournament.
- Nate Askew (149) followed closely with a CAP Score of 0.9, demonstrating his ability to compete at a collegiate level.
- Liam Hickey (133) earned a CAP Score of 0.7, marking his potential for high-quality victories.
- Jack Harty (184) and Tyler Watt (133) both scored 0.6, reflecting solid efforts against advanced opponents.
- Sebastian Rivera (HWT), although facing tough matches, gained invaluable experience for future growth.
The average CAP Score of 0.65 across our team reflects a commendable performance in their first college-level tournament.
Facing Elite Competition
The Southeast Open presented a rigorous test, with opponents ranging from D1 champions to D3 contenders. Despite the challenges, our wrestlers made an impact:
Wins Over Division 1 Opponents: Our athletes secured six wins against D1 wrestlers, proving that NC United can compete with top-level talent.
Notable Wins: Liam Hickey’s victory over Zander Phaturous (Campbell) and Lorenzo Alston’s win over Virginia’s Nathan Rickards showcased the potential of NC United athletes to overcome strong college competition.
Learning from Losses
Each of our wrestlers faced tournament placers in their losses, which serves as a testament to the high caliber of competition. These match-ups provided our athletes with invaluable lessons and the experience needed to excel in future competitions. Our athletes were gained insights that will inform their training and performance as they continue to develop and compete.
A Bright Future Ahead
NC United’s debut at the Southeast Open was not just about wins and losses; it was about learning from high-level competition, and setting a foundation for future success. Our athletes have demonstrated their potential, and we’re proud of how they represented NC United and North Carolina wrestling. With continued support, we can ensure these young wrestlers have the resources to keep improving and reach new heights.
Help us continue to provide opportunities like this by supporting NC United. Together, we can build champions and make an impact that lasts beyond the mat. Donate Today!
