Thursday September 25, 2025 NC United completed its 2025 campaign at the UCD Duals with a 7–2 record, solidifying its position among the nation’s most competitive youth wrestling programs. The team secured victories over Roundtree, Michigan Premier Red, Virginia Predators, DoughBoy, Gold Medal, M2, and ended the weekend with a shutout against Outsiders. The only setbacks came in a 30–30 criteria loss to eventual champion Michigan Premier Blue and a narrow defeat to 4M.
The performance showcased a blend of veteran leadership and up and coming talent. Three wrestlers finished the weekend undefeated, multiple athletes posted winning records, and the group delivered measurable improvements across all major statistical markers compared to the program’s inaugural 2024 showing.
The weekend marked a continuation of NC United’s identity: consistent, competitive, and steadily climbing.
Building on the Foundation
The transition from 2024 to 2025 highlighted a significant leap forward for NC United. In its inaugural year, the program navigated a pools-and-bracket format, finishing second in the Gold Pool with a 71 percent team win rate. In 2025, the tournament shifted to a true round-robin structure, requiring each team to face every opponent in its division. The adjustment raised the competitive stakes, forcing wrestlers to perform at a consistently high level throughout the weekend.
NC United met the challenge. Against a deeper and more balanced field, the team posted a 78 percent win rate in duals and improved its individual win rate from 58.1 percent in 2024 to 69.6 percent in 2025. More wrestlers delivered winning records, and more athletes finished undefeated.
2024 vs. 2025 Results
Veterans Lead the Charge
The 2025 squad benefited from the return of six veterans from last year’s roster: Bentley Sly, Carson Raper, Eli Taylor, Tobin McNair, Jack Harty, and Mac Johnson. Each brought experience, composure, and the ability to deliver in critical matches.
- Bentley Sly and Jack Harty anchored the lineup with perfect performances, providing stability in high-leverage situations.
- Mac Johnson displayed resilience and scoring ability throughout the weekend, contributing bonus points that helped swing dual outcomes.
- Tobin McNair, Carson Raper, and Eli Taylor all produced strong winning records against nationally competitive opponents, strengthening the middle of the order.
The veterans contributed on the mat and reinforced the culture of consistency and accountability that defines NC United. Their ability to compete at a high level while guiding newcomers through the demands of the tournament played a pivotal role in the team’s overall success.
Newcomers Step Up
Equally important was the impact of first-year wrestlers. The 2025 roster introduced fresh talent, and those additions delivered immediate results.
- Gavin Lopez and Jacob Perry set the tone among the newcomers, both emerging as dependable scorers and high-level competitors.
- Sam Harper, Aiden White, and Jekai Sedgwick, all of whom had prior NHSCA Duals experience, showed steady production and reinforced the depth of the roster.
- First-time NC United wrestlers Jaxon Thomas, Aaron Ellison, Braylon Butts, and Blayden Thompson gained meaningful exposure to national-level competition, each contributing points and gaining valuable mat time against elite opponents.
The integration of new talent with the program’s veteran leadership underscored the balanced construction of the roster. The weekend’s results demonstrated that NC United is not dependent on a handful of stars but is developing a broad base of wrestlers capable of competing against top opposition.
Building Beyond the Wins
NC United’s growth from 2024 to 2025 establishes a clear identity of consistency, adaptability, and upward momentum. For North Carolina wrestling, this progress carries weight. National duals operate as proving grounds and development platforms, testing athletes against elite competition and preparing them for bigger stages. Each appearance strengthens the reputation of North Carolina wrestling and creates pathways for athletes to measure themselves against the best in the country.
Tight battles with teams like Michigan Premier Blue sharpen preparation and reveal the fine margins at the top level. Victories over respected programs fuel confidence and belief. Together, these experiences deliver growth in the present while laying the foundation for future success.
Looking Ahead
With the 2025 UCD Duals complete, NC United enters its next phase with momentum and clarity. The roster has demonstrated both high-end talent and depth across weight classes. Veterans continue to set the standard, while newcomers are already proving capable of carrying significant responsibility.
The lessons learned this season will inform training, preparation, and lineup decisions as the program continues to pursue national-level results. Just as important, the positive feedback from athletes and families reinforces the program’s commitment to creating an environment where wrestlers can thrive both competitively and personally.
The trajectory is set. NC United is building sustainable success, grounded in results, strengthened by culture, and driven by a vision for the future of North Carolina wrestling.
