NCAA Recap & What's Next?

“Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.” - Winston Churchill

It always takes a few days to properly reflect on the NCAA tournament and the entire season. Traveling back from Philadelphia, there was a ton of energy around our coaching staff and the team, but I remember back in October when it wasn't certain that we would feel this way after the tournament. With so many unknowns and changes to the lineup, we knew that this season was going to present some unique challenges to the team and the program. From the outside looking in, this wasn’t a team that was expected to place very high. Although there were some doubts, I always knew what this team could do when they put their best wrestling together. 

 

The Churchill quote reminds me of this season as a whole. With a young and inexperienced lineup, we wanted to test these guys throughout the season. Out of conference dual meets with Rutgers, Cornell, and Oklahoma State, along with the toughest in season tournament in the country, the Cliff Keen Invitational, they certainly were tested. Add in the ACC schedule and the ACC tournament, there was no shortage of quality competition. We placed 15th at the CKLV and lost to Oklahoma State and Virginia Tech in dual meets. After each one of these failures, the team responded with the same enthusiasm as they have always had and got back to work, getting ready for the next competition. We placed 3rd at the ACC tournament after winning it 6 years in a row. When everyone seemed to count us out, the team did what they have done all season long-they responded. They put together a great week and a half of training to prepare for NCAA’s with the enthusiasm that this program is known for. That is why our results last weekend are not surprising to me. Even in what some would call a “down year” we secured 8th place with 3 All-Americans and a National Champion. This was a result of understanding that the failures weren’t really a failure at all, they were opportunities for us to see where we needed to improve and grow. With that growth mindset, success is only a matter of time. These guys stepped up when it mattered and they were rewarded for it! Now let’s look at how we were able to secure that 8th place finish. 

 

Starting at 125, what else can be said about Vincent Robinson. The first lightweight National Champion in program history and the first freshman champion for NC State since 1980. As the 4 seed, Vincent opened up with a win over Joey Cruz of Iowa and a last second takedown over Marc-Anthony McGowen of Princeton. At that moment we knew it was going to be a special tournament for Vincent. He won in the quarterfinals over Dean Peterson of Rutgers and then in the semi-finals over Sheldon Seymour of Lehigh. On the biggest stage in college wrestling on Saturday night, Vincent’s belief and confidence were evident as he beat Troy Spratley in overtime tiebreakers to win the National Championship. His points went a long way in leading the team to a top 10 finish. 

 

At 285, Isaac Trumble fought through immense adversity in the consolation bracket to finish 4th. After losing to eventual champion Wyatt Hendrickson of Oklahoma State, Trumble gritted out 3 wins over Nick Feldman of Ohio State, Josh Heindselman of Michigan, and former teammate Owen Trephan of Lehigh. Isaac getting tough through these matches is the epitome of what the Pack Mentality is all about and it played a huge role in getting the team to the finish. 

 

At 174, Matty Singleton secured 7th place as the 14 seed in his bracket. After losing to eventual champion Dean Hamiti of Oklahoma State, he rattled off 3 wins over Danny Braunagel of Illinois, Brevin Cassela of Binghamton, and Lennox Wolak of Virginia Tech to secure All-American status. He then finished the tournament on a high note, beating the 7 seed Danny Wask of Navy for 7th place. We watched him go through a lot of adversity and he showed how mentally strong he is throughout the entire tournament. 

 

We also had great contributions from the other 5 qualifiers. Kai Orine finished his career as a 2x All-American. Koy Buesgens lost to the 4th place finisher and then the 4 seed in the consolation rounds. This experience will help him grow and jump levels for next season. Ed Scott finished his career as an All-American. Derek Fields finished his career as a 2x NCAA Qualifier. Dylan Fishback fell in the bloodround. We know that this will motivate him to continue his growth as he hunts for the podium next season. 

 

So, what is next? We get back to work. It is important for us to keep this momentum going as we prepare for the offseason and then into the 2026 season. Given the state of college athletics, it is more important than ever that we continue building our culture and giving our guys the support that they need to accomplish their individual goals as well as our program goals of winning a team national title. Next season could be the most anticipated team we have ever had. We will add Jackson Arrington and Ryan Jack back to the lineup after their redshirt seasons. Factor in an incoming top 10 recruiting class and it is easy to get excited about this team. 

 

I want to finish off by giving a huge thank you to all of the donors, fans, and supporters. Wolfpack nation has been incredible all season long. Your presence was made known at NCAA’s and your support allows us to continue building something special in Raleigh. 

 

Hear from our three All-Americans and what it means to have your support: 

 

Vincent Robinson: 

 

“It has been a pleasure to compete in front of all the Wolfpack fans in Reynolds and on the road and getting the job done my freshman year. You guys treated me like family and welcomed me with open arms since the first dual and I love you all for that. 

 

Thanks Wolfpack Nation! Thanks for all the support throughout the season and believing in us as a team. We coming back for more next year! #2xSoon…”

 

Isaac Trumble: 

 

“The Wolfpack family has shown more support for this team than ever before. This season had its ups and downs, but it ended on a high note. A top-8 finish felt out of reach at the start of the year, but our belief in one another pushed us to our best performance yet!

 

Thank you to all the fans who showed up and cheered us on—both at Reynolds and on the road. Most importantly, thank you to the donors whose support made a lasting impact on each of our lives!”

 

Matty Singleton:

 

“Thank you Wolfpack nation for believing in us and sticking with us to the end. We work hard for our personal glory but it is always great when there is a team, program, and support system that is worth fighting for because we know they have our backs as well. Excited for the future and packing out Reynolds and putting on a show again soon!”

 

It is time to build!! You all are an integral part of our success and we want you to help us reach the next level. We are asking for donations to take NC State to the next level and push for a National Championship next season. 

 

How can you help? Every donation to our RTC goes directly to supporting our athletes and the program. No matter how big or small, you get to have a hand in our success as a donor and friend to the program. It was amazing seeing previous wrestlers, alumni, and donors at the RTC sponsored social in Philadelphia. Let’s make a push to elevate NC State wrestling!!! 

 

Respectfully,

 

Pat Popolizio