US Open Recap
May 1, 2025
Wolfpack RTC Impresses at U.S. Open in Las Vegas
The Wolfpack Regional Training Center (RTC) athletes delivered strong performances this past weekend at the 2025 U.S. Open in Las Vegas. Competing in both Senior and U20 divisions, our athletes showed grit, resilience, and championship-level talent on the national stage.
🏆 Trent Hidlay – U.S. Open Champion at 92 kg (Senior Freestyle)
Trent Hidlay dominated the 92 kg senior freestyle bracket on his way to a U.S. Open title. After receiving a first-round bye, he secured back-to-back technical falls over Braden Homsey (11-0) and Kalob Runyon (10-0). In the semifinals, Hidlay outlasted Eric Schultz (7-4) before claiming the championship with a strong 7-1 win over Aeoden Sinclair. The Pack’s Alpha led the charge and punched his ticket to Final X in June.
💪 Christian Knop – Fourth Place at 97 kg (Senior Freestyle)
Christian Knop battled through the 97 kg bracket after an early setback. After an opening loss, he stormed through the consolations, recording a fall over Jett Swain, a technical fall over Gary Traub, and another dominant tech over teammate Tyrie Houghton. Knop added a 7-0 decision over Ethan Laird in the consi semis before falling in the third-place bout. A gritty fourth-place finish for the veteran Wolfpack wrestler.
🔥 Jackson Arrington – Seventh Place at 70 kg (Senior Freestyle)
Jackson Arrington impressed at 70 kg, picking up a technical fall over Michael Gold and battling through a deep field. After a close loss to Yahya Thomas (2-0) in the championship side, Arrington rattled off wins over Gabriel Onorato, Lucas Kapusta, and Alec Pantaleo before falling to Brayton Lee in a narrow 7-5 decision. Jackson avenged his earlier loss to Thomas in the seventh-place match, winning 5-2 to close his tournament on a high note.
🔥 Ed Scott – Seventh Place at 74 kg (Senior Freestyle)
Ed Scott continued his attacking style at 74 kg. After opening with a tech fall over Isaac Romero-Martinez and a decision over Drayden Morton, he dropped a quarterfinal bout to David Carr. Scott rebounded with a dominant tech over Elroy Perkin, and ultimately earned seventh place by edging Drayden Morton again, this time by a 2-1 decision.
💪 Tyrie Houghton – Eighth Place at 97 kg (Senior Freestyle)
Tyrie Houghton picked up a forfeit win and a technical fall over Owen Braungardt in the heavyweight division. Despite tough losses to Kyle Snyder, Christian Knop, and Massoma Endene, Houghton battled hard throughout the bracket to secure an eighth-place finish among some of the nation’s top heavyweights.
🌟 Gavin Linsman – Two Big Wins in U20 Freestyle (65 kg)
Gavin Linsman opened his U20 campaign in style at 65 kg, securing back-to-back falls over Gian Balderas (2:26) and Anthony Basile (5:09). His run ended in the third round against future NC State Wolfpack wrestler Daniel Zepeda, who claimed a technical fall victory. Linsman’s aggressive start showed the depth of the Wolfpack RTC’s young talent.
🌟 Latrell Schafer – Strong Start at U20 Freestyle (74 kg)
Latrell Schafer impressed early at 74 kg with a lightning-fast 10-0 technical fall over Frank Gonzales in just 15 seconds, and another dominant 12-1 tech over Zyon Trujillo. He eventually fell to Benjamin Weader by technical fall, but Schafer showed promising flashes of dominance in the U20 field.
Summary:
It was a strong overall weekend for the Wolfpack RTC athletes, with major highlights including Trent Hidlay’s U.S. Open championship and multiple top-eight finishes across loaded senior brackets. The Wolfpack continues to prove it is among the nation’s elite both now and in the future.
In this episode of the Wolves Den, join Josh Johnson as he previews a big weekend for Wolfpack Wrestling at the U20 and U23 tournaments. Josh shares updates on the team’s preparation, what fans can expect throughout the freestyle and Greco season, and how to stay connected with results and coverage all weekend long. Go Pack! 🐺🔴
In this episode of the Wolves Den, join Josh Johnson as he recaps a huge weekend for the Wolfpack, highlighted by Isaac Trumble’s impressive runner-up finish at World Team Trials and Tommy Gantt’s dominant second-round TKO victory in his UFC debut. Josh also looks ahead to the upcoming U20 and U23 competitions and shares what’s next for Wolfpack Wrestling this summer. Go Pack! 🐺🔴
In this episode of the Wolves Den, join Josh Johnson as he shares offseason updates for Wolfpack Wrestling, including Trent Hidlay’s dominant gold medal performance at the Pan Am Championships. Josh also talks about upcoming interviews, summer freestyle and Greco competition season, and what’s next for the team as the guys take a well-deserved break. Go Pack! 🐺🔴
In this episode of the Wolves Den, join Josh Johnson and Cason Howe as they talk about Cason’s journey into wrestling, his first year competing for the Wolfpack, standout moments at Reynolds Coliseum and National Duals, and his impressive performance at the US Open in Las Vegas. Cason also shares what’s next as he prepares for World Team Trials and reflects on what makes NC State feel like home. Go Pack! 🐺🔴
In this episode of the Wolves Den, join Josh Johnson as he recaps a strong showing for the Wolfpack at the US Open, highlighted by third-place finishes from Will Denny and Cason Howe, along with Wolfpack alum Mike Machiavello capturing the 92kg title to set up a huge Final X matchup against reigning world champion Trent Hidlay. Josh also shares updates on upcoming competitions, interviews, and future Wolfpack content. Go Pack! 🐺🔴
Join Josh Johnson with some bloopers from our 2026 Casino Night!
In this episode of the Wolves Den, join Josh Johnson as he thanks Wolfpack Nation for an incredible turnout and support at Casino Night. From honoring Trent, Isaac, and the rest of the team to celebrating an unforgettable season, Josh reflects on what the Wolfpack community means to the program and looks ahead to more interviews and content coming soon. Go Pack! 🐺🔴
In this episode of the Wolves Den, join Josh Johnson as he recaps an unforgettable finish to the Wolfpack season, highlighted by Isaac Trumble winning the National Championship at heavyweight and Vincent Robinson earning All-American honors with a fourth-place finish. Thank you, Pack Nation, for your incredible support all season long. Go Pack! 🐺🔴
In this episode of the Wolves Den, join Josh Johnson and two-time ACC Champion Matty Singleton as they dive into Matty’s back-to-back ACC titles, his mindset heading into the NCAA Championships, overcoming injuries throughout his career, and the journey that brought him to NC State. Plus, Matty shares a heartfelt message about the importance of Wolfpack support and what it means to compete for Pack Nation. Go Pack! 🐺🔴
In this episode of the Wolves Den, Josh Johnson shares a few important updates ahead of the ACC Championships. While the planned fan bus to Blacksburg unfortunately didn’t reach the numbers needed to move forward, the excitement for this weekend’s tournament is still building. The Wolfpack will compete at the ACC Championships this Sunday, and the team needs the continued support of Wolfpack Nation—whether that’s in person or cheering from home. With the postseason underway, the goal is clear: qualify all 10 wrestlers for the NCAA Championships in two weeks and make a strong run at reclaiming the ACC team title.