The NC State wrestling team gears up for a jam-packed January schedule with a pair of December tests, looking to build on its impressive 6-2 season record in the process.

The Wolfpack has started the season off strong with its only two losses coming to highly ranked teams in the No. 7 ranked Nebraska Cornhuskers and the No. 3 ranked Cornell Big Red. The Pack also had an impressive performance at the Wolfpack Open, an individual tournament where multiple wrestlers finished toward the top of their respective brackets.

The first challenge the Pack will face in December will come in Las Vegas, Nevada, in the Cliff Keen Invitational tournament Dec. 5 and 6. This is an individual tournament that will feature many top wrestlers from Cornell, Nebraska, Brown and other ranked teams. This tournament will provide a huge test to each of the Wolfpack wrestlers who will participate.

The Pack will then return home to Reynolds Coliseum on Dec. 18 to face off against in-state opponent Appalachian State. The Mountaineers had a rough start to their season, going 1-4 so far, but will look to avenge last season’s loss at the hands of the Wolfpack and get their season back on the right track when the two teams meet.

December won’t have many matches on hand for the Pack but will provide a few tough tests that can boost individual and team records, or hurt them. After the Pack faces off against the Mountaineers, it will then move into a January slate that includes seven dual matches.

December offers the last individual tournament that the Pack will participate in before the Atlantic Coast Conference Championships and possibly the NCAA Championships. The Cliff Keen Invitational will provide some much needed experience and competition for the Pack and a chance for many wrestlers to improve their NCAA rankings.