For the last several seasons, NC State wrestling has enjoyed the talents of one of the more impressive classes in program history. This year’s senior class features All-Americans, ACC Champions and strong leaders, both on and off the mat.

“They’re everything,” said head coach Pat Popolizio. “When you get a senior class that sticks here, whether they’re here five years, six years, four years — they pour their heart and soul into this program.”

In its latest match, a 27-13 victory over Stanford, the Wolfpack honored seven wrestlers as a part of its senior day celebration. Competing one final time in Reynolds Coliseum, four of the class’s seven seniors earned starts. After years of training, competing and representing the red-and-white, this group has built a lasting legacy.

“They’re some of the best friends I’ve had in my entire life,” said redshirt sophomore Troy Hohman. “I’ve learned a ton from those guys, every single one of them.”

This year’s senior class is without a doubt talented. The group has led NC State to a team ACC Championship every season since each member arrived on campus while racking up seven individual conference titles. However, this group of seniors pride themselves on the hard work they’ve put in. As a program, NC State takes on a blue-collar, hardworking approach, which this class fully embraced.

“I want my legacy to be just somebody who gave everything that they could and put their effort in and who was just thankful to be here and a part of this program,” said senior Ed Scott.

Scott has certainly left his mark on the program. A mainstay in the starting lineup, he has built a strong name for himself as the Pack’s starter in the 157-pound class. The Pennsylvania native has earned a pair of ACC Championships, a trio of NCAA Tournament appearances and 2023 All-American honors. Consistently bringing his best, Scott will go down as one of the better wrestlers to come through a talented Wolfpack program.

“This program’s meant so much to me, it’s hard to put it into just a few words,” Scott said. “To be more than just a wrestler, to be a part of this community, to be part of something bigger and grow as a person. … I’m so thankful.”

Redshirt senior Kai Orine will go down as one of the better wrestlers in NC State history. With a pair of ACC Championships and three NCAA Tournament appearances, Orine has already built an incredible legacy on the mat — with one last postseason run on the horizon. Often competing in the 133-pound class, Orine is known for his speed and ability to quickly shift a match in his favor. Additionally, his signature celebrations have made him a fan favorite in Raleigh.

Redshirt senior Jakob Camacho is the longest-tenured wrestler on NC State’s roster, joining the team in 2018. During his collegiate career, Camacho has primarily competed in the 125-pound class. While Camacho hasn’t wrestled since suffering an injury early in the season, he’s earned an impressive collection of achievements. With a trio of ACC Championships, plus being named the 2020 ACC Championship’s Most Outstanding Wrestler, Camacho has torched opponents for years in the ACC. While Orine and Scott held the spotlight this season, Camacho’s impact on the program is equally as impressive.

Redshirt senior Christian Knop has emerged as NC State’s starter in the 197-pound class this season. Despite not seeing much action during his early years with the program, Knop stuck with NC State and was rewarded with a breakout season. With eight wins this season and a No. 30 ranking nationally, Knop is set to compete in his first ACC Tournament. While it took time for him to break out, Knop became a success story.

In his fourth season with the Pack, redshirt junior Derek Fields is enjoying a career season after breaking out last year. Fresh off an NCAA Tournament appearance, Fields is now wrestling at his best in the 165-pound class with a chance to make a second straight NCAA Tournament. After improving each season, Fields is a prime example of how hard work pays off at NC State.

Rounding out the class are redshirt junior Luke Ahrberg and redshirt sophomore Josh Johnson, who both participated in the senior night festivities before the pack’s match with Stanford. Each has seen limited action with the red-and-white but have left their contributions. Ahrberg played a key role during the 2022-23 season, posting a 13-6 record, including 1-0 in ACC competition. Meanwhile, Johnson has led by example for the Pack, earning multiple ACC Academic Honor Roll honors and winning the PNC Achievers Award.

With so many key contributors, this year’s senior class shouldn’t be forgotten. The things they’ve accomplished on the mat are as impressive as almost any group of seniors in the country — and the group still has one last postseason to add to their legacies. From ACC Championships to strong leadership, this year’s senior class has set a high bar for the rest of the team.