Wrestling prepares for rivalry matchup with UNC

Leigha Bruce, Staff Writer • February 12, 2019

Redshirt sophomore Hayden Hidlay in the 157-pound weight class wrestles with Nebraska’s Tyler Berger in Reynolds Coliseum on Dec. 16, 2018. The Wolfpack beat the Huskers 18-17, to continue their undefeated streak.

No. 10 NC State wrestling (14-3) is set to face ranked No. 13 North Carolina (11-5) in Chapel Hill on Friday evening to continue its string of conference matchups. Last weekend, the Wolfpack fell in a close match 18-16 against Pittsburgh, its first loss in five weeks.

The Tar Heels are coming off an 18-14 win against No. 14 Virginia Tech after trailing for most of the match. This was North Carolina’s first win over the Hokies since 2008.

Here are some key wrestlers to keep an eye on in the match:

Hayden Hidlay

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Redshirt sophomore Hayden Hidlay has been one of the Wolfpack’s top competitors, sporting a winning percentage of 89. At 157 pounds, Hidlay has collected six major decisions this season with a 16-2 record. Last year, the NCAA finalist had a perfect record in duals, finishing at 15-0.

Nick Reenan

Redshirt sophomore Nick Reenan compiles an 11-2 record for the season after falling to his latest opponent from Pittsburgh. With a bonus percentage of 46, Reenan has added five decision wins to his rap sheet making him one of the top wrestlers in the nation.

Justin Oliver

Weighing in at 149 pounds, graduate Justin Oliver has made his first year with the Wolfpack a memorable one, boasting a 14-3 record. Oliver has dominated with four major decision wins to increase his winning percentage to 82.

A.C. Headlee

A.C. Headlee from Chapel Hill has been a major contributor to the Tar Heels’ record this season going 16-6. Headlee recently defeated Mitch Moore from Virginia Tech 4-2 making it his first win against a top five competitor.

Austin O’connor

Austin O’Connor sports an overall record of 26-3 with a winning percentage of 90 for the season. The redshirt freshman has won his past four duals with one major decision. At 149 pounds, O’Connor will be looking to improve his record against Wolfpack opponents such as Oliver.

Chip Ness

Redshirt senior Chip Ness has compiled a bonus percentage of 38 and record of 16-8 for the season. Ness has secured five major decision wins. The fifth-year wrestler has brought much success to Chapel Hill in dual matchups.

NC State will face UNC on Friday evening at 6:30 p.m. in Chapel Hill. The match will be broadcasted live on ACC Network Extra.