NC State’s Hidlay & Morris Take Titles at Hokie Open

RALEIGH, N.C. – In the first tournament of the 2018-19 season, the NC State wrestling team claimed a pair of titles at the Hokie Open. The Wolfpack took just six wrestlers to compete in the Open Division, but claimed titles at 141 and 157 pounds.

“It is always a great way to start off the year coming to tournaments and brining home titles,” said NC State head coach Pat Popolizio. “Our guys got some wins over some nationally ranked opponents today, and this gives us great momentum to start the season as we have our full squad in action next weekend.”

R-Sr. Jamel Morris claimed the 141-pound title with a 10-6 decision over UNC’s AC Headlee in the finals. Morris was 5-0 on the day, four bonus point wins. Morris opened with back-to-back pins, then outscored his final three foes 43-16.

No. 2 ranked R-So. Hayden Hidlay scored a top-10 win in the finals at 157 pounds, as he defeated No. 7 Kennedy Monday of UNC 10-7. Hidlay finished the day 4-0, with three bonus point wins, and outscored his foes 71-28.

In his NC State debut, R-Fr. A.J. Leitten placed sixth at 141 pounds, only losing to NCAA Quailifier Josh Finesilver from Duke.

In addition to those that wrestled in the Open Division, the Wolfpack also had 11 true freshmen competing in the Freshman/Sophomore Division. Of those 11, seven made the finals in their weight classes and four won the championship.

“A lot of our young guys came up here and made a statement,” said Popolizio. “A lot of these freshmen will probably redshirt this season, but they all had some big wins against future conference opponents. I was very pleased with how they performed in their first college tournament.”

• Jakob Camacho won the 125-pound title. He went a perfect 5-0 on the day, with four bonus point wins and he outscored his foes 81-15. In the finals, he claimed a 13-4 major decision.

• Jarrett Trombley won the 133-pound title. He went a perfect 4-0 on the day. After an opening pin, he outscored his foes 14-3. He won 2-1 in the finals.

• Matt Fields won the 149-pound title. He went a perfect 5-0 on the day, outscoring his foes 46-22. In the finals, he claimed a 7-4 win.

• Trent Hidlay won the 174-pound title. He went a perfect 5-0 on the day, all bonus point wins, and outscored his foes 84-14. In the finals, he scored a 14-3 major decision.

Alex Urquiza (141), Tyler Barnes (165), and Tony Wuest (197) all placed second. Alex Faison (165) and Tyrie Houghton (197) both took sixth.