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NORTH CAROLINA — August 8, 2025 — NC United Wrestling announced a partnership with the National Wrestling Officials Association to recruit, train and equip the next generation of referees across North Carolina.
The initiative invested in a critical part of wrestling's infrastructure as participation continued growing in men's and women's divisions and across folkstyle, freestyle and Greco-Roman.
Six athletes sponsored for the Elite Officials Clinic
NC United sponsored six student-athletes to attend the Elite Officials Wrestling Clinic on August 23 at William A. Hough High School in Cornelius. They supported live match scenarios while officials worked on scoring, positioning and in-match mechanics.
Bentley Sly
Stuart Cramer High School
Carson Worrick
Alleghany High School
Tobin McNair
Wakefield High School
Sam Harper
South Iredell High School
Luke Richards
Cardinal Gibbons High School
Eli Taylor
Middle School
A strong sport required strong officials
The Elite Officials Clinic attracted referees from across the country, including officials with experience in the Big Ten, Big 12, ACC, Southern Conference and other major collegiate leagues.
“This partnership is about investing in every layer of wrestling. Recruiting and developing referees ensures the sport continues to grow while giving our athletes a chance to learn, earn, and give back to the community.”
A different perspective for athletes
“North Carolina wrestling is growing at every level. We need more referees across all divisions and styles to keep pace. Events like this not only train officials but also give athletes a new perspective that can raise their wrestling IQ and keep them connected to the sport for years to come.”
2025 clinic weekend
Elite Officials Wrestling Clinic
William A. Hough High School, Cornelius. NC United wrestlers assisted with live training scenarios.
NC United Referee Session
UNC Chapel Hill wrestling room. Led by Jonathan Sutton for NC United Blue members and drop-ins.
Investing in wrestling's future
The partnership treated officiating as both a service opportunity and a development pathway. Athletes gained a stronger understanding of rules and positioning while North Carolina strengthened the referee pipeline needed to support the sport's continued expansion.