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United Ascent
Vol. 1, No. 5 · Sunday, August 16, 2026
The people, performances and progress driving North Carolina wrestling forward.
View every United Ascent issueTournament of Champions
The NC Mat to Begin Athlete Announcements
The NC Mat, official media partner of the Tournament of Champions, will begin announcing athletes by weight class, starting at 117 pounds.
Athletes will be announced alphabetically across several updates during the next two weeks. The announcements will introduce the field without revealing seeds or complete brackets.
Weight classes from 117 through 157 pounds, along with 174 pounds, have been finalized. With 71 of 88 athletes registered, a final round of invitations is being sent as organizers work to complete the remaining weights. Athletes who have not received an invitation may still submit the interest form on the Tournament of Champions page.
Follow athlete announcements and Tournament of Champions updates
Tournament Partners
Three New Sponsors Join the Tournament of Champions
Defense Soap, Cronin Customs and Invictus Wrestling Co. have joined the growing group of sponsors supporting North Carolina's Tournament of Champions.
Defense Soap has donated products to help athletes protect their skin and remain mat-ready throughout the event. Cronin Customs will donate several pairs of its distinctive wrestling shoes for the Tournament of Champions Giveaway Hour, while Invictus Wrestling Co. will bring limited-edition gear and featured apparel to Apex.
The Wrestling Guild will also provide its previously announced $1,000 in training credits. Anyone who creates a free account at WrestlingGuild.com during the eligibility period will have an opportunity to win private or small-group training sessions.
Meet the Tournament of Champions partners · Read the Wrestling Guild partnership story
Caden Perry Warrior Scholarship
Nominations Remain Open Through August 30
“The future is bright for those who refuse to quit.”
Caden Perry embodied what wrestling is supposed to build: courage, resilience, discipline, heart and an unwavering refusal to quit. The inaugural award will provide $1,000 in wrestling support to one North Carolina wrestler whose response to genuine adversity reflects that same warrior spirit.
This is not an award for rankings, records, championships, recruiting status or academic achievement. The recipient does not have to compete in the Tournament of Champions. NC United committed the first $1,000, and community donations will help expand the award's impact.
Read Caden's story and learn about the scholarship · Nominate a wrestler
Darkhorse Weekend
NC United Heads to Charlotte
NC United will pause regular practice during the final weekend of August and support two days of wrestling at the Darkhorse facility in Charlotte.
Weekend Wars will take place Saturday, August 29, followed by the Super 32 Prep Series on Sunday, August 30. Current NC United members receive free admission, and all members are strongly encouraged to attend.
NC United will coordinate travel from the Triangle and other areas for athletes who need transportation. The attendance form also allows wrestlers to indicate whether they are open to carpooling.
College Programs
Duke, Gardner-Webb, Ferrum and Newberry Join the Tournament of Champions
19 college programs. One state. One community.
Duke, Gardner-Webb, Ferrum and Newberry are the newest college wrestling programs supporting North Carolina's Tournament of Champions, bringing the event's total to 19 programs.
On September 18–19, 88 of North Carolina's elite wrestlers will compete as individuals in Apex, with college coaches on hand to support the event, engage with athletes and families, and strengthen their connection with the state's wrestling community.
Community
Caleb Smith Gives Back at Greensboro RTC
On August 13, two-time NCAA Division I All-American Caleb Smith chose to spend part of his time home leading Greensboro RTC practice at Greensboro College.
Smith demonstrated, drilled and wrestled with athletes throughout the room, giving young wrestlers an opportunity to experience the pace, work ethic and attention to detail required to compete at the highest levels of the sport. He closed practice by speaking about his faith, the opportunities wrestling has provided and the importance of remembering the people and communities that helped make those opportunities possible.
College Wrestling
Greensboro College Strengthens Its Roster With Three Transfers
Greensboro College is adding three accomplished transfers as the program continues building momentum. Sammy Aponte, a three-time North Carolina state champion, transfers from Roanoke College. Eli Pendergrass, a North Carolina state champion and two-time finalist, arrives from the University of Mount Olive. Cayden Glass, a two-time North Carolina state finalist, transfers from King University.
The additions bring proven experience and deep connections to North Carolina wrestling into a room already gaining energy through Greensboro RTC and stronger statewide engagement.
Super 32
Early Registration Opens August 17
Early registration for the 2026 Super 32 Challenge opens Monday, August 17. Wrestlers and families planning to register should review the qualifying criteria in advance and be prepared when registration opens.
The event's early-entry process verifies qualifying credentials before acceptance, so families should have the relevant result information ready.
The Ascent Continues
North Carolina Wrestling Keeps Moving Forward
Athlete reveals are beginning, the Tournament of Champions field and partner roster continue to grow, and 19 college programs are preparing to support the event. Caleb Smith gave back to the room that helped shape him, Greensboro College added proven North Carolina talent, and wrestlers across the state are preparing for the opportunities ahead.
North Carolina wrestling is ascending—and we're covering every step.
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