Tar Heels Conclude Carolina Blue and White Wrestle-Offs

Carolina Blue and White Wrestle-Offs Release

October 23, 2021 | Wrestling

By: Blake Clifton

CHAPEL HILL - The Tar Heel wrestling team looked the part on Saturday, as North Carolina hosted its Carolina Blue and White Wrestle-Offs at Carmichael Arena in preparation for next week's season-opening duals.

"I thought we saw a lot of good action tonight, and I've always said tonight's not the be all end all," head coach Coleman Scott said. "We have some competitions coming up that we are going to have to put some guys in and figure out our starting lineup."

The Tar Heels wrestled eight bouts in a dual-style format that pitted the Carolina Blue Team against the White Team, winning 16-9.

At 125 pounds, Spencer Moore started off the night with an impressive 19-8 major decision over Jeremiah Derby. Preseason No. 12 Jaime Hernandez took the hard-fought 6-2 decision over Joe Heilmann in a 133-pound bout. American University transfer and preseason No. 17 Kizhan Clarke earned the 7-3 decision over Wil Guida at 141 pounds. No. 6 Zach Sherman defeated Mason Phillips at the midway point in a 4-1 decision at 149 pounds.

In the 165-pound matchup, Sonny Santiago pulled out a tight 3-2 decision over Joey Mazzara. Next up at 174 pounds, Gavin Kane earned an impressive 6-3 decision over No. 16 Clay Lautt. Mark Chaid earned the close 3-2 decision over Hunter Queen. No. 23 Max Shaw won a 6-4 match in the final scoring match of the day to give the Carolina Blue team a 16-9 win.

North Carolina will officially open its season on Monday, Nov. 1, in Carmichael Arena. The Tar Heels will host a doubleheader against Life University and Queens University beginning at 3 p.m.