In its fourth conference match of the season, Appalachian State University’s wrestling team is preparing to travel to Tennessee for a critical faceoff against Chattanooga, Sunday at 2 p.m.

Both teams will head into the competition with undefeated conference records. Both are hoping to remain unblemished.

“It’s something we have been using to push ourselves and motivate ourselves,” head coach JohnMark Bentley said. “I think that, legitimately, we have the best team in the conference. I feel confident in the 10 starters we are putting out on the mat.”

The Mountaineers fell 27-10 to Chattanooga last season. Now they hope to avenge last year’s loss with a victory that could lead to a Southern Conference regular season dual meet championship.

“Not only did we lose to them last year, but every year that I have been in school,” senior Austin Trotman said. “That is definitely motivation - and we have the team to beat them this year.”

Nationally-ranked wrestlers Trotman, at 184 pounds, and Kyle Blevins, 165 pounds, are both coming off dominating victories in Appalachian’s dual meet against The Citadel.

Trotman secured a 16-3 major decision and Blevins earned an 18-3 technical fall.

“It was good getting the bonus points and getting that big win,” Blevins said. “It was an exciting match and I feel like this next one for Chattanooga, I’m going to have a tougher match. We’re all going to have tougher matches.”

Senior Tony Gravely, 125 pounds, is coming off an excellent outing against The Citadel with a pin under a minute. Chip Powell also earned an important 5-2 decision against his own Citadel opponent.

The Mocs are hot, coming off a 27-13 win over The Citadel last Sunday and led by freshman Nick Soto, who has a 20-4 record on the season.

Story: CHASE ERICKSON, Intern Sports Reporter
Photo: MADELYN RINDAL, Photographer