State of the Program ... Union Pines (NC)
By this time - many of you have seen that we are doing highlights of different teams across the SE as we gear up to drop the team previews in 6 weeks. I was releasing one team a day, but with now over 170 teams having sent in information - I’ll try to ramp it up a bit so we can get as many in as possible before the first part of October. I can’t guarantee I’ll get to everyone, but I will try to get to as many as possible.
Please re-visit when the actual previews get dropped in October because what I am sharing below are just a few of the names the coaches have given me. Much more will be shared - plus SEWrestle’s “What to Expect” - in the team previews. Lastly, if you want to know whether we have your form … you can find the list of everyone that has submitted a form in the blog archive.
Union Pines (NC)
The UP Wrestling team enters the new season coming off one of the best season’s in the history of the program.
Three straight undefeated conference dual seasons
21-0 overall dual record with a win over #1 ranked 4A Laney and several other top 4A East teams
14th consecutive Conference Tournament Championship
Back to back as 3A Mideast Regional Champs
14 consecutive year w/ at least one state placer and the programs 4th State Champ in Aaron Faison
3rd place at 3A State Tournament, the tenth top ten finish and the seventh top five finish at the State Tournament in the last 12 years
The strength of the Vikings most years has been fielding a solid dual team, yet they have yet to make it to the dual team state championship match. In the last three years, they have only lost three times to 3A teams: 2019 to Asheboro with several starters not competing, 2019 Dual State Runner-up Cape Fear and 2020 Dual Champion Northern Guilford.
The UP schedule for the upcoming season is shaping up to be a great one . The first Saturday of the season Laney, Cardinal Gibbons, Lake Norman, Piedmont, and Pinecrest will all be at the Viking Invitational. Highlighting the dual schedule are the Lake Norman Duals featuring some of the best teams in the SE and the Bob Mauldin Duals at Piedmont where Mooresville and Enka will be in attendance.
Senior Aiden McCafferty is the top Viking coming back. He is a two time placer, a 2021 Runner-up and is looking to be on the top of the podium this year. Next on the watch list are State Qualifiers and Seniors, Gaige Lloyd and David Worley. The Vikings will also look for big production from Juniors Colton Collins and Jayden Crawford, and Senior Kellen DeVries.
WE NEED YOUR HELP … We are in the process of collecting as much information as possible and would love for coaches to reach out and share their information. If you are a coach and would like to provide that information please click the “Team Preview” button below to be sent to a survey.