Our team is ranked #12 in the dual-meet rankings and #16 in the tournament rankings. These are only rankings, and we certainly expect to continue to move up, but it shows we have addressed many of our roster issues and the program is moving in the right direction.
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The biggest change is in our depth. I’ve taken the rankings from Intermatwrestle.com and they choose who they rank. I can say with no hesitation we will almost certainly see different names in our line-up throughout the season. At each weight I expect nothing less than a national-qualifier-level athlete.

125lbs We finally have depth at 125! This is particularly elusive at this weight because unlike every other weight you can’t bump someone up.

• Brendan McCrone (Graduate, Ohio State transfer) – Preseason #9, two-time NCAA qualifier 
• Cameron Stinson Jr. (Junior) – 4x NC State Champion 
• Dunia Sibomana (Freshman) – 3x NY State Champion, Fargo Champion, Senior & U20 African Continental Champion

133lbs 

• Matthew “Chewy” Botello (RS Freshman) – #14 Wrestles like an angry Honey Badger!
• Derek Guanajuato (Senior) – Extremely polished & athletic; will represent Mexico at the Senior World Championships in Kazakhstan at the end of October 
• Others to watch: Marco Tocci (Senior) & Lukas Littleton Mascaro (Freshman)

141lbs 

• Luke Simcox (RS Sophomore) – #11, 2025-26 ACC Runner-up & NCAA qualifier
  Extremely high expectations, anything less than a podium finish in March will be a disappointment. 
• Elias Navida (Junior) – Healthy after last year’s shoulder injury and ready to step in if needed.

149lbs 

• Nate Askew (Sophomore) – Older, stronger, and much more disciplined 
• Mitchell Younger (Sophomore) – 3x Ohio State Champion, healthy after missing last season 
• Nick O’Neill (Junior) – #28, moved up from 141 and if he can continue to fill out will be a handful for anyone. He enjoyed a great deal of success at 141 and we expect no less now that he is at 149.

157lbs 

• Laird Root (RS Sophomore) – #23, returning NCAA qualifier. Added needed size over the summer and now we need to make sure he keeps it on during the season!   
• Joey Showalter (Graduate, Indiana transfer) – Will start off at 165 until Hepner returns to the line-up in the second semester. Had some great wins last year and will challenge for the starting spot.
• Cullen Kane (Senior) – Veteran presence

165lbs Hepner returns to the roster in the second semester

• Bryce Hepner (Graduate) – #4, 2025-26 ACC Champion, NCAA All-American (7th), highest-ranked Tar Heel & top returning scorer.
• Colin Nugent (Senior) & Omaury Alvarez (Senior) – Experienced depth

174lbs Deepest weight on the roster

• Joshua Ogunsanya (Graduate, Columbia transfer) – #13, multiple-time NCAA qualifier 
• Collin Carrigan (Junior) – 2025-26 ACC 3rd-place & NCAA qualifier 
• Sabino Portella (Senior), Ronin Gault (Freshman), Nadav Nafshi (Freshman)

184lbs Gets a major boost from the transfer portal, but plenty of talent ready to step-up

• Christian Hansen (Graduate, Cornell transfer) – #12 
• Nolan O’Boyle (Junior) – Bulked up and ready 
• Aidan Schlett (RS Junior), Carson Tenold (5th-year), Brody Kelly (Freshman)

197lbs If these guys don’t beat each other too badly in the room, we are going to develop some hammers!

• Robert Platt (RS Sophomore) – #26 Had a couple breakout victories last season and we expect more of the same this year!
• Mikey Calcagno (RS Freshman) & Lincoln Jipp (Freshman) both bring athletic and physical styles to the room.

285lbs Platt may bump up early due to injuries at heavyweight.

• Nolan Neves (Senior) – NCAA tournament experience. Expected back in November. 
• Jacob Levy (RS Sophomore) – Expected back in November 
• Cristian Alvarez (Freshman) – Currently playing for UNC’s football team. I’m hate cheering against our Heels, but do we really want to play in a bowl game anyway?

​One of the most powerful things about being part of the UNC wrestling family is that the relationships built through wrestling don’t end when an athlete graduates. I currently have 22 former wrestlers on a text thread and half of these knuckleheads don’t know better than to not text after midnight. I only know this because I have been told to stop! Regardless, I call upon them often and they are always there to help, especially if it involves assisting our current wrestlers. This is truly generational. I’ve been back over three years, and I feel comfortable calling anyone, regardless of their date of graduation. People talk about NIL, but this is the most powerful tool we have in our arsenal. I will continue to emphasize work experience and being prepared for battle even after the battles on the mats are over. 

This summer, former UNC wrestlers, Todd Purich, Seth Richards, and Billy Christie, stepped up to connect our current wrestlers with internships and full-time employment opportunities. In addition, former coach Enock Francois, and parents of future and former Tar Heel wrestles Tim Ziola, and Matt Hickey helped us place our athletes into meaningful internship opportunities.

Those connections opened doors, but our wrestlers made the most of them. Nearly every wrestler secured career-enhancing work experience while continuing to train full-time at UNC. Next summer will be upon us in no time. Please feel free to contact me directly if you have the ability to help any of our athletes! 

I asked Joey Showalter to expand on his experience and tell us more about his time working with Todd Purich class of 88’
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-Rob

​Having previously interned with a highly successful private wealth management team, I thought I knew what financial advisory internships were all about: analyzing macroeconomic and market trends, learning about portfolio allocations, and observing senior advisors. My summer with Legacy Private Client Services (LEGACYpcs), working under co-founder and former UNC wrestler Todd Purich, completely changed my perspective, not just on how assets were invested, but on whether the outcome aligned with what mattered most to the family. That broader perspective was reflected not only in how LEGACYpcs approached client planning, but also in how the team itself operated.

From my first day, I was given a stack of books and quickly realized that their ideas were not simply assigned reading; they were principles I could see being applied throughout the business. One of the most impactful was 10x Is Easier Than 2x, particularly its idea of identifying your "best yes," the work where your strengths create the most value. I saw this firsthand when a new team member's responsibilities were intentionally shaped around his analytical strengths, allowing him to focus heavily on data and quantitative work. It made me recognize how much more effective a team can become when people are not simply filling roles but are doing work that aligns with what they naturally do best. From The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, the principle that stayed with me most was to "begin with the end in mind." Whether we were discussing the business or working through a client situation, the desired outcome came first. Once the end goal was clearly defined, it became easier to determine which decisions supported it and which were simply distractions. That lesson extended well beyond wealth management for me: clarity about where you are trying to go creates clarity about what deserves your attention today.
 
The biggest lesson I took from the summer was learning not to accept a financial outcome simply because it was considered normal. LEGACYpcs constantly challenged the status quo by asking the right questions, ones that helped families envision what was possible beyond what they, or even their advisors, had yet seen. One example, was asking whether unnecessary tax exposure could instead be redirected toward their heirs, philanthropy, or both. Once I started seeing planning through that lens, I began noticing gaps in plans that I probably would have overlooked before and realized how much value can be created beyond simply managing investments and generating returns. What made the approach stand out was that it was not about being different for the sake of being different; every alternative was tested through facts, math, and critical thinking against the family's actual goals. The right questions did more than uncover gaps; they opened clients up to transformational thinking about what their wealth could accomplish.
 
I saw this takeaway play out with a family who, by all accounts, should have already been in great hands with their financial plan. They had worked with a nationally recognized investment advisory firm, an experienced advisor at a major insurance company, and a notable trust and estate law firm. In each respective area there was great work, but the plan lost its effectiveness because it was done in separate silos. Investment, insurance, taxation, estate planning, asset protection, and philanthropy had all been discussed, but they weren't working together to achieve the family's ultimate goal. Seeing those gaps showed me that having the best advisor in each area loses its impact when it's not part of an integrated financial plan.
 
For the capstone project, I was tasked with helping build and present an integrated financial plan for a real family. Instead of starting with investments, we started by asking what the family actually wanted to accomplish: how they would ideally want to divide their assets between family, philanthropy, and taxes, and what causes they cared about most. Through this process, I learned the importance of behavioral finance and the way you frame questions, because every family has different goals, priorities, and reasons behind the decisions they make. Once we had established the basic facts, we compared their current financial plan with their desired outcome and looked at where the two did not line up. Part of my final presentation involved taking a very complex analysis and breaking it down into something digestible, so that someone outside the industry could understand it and why it mattered. Through the process Todd guided me through gave me one of the clearest examples of what integrated planning can accomplish.
 
In the case we analyzed, the family had $4.4 million in qualified retirement assets that would eventually be taxed when distributed. Under the assumptions in our analysis, the existing plan resulted in $1.8 million going to taxes and nothing for charity. Under the restructured plan, the kids will receive the full $4.4 million, while another $4.4 million will go to the family foundation. Same family, same assets, but a completely different outcome. That comparison showed me how much integrated planning can change the outcome when you start with the family's actual motives.
 
Overall, this experience mattered to me because I was able to grow professionally without having to sacrifice my development as an athlete. I made every practice and lift while also gaining exposure to a side of wealth management I had never seen before and learning lessons that I can carry into both business and life. That is what Coach Koll is creating through opportunities like this: a chance for student-athletes to keep getting better in their sport while also preparing for what comes after it. Todd understood what it takes to balance both, and his willingness to mentor me showed how powerful the connection between alumni and current athletes can be. To me, that is one of the biggest strengths of the program: it is preparing us not just to wrestle, but to become successful and responsible people long after the sport is over.
 
What I will carry forward most is a much broader view of what is possible in wealth management. Before this summer, I did not fully understand how much opportunity there was on the insurance and planning side of the business to help a family reach its ultimate goals. More broadly, whether in business, wrestling, or life, I learned to start with the end goal, question the default answer, and spend more time focused on my "best yes”. I also realized how valuable it is, especially early on, to be a fly on the wall, ask questions, and absorb as much as possible from people who have already been where you want to go. I hope one day I can provide that same opportunity to someone in my shoes. Experiences like this are what make the connection between UNC wrestling, its alumni, and life after the sport so meaningful.
 ​

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Dunia Sibomana Rodriguez will represent the Democratic Republic of the Congo at 57kg at the U20 World Championships, entering Bratislava as the U20 & Sr. African Champion with his sights set on a World medal.

Sibomana will face a deep international field featuring several wrestlers with major championship experience. Yamato Ogawa of Japan, the 2023 U17 World Champion at 51kg, and Ulugbek Rashidov of Uzbekistan, the Asian Champion and former U17 World silver medalist, headline the weight. European silver medalist Ebubekir Gur of Turkey, along with European bronze medalists Sasha Petrosyan of Armenia and Muhammad Ismayilov of Azerbaijan, will also be among the wrestlers to watch. Sibomana enters the tournament following a strong season highlighted by his U20 and Sr. African Championship. 
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Competition begins Friday, August 21, with 57kg qualification rounds scheduled from 10:00AM in Bratislava (4:00AM EST).

The Tar Heel Wrestling Club was represented by three athletes at the Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, with the team bringing home one gold medal and one silver medal while proudly representing three different nations.

Representing the Dominican Republic at 86 kilograms, Chris Foca captured the gold medal. Wrestling in front of a home crowd, Foca closed out the competition with a convincing 5-0 victory over Kevin De Leon of Mexico in the championship match to stand atop the podium.

At 65 kilograms, Shannon Hanna represented The Bahamas and advanced to the gold medal match. Hanna faced Joey Silva of Puerto Rico in the finals, where Silva earned a 3-0 victory. Hanna finished with the silver medal, while helping The Bahamas reach the podium.

Unfortunately, Ethan Ramos was unable to compete for Puerto Rico after being forced to withdraw due to illness.

The Tar Heel Wrestling Kid's Club is back on the mat this August, welcoming both new and returning wrestlers for another season of learning, competing, and growing through the sport of wrestling.

Held inside the UNC Wrestling Room on the campus of the University of North Carolina, the THWKC provides world-class instruction in a positive, age-appropriate environment where athletes develop sound fundamentals, confidence, discipline, and a strong work ethic. The program is designed for everyone from first-time wrestlers to experienced youth competitors looking to sharpen their skills. 

"Our goal is to create an environment where every child can build confidence, develop discipline, and learn the value of hard work while having fun. Whether a wrestler is stepping on the mat for the first time or preparing for a competitive season, we want them to leave every practice better than when they walked in—not just as athletes, but as people. We're excited to welcome everyone back and can't wait to get another great season started." said Brian Tucker, Director of the Kid's Club.

The fall program begins Tuesday, August 18, with practices held every Tuesday and Thursday.
Practice Schedule:
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Kindergarten through 3rd Grade

• Tuesdays & Thursdays
• 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

4th through 12th Grade

• Tuesdays & Thursdays
• 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.​

Monthly memberships:

• Kindergarten through 3rd Grade: $75 per month
• 4th through 12th Grade: $100 per month

Families who are new to the program are encouraged to come experience the club. First-time participants can attend one week of practices before registering if they decide the program is the right fit. 

As a USA Wrestling Chartered Club and the official U.S. Olympic Regional Training Center for North Carolina, the Tar Heel Wrestling Club offers young athletes the opportunity to train in the same environment that has helped develop national team members, world medalists, and Olympians. 

Whether your child is stepping onto the mat for the very first time or preparing for the upcoming competition season, the Tar Heel Kids Wrestling Club provides expert coaching, a supportive team atmosphere, and a clear pathway for long-term development.

Registration is now open. For more information or to register, visit: Tar Heel Wrestling Kid's Club.

Tar Heel Wrestling Club will have two athletes representing their nations on one of wrestling's biggest international stages this week as Shannon Hanna (Bahamas) and Chris Foca (Dominican Republic) compete at the 2026 Polyák Imre, Varga János & Kozma István Memorial Ranking Series in Budapest, Hungary.

The Budapest Ranking Series is the final United World Wrestling Ranking Series event before the 2026 Senior World Championships, bringing together many of the world's top freestyle wrestlers as they battle for valuable ranking points and international medals. 

Hanna Draw
Hanna opens his tournament against India's Kaliraman. A victory would setup a next round match vs Hungary's Mizsei.  His quarterfinals opponent would be Azerbaijan's Babazade.

The upper half of the bracket features Zakashvili (Georgia) along with United States standout Bartlett, who are projected to meet in the quarterfinals. Should Hanna navigate his opening rounds, he would likely need to defeat one of those favorites to reach the championship match.

Foca's Draw
Foca opens against the winner of Germany's Morodion and Azerbaijan's Dzhioev. A likely quarterfinal match with Georgia's Samkharadze awaits.

Follow the Action LiveCompetition begins Wednesday, July 15, with all times listed in Eastern Time.

4:30 – 6:30 a.m. – Qualification Rounds
6:30 – 7:30 a.m. – Semifinals
7:30 – 8:30 a.m. – Repechage
12:00 – 2:30 p.m. – Medal Matches

Fans can watch the Budapest Ranking Series love on FLO Wrestling, while brackets, results, and match by match updates are available though UWW Arena.

Ethan Ramos represented Tar Heel Wrestling Club at the Grand Prix of Spain over the weekend, finishing the tournament with a 1-1 record in senior freestyle competition.

Ramos opened the event with a technical fall victory to advance into the next round where he dropped his second match and ending his tournament before reaching the medal rounds.

The focus now shifts to Budapest, Hungary, where Tar Heel Wrestling Club will have multiple athletes competing at the UWW Ranking Series event later this week. The tournament is one of the premier stops on the international calendar, featuring many of the world's top wrestlers and serving as an important opportunity to earn ranking points ahead of the World Championships.

The official draws for Budapest will be released tomorrow afternoon, giving fans a first look at the opening-round matchups for Tar Heel Wrestling Club's athletes. Once the brackets are announced, we'll have a complete preview of each wrestler's path through the tournament and what to watch for as competition gets underway.
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Follow Tar Heel Wrestling Club throughout the week for draw announcements, live results, and complete coverage from Budapest as our athletes continue competing on the international stage.

The Tar Heel Wrestling Club will host the Tar Heel Summer Freestyle Duals Tournament this Saturday on the campus of the University of North Carolina.

The event will feature high school divisions and showcase athletes representing nine programs including Believe to Achieve Wrestling Club, Great Neck Wrestling Club, Harrisburg Wrestling Club, Raleigh Area Wrestling, Tioga, Triangle Wrestling Academy, Union Pines, Virginia Team Predator, and Lake Highland Prep.

Designed to maximize competition and development, the tournament utilizes a pool and round-robin dual meet format, ensuring athletes receive multiple matches against quality opponents throughout the day. As a USA Wrestling-sanctioned event, competitors will have the opportunity to test themselves under the sport's national governing body while gaining valuable freestyle experience during the offseason.

​"The Summer Duals provide a tremendous opportunity for wrestlers to gain valuable freestyle experience while competing alongside their teammates," said Brian Tucker. "We're excited to welcome programs from several states to Chapel Hill and continue building one of the premier summer wrestling events in the Southeast."

The tournament will use the high school weight system with a three-pound allowance and will feature the following weight classes: 106, 113, 120, 126, 132, 138, 144, 150, 157, 175, 190, 215, and 285.

Wrestling fans, families, and supporters are encouraged to attend and watch.

The Tar Heel Wrestling Club (THWC) will once again be represented on the international wrestling stage as Ethan Ramos travels to Madrid, Spain, to compete in the Grand Prix of Spain on Sunday, July 12th. Ramos will compete in the men's freestyle 86KG weight class.

The event will be held in Madrid, Spain, and will feature men's freestyle, women's freestyle, and Greco-Roman wrestling over three days of competition. Wrestlers from numerous nations are expected to compete.
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Fans can follow competition updates and results throughout the tournament on Tar Heel Wrestling Club social media channels. Competition begins July 10 in Madrid, Spain.

The Tar Heel Wrestling Club (THWC) will be represented on the international stage this July as two of its elite athletes travel to Budapest, Hungary, to compete in the United World Wrestling (UWW) Polyák Imre, Varga János & Kozma István Memorial Ranking Series event. The competition, scheduled for July 15th, is the fourth and final UWW Ranking Series tournament of the 2026 season and will feature many of the world's top wrestlers competing for valuable international ranking points ahead of the Senior World Championships.

Leading the Tar Heel Wrestling Club delegation is Chris Foca, who will represent the Dominican Republic in the men's freestyle 86KG division. Joining him in Budapest will be Shannon Hanna, representing the Bahamas in the men's freestyle 65KG weight class.

The Budapest Ranking Series tournament annually attracts Olympic medalists, World Champions, and top-ranked wrestlers from around the globe. As the final Ranking Series event before the World Championships, the competition plays a critical role in determining international rankings and seeding for the sport's premier events.

Fans can follow competition updates, results, and behind-the-scenes coverage throughout the week on THWC social media channels as Foca and Hanna represent both their nations and the Tar Heel Wrestling Club on the international stage in Budapest.