Four UNCP wrestlers earn All-American Honors

MANKATO, Minn — In this weekend’s NCAA Wrestling Division II National Championships, four UNCP grapplers earned All-American honors by placing in the top eight of their respected weight classes, helping the Braves to a 12th place finish overall with 34.5 points.

UNCP sent eight participants to Mankato State for the tournament, a school record. Junior Roylando Lucas led the charge with a third place finish at 133 lbs. Returning All-American junior Dwayne Coward reached sixth place for UNCP in the 165 lb. division. Sophomores Willie Hilton and Corey Winston took home eighth place at 141 and 197 respectively.

Seniors Jerome Benjamin and Josh Woodruff displayed their talent in the 157 and 285 lb. classes, respectively. Junior Curry Pickard wrestled three matches before being eliminated at 125 as did sophomore Derek Brunson in the 184 lb. division.