Wrestlers Welcome St. Andrews On Wednesday
PEMBROKE – The 17th-ranked UNCP wrestling team will make its first home appearance in nearly two months on Wednesday when it welcomes local rival St. Andrews to the English E. Jones Center for a 7 p.m. dual meet. Admission is free.
Fresh off a 2-2 appearance at the Super Region I Duals in Johnstown, Pa., a performance that included a 33-12 upset of No. 14 West Liberty, the Braves (4-4) will compete in Pembroke for the first time since dealing Belmont Abbey a 47-6 defeat on Nov. 30, 2011. St. Andrews (3-5) will tote a two-match losing streak into Wednesday, having dropped a 40-3 home dual meet against King on January 18, as well as a 33-17 decision at Shorter on Saturday.
UNCP boasts five regionally-ranked wrestlers heading into Wednesday's tilt including all-American Mike Williams (165 pounds), Brendon Parker-Risk (157) and Shane Nolan – all of whom are listed second in their respective weight classes in this week's NCAA Super Region I ranking. Shiheem Bryant (184) is ranked fifth, while newcomers Daniel Ownbey (141) and Kristoff Thomas (149) are both ranked sixth.
The Braves have taken all five previous meetings with the Knights, including last season's 32-15 triumph in Laurinburg. The Knights have captured just five individual victories (out of a possible 50) over the course of the five-year-old series, including a series-best three individual wins last season.
