Get ready for a wrestling showdown that promises to be the perfect finale to 2025! App State Wrestling is gearing up for their last competition of the year, and it’s a Wednesday night dual at Duke that you won’t want to miss. But here’s where it gets intense: this isn’t just any match—it’s a clash of ranked athletes, rising stars, and a coaching connection that adds an extra layer of intrigue. Let’s dive into why this event is shaping up to be a must-watch.
The action kicks off at 6 p.m. in the iconic Cameron Indoor Stadium, a change from the usual Card Gym. Admission is free, and if you can’t make it in person, catch the live stream on ACCNX. The Mountaineers (2-4) have had a challenging season, but they’ve proven their mettle against tough opponents. Notably, they’ve secured four wins out of 10 matches against powerhouses like No. 17 West Virginia and No. 9 NC State. And this is the part most people miss: Stephan Monchery, App State’s heavyweight sensation, is on an 11-match winning streak and could face Duke’s No. 23 Connor Barket, who dominated last season with a tech fall victory.
App State’s lineup is stacked with talent. Kaden Keiser (149 pounds), Tomas Brooker (184), and Jarvis Little (133) are all ranked in the top 33 of their weight classes, according to various publications. Meanwhile, Duke’s Aidan Wallace (174) is a top-25 contender, ranked No. 22 by Intermat. The Blue Devils (5-3) are having their best season since 2021-22, with standout wins against Hofstra and Gardner-Webb. But here’s the twist: Duke’s coaching staff now includes Codi Russell, an App State alum and four-time NCAA qualifier, who previously coached at Hofstra. Talk about a full-circle moment!
Controversy alert: Could Russell’s insider knowledge of App State’s strategies give Duke an edge? Or will the Mountaineers’ familiarity with his style neutralize the advantage? Let us know what you think in the comments!
The 2025-26 season, presented by Hungry Howie’s and Penn Station, is setting the stage for this thrilling matchup. Here’s a look at the probable lineups:
App State Probables:
- 125: Cooper Foster
- 133: Jarvis Little
- 141: Aldo Hernandez
- 149: #28 Kaden Keiser
- 157: Jeremiah Price
- 165: Anthony Conetta
- 174: Colt Campbell
- 184: #33 Tomas Brooker
- 197: Logan Eller
- Hwt: Stephan Monchery
Duke Probables:
- 125: Riley Rowan
- 133: John King
- 141: Raymond Adams
- 149: SP O'Donnell/Dylan Ross
- 157: Mikey Boulanger
- 165: Aurelius Dunbar
- 174: #22 Aidan Wallace
- 184: David Hussey
- 197: Owen McGrory
- Hwt: #23 Connor Barket
This dual isn’t just about wins and losses—it’s about pride, strategy, and the stories behind these athletes. Will App State close out the year with a bang, or will Duke solidify their resurgence? Tune in to find out, and don’t forget to join the conversation below. Who do you think will dominate the mat? Let’s hear your predictions!
