UNC Wrestling Welcomes 10 Newcomers For 2025-26 Campaign
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Entering year three under the direction of head coach Rob Koll, the North Carolina wrestling program has welcomed 10 newcomers for the 2025-26 campaign.
The newest group of Tar Heels includes eight freshmen and two transfers. Read below for more information:
Nate Askew
149 lbs.
Suwanee, Ga. | Baylor School
• Wrestled for three seasons under coach Rex Kendle at the Baylor School.
• Was a member of the 2024 United States U17 World Team.
• A three-time prep All-America and two-time state champion prior to arriving in Chapel Hill.
Matthew Botello
133 lbs.
Hingham, Mass. | Wyoming Seminary
• Wrestled for three seasons at Wyoming Seminary under coach Cornell Robinson.
• A two-time prep national champion prior to arriving at UNC.
• Becomes the fifth sibling to wrestle collegiately.
Mikey Calcagno
197 lbs.
Elmhurst, Ill. | IC Catholic Prep
• Wrestled for four seasons under coach Danny Alccocer at IC Catholic Prep.
• A two-time state champion during high school career.
• Played football as well, helping ICCP to a 2023 state championship.
• Father played college football at Bowling Green State University in Ohio.
Bryce Hepner
165 lbs.
Avon, Ohio | St. Edward | Ohio State
• A transfer from Ohio State, spending five seasons with the Buckeyes.
• During his time in Columbus, collected 25 victories on the mat.
• In prep career, reached the Ohio state finals in three-straight seasons, including back-to-back titles as a sophomore and junior.
• Was a three-time freestyle state champion and three-time Ironman placer during prep career.
Liam Hickey
133 lbs.
Raleigh, N.C. | Cardinal Gibbons
• Wrestled under coaches Brandon Palmer and Casey Gashaw at Cardinal Gibbons in Raleigh.
• Was a two-time state champion … more at … https://goheels.com/news/2025/7/1/wrestling-welcomes-10-newcomers-for-2025-26-campaign
U.N.C. Wrestling Announces 2026 ACC Schedule
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Entering year three under the direction of head coach Rob Koll, the North Carolina wrestling program has announced its 2026 Atlantic Coast Conference schedule for the upcoming season. The Tar Heels will wrestle Pitt, Duke and Stanford at home inside Carmichael Arena, with road dates against Virginia, NC State and Virginia Tech.
Carolina opens the ACC slate with back-to-back duals on the road, traveling to Virginia (Jan. 16) and rival NC State (Jan. 23). The Tar Heels conclude the month of January with the conference home opener against Pitt (Jan. 30), followed by a home matchup against Duke (Feb. 6).
The program closes the conference portion of the regular season at Virginia Tech (Feb. 13) and the home finale against Stanford (Feb. 20). Last season, Carolina claimed a share of the ACC regular season title, … more at … https://goheels.com/news/2025/6/30/wrestling-announces-2026-acc-schedule
TDR blog
After 20 seasons of publicizing wrestling The TakeDown Report’s (TDR) focus has changed to the collecting of college coaching records from North America since 1903. We will continue to recognize and reward successful wrestlers in eastern North Carolina (east of Raleigh & Fayetteville), assist with schools in starting or re-starting a team and this blog. Join us on our FaceBook Page – “The TakeDown Report” for photos and news. Please send results, stories, links and news to pass along. E-mail us at takedownreport@gmail.com
Martin Fleming, Editor
Takedown Report
Takedown Report 