NEWS

 

DAVIDSON, N.C. – Assistant Head Coach Ty Eustice announced the list of post-season awards after Davidson’s most successful season since 2005 with five dual wins.

Most Valuable Wrestler – Kyle Gorant
The team captain was one of three wrestlers ranked in the national RPI – the first time Davidson wrestlers have been ranked in program history. With an 18-12 season at the 133-lb. weight class, Gorant was also a Bryan Scholarship student at Davidson.  

“Kyle is the kind of athlete whose name could have been in the conversation for each award on this list,” Assistant Coach Chad Walsh said. “Kyle was a staple in the lower half of our lineup and in many instances, he set the precedent for what it meant to be a Davidson wrestler. If there is one quote that sums up Kyle’s approach to the sport, it would read ‘It’s not the willingness to win, it’s the willingness to prepare to win that makes the difference.’

“Kyle was willing to do the work on a day-in, day-out basis, and that’s why he was our Most Valuable Wrestler.”

Most Improved Wrestler – Bryce Sanderlin
The 157-pound sophomore finished the COVID season 4-2 before improving to a 16-11 record in his sophomore campaign

“Bryce is one of the most talented athletes we have, but his attitude and competitiveness are what really set him apart in our program,” Eustice said. “Bryce showed so much consistency in his training, and we see that on full display when he competes. After a Covid-shortened season as a true freshman, Bryce trained and competed in out of season tournaments which helped his progression.

“This season, Covid again affected Bryce, but he showed so much resiliency and toughness by winning some key dual matches when he was still battling back from a Covid layoff. Bryce wants to win, he will continue to build, his best wrestling is ahead of him.”

Most Committed Wrestler – Jaden Hardrick
Battling through tough matchups, the 174-pounder posted 12-14 – a huge improvement from his 2-6 freshman season. Aside from putting in the work on the mat for the ‘Cats, the Dayton, Ohio native entered three out of season tournaments out of season tournaments including the 2021 U20 World Team Trials, 2022 Senior Last Chance Qualifier, and the 2022 U23 World Team Trials.

“Jaden has an incredible aptitude for learning, carrying a high in Biology on the Pre-Med track. Almost more impressive is his commitment to the sport of wrestling. Jaden spent last summer waking up at 5am, working all day in a factory, and then coming into the wrestling room to train. During those long days, he found what it takes to win at this level, and in 2021-2022, that’s what he did.

“His hard work and dedication came to fruition in many key moments, and that’s what this sport is all about. We are thrilled to see where his work ethic will take him next.

Coach’s Award – Mitchell Trigg
The senior posted a dominant 18-12 individual record in his final season with the ‘Cats, a crucial part of Davidson’s improvement this season following his 2-6 junior season in the HWT class.

“Mitch certainly provided some of the biggest highlights of the season, securing two dual meet wins by winning the final and decisive individual match,” Eustice said. “His on the mat performances inspired his teammates but more importantly, he was an unbelievably consistent and dedicated scholar-athlete in every sense of the word. I simply cannot remember a day that Mitch didn’t bring a workmanlike attitude and grit to a practice, his studies, or a competition.

“I feel so fortunate that I got to coach Mitch this year, he has elevated this program and has left a lasting impact on his teammates and coaches.”