North Carolina State University Athletics
Wrestlers Set to Compete at U.S. Open in Las Vegas
4/20/2026 4:34:00 PM | Wrestling
RALEIGH – Between current members of the Pack and graduated alumni, 11 wrestlers are set to compete across various freestyle divisions and weight classes at the 2026 U.S. Open in Las Vegas, starting Wednesday, April 22.
With the collegiate season all wrapped up, freestyle season is officially upon us and kicking off with the U.S. Open in Las Vegas. The tournament at The Expo at World Market Center will run from Wednesday, April 22 to Sunday, April 26.
The full schedule for the event and streaming options can be found on FloWrestling here.
Nine wrestlers are representatives of the Wolfpack RTC right here in Raleigh, guided by RTC coach Jamil Kelly as well as NC State wrestling staff: Pat Popolizio, Zack Esposito, Hayden Hidlay, and Malik McDonald.
In the U-20 division, the rising freshman class of Brogan Tucker, Will Denny, Jason Kwaak, and Cason Howle will represent the Wolfpack RTC. Denny, coming off an impressive collegiate debut in the Wolfpack's lineup, placed third at 74 kg at the U.S. Open last year.
The senior division features notable names of the NC State lineup - Koy Buesgens, Matty Singleton, and Patrick Brophy, who are also representing the in-house RTC program in Raleigh.
The alumni of the Wolfpack Wrestling program bring previous experience at this tournament back to Las Vegas. Ed Scott, Michael Macchiavello, Christian Knop, and Tyrie Houghton all placed last year at this particular tournament. Scott placed seventh at 74 kg, Macchiavello placed third at 92 kg, Knop placed fourth at 97 kg, and Houghton placed eighth at 97 kg.
Scott is now representing Brunson UVRTC since becoming an assistant coach for Utah Valley, and Macchiavello continues to represent LVWRTC, part of Lehigh's campus. Knop and Houghton continue to train in Raleigh with the Wolfpack RTC.
List of NC State Wrestlers Registered:
Current // Brogan Tucker - 70 kg U-20
Current // Will Denny - 74 kg U-20
Current // Jason Kwaak - 79 kg U-20
Current // Cason Howle - 97 kg U-20
Current // Koy Buesgens - 65 kg SENIOR
Current // Matty Singleton - 79 kg SENIOR
Current // Patrick Brophy - 92 kg SENIOR
Alumni // Ed Scott - 70 kg SENIOR
Alumni // Michael Macchiavello - 92 kg SENIOR
Alumni // Christian Knop - 97 kg SENIOR
Alumni // Tyrie Houghton - Hwt SENIOR
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