State champions!

Mike Duprez

Randolph Hub

Uwharrie Charter wrestling discovered on Saturday that the third time really is the charm.

The undefeated Eagles battled Avery County in the finals for the third straight time and this time they won, 39-36, while also delivering coach Chris Waddell’s 700th career win. 

This one was close just like when the teams met for the championship in 2020 and 2022. There was no championship in 2021 due to COVID-19.

Uwharrie Charter got pins from four wrestlers, including match MVP Aldo Hernandez at 132 pounds. Hernandez got his pin in 1:08 over Grant Reece. Jack McArthur got a pin at 138 for the Eagles, Lorenzo Alston pinned Barrett Potter in just 17 seconds at 152 and Jaden Maness pinned Brandon Cabrera at 195.

Caden Bond beat Connor Brewer via an 8-0 major decision at 285 and UCA got a technical fall from Ethan Hines at 113.

Uwharrie Charter also received a forfeit at 170, which provided six points in the close match.

Avery County (27-8) got four pins: Cooper Foster at 106, Benjamin Jordan at 120, Mason Bentley at 126 and Cael Dunn at 182.

The state championship was Uwharrie Charter’s second. The Eagles also won in 2019.