Five Reasons to Attend: No. 10 Virginia Tech vs. No. 7 NC StateFive Reasons to Attend: No. 10 Virginia Tech vs. No. 7 NC State
Wrestling

Five Reasons to Attend: No. 10 Virginia Tech vs. No. 7 NC State

Hokies welcome Wolfpack with ACC title implications on the line

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BLACKSBURG – Perhaps one of the most important duals of the Virginia Tech Wrestling regular season is happening this week. The No. 10 ranked Hokies, who will play host to the No. 7 ranked NC State Wolfpack face off in Cassell Coliseum on Friday, Feb. 21 at 7 p.m. ET, marking the 69th time the two squads have entered into the fray. Both groups enter the matchup with white-hot momentum, the squads owning impressive win streaks into the top 10 contest. With senior night celebrations, special promotions and giveaways throughout the night, here are five reasons you should make your way to Cassell Coliseum for the free matchup this Friday evening.  

  1. ACC Rivalry – Matchups between the Hokies and the Wolfpack have always been can’t-miss opportunities. The two ACC teams have split the last ten matchups, the Hokies claiming the last two home bouts (2021, 2023) in nail-biting fashion. Look for the Hokies to snatch victory from the jaws of the wolf this Friday evening. 
  2. Senior Night and Giveaways – On top of an already exciting bout, Virginia Tech Wrestling’s senior night celebrations will happen on Friday at 6:40 p.m. A handful of seniors and graduate students will be recognized for their monumental impact during their time in Blacksburg. Additionally, the first 200 fans who arrive at Cassell Coliseum will have the chance to get their hands on a “Hokies Forever” T-shirt to commemorate the celebration. As promotions continue throughout the regular season, don’t miss this chance to celebrate wrestling student-athletes while scoring some great swag!
  3. Top 10 Matchup – Friday's contest promises to be a showing of two powerhouse organizations meeting on the mat. For the fifth time in the last six matchups, both NC State and Virginia Tech enter the fight ranked in the top 10 according to NWCA Coaches Poll. Behind wrestlers like No. 1 Caleb Henson (149 pounds) and No. 5 Eddie Ventresca (125 pounds), look for the heavy hitters to make a difference against the Wolfpack this Friday.

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  1. One Last Ride – For the last time in his collegiate career, graduate student Sam Latona (141 pounds) will see the mat in Cassell Coliseum. The Alabama native, who is an ACC Champion (2021), a 4x NCAA Qualifier and a 3x ACC Finalist, leaves his dynasty in Blacksburg behind five years of contributions to the Virginia Tech Wrestling team. Don’t miss Latona’s last run this Friday!
  2. For the Title - Historically, the matchup between the Wolfpack and the Hokies has often been the deciding factor of ACC regular season title glory. This season, the match serves a similar role: the winner of Friday’s bout will determine who owns a share of the ACC regular season team title. Be sure to make your way to Cassell Coliseum at the end of the week!