Get ready for a thrilling wrestling showdown to close out 2025! App State Wrestling is gearing up for their final face-off of the year, and it’s a Wednesday night dual at Duke that promises to be nothing short of electrifying. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can the Mountaineers pull off an upset against a Duke team that’s been on a surprising winning streak? Let’s dive in.
The action kicks off at 6 p.m. in the iconic Cameron Indoor Stadium—yes, you read that right, not the usual Card Gym. And the best part? Admission is free, so no excuses for missing this one. Can’t make it in person? No worries, the dual will be streamed live on ACCNX, ensuring you don’t miss a single takedown.
App State’s Mountaineers (2-4) have had a grueling schedule, but they’ve proven they can hang with the best. They’ve secured four wins out of 10 matches against powerhouse teams like No. 17 West Virginia and No. 9 NC State. And this is the part most people miss: Heavyweight Stephan Monchery is on an 11-match winning streak, a testament to his dominance on the mat. But here’s the twist: He might face Duke’s No. 23 Connor Barket, who dominated with a tech fall last season. Will Monchery continue his streak, or will Barket spoil the party? It’s a matchup that’s sure to spark debate.
App State’s lineup is stacked with talent. Kaden Keiser (149 pounds), Tomas Brooker (184 pounds), and Jarvis Little (133 pounds) are all ranked in the top 33 of their weight classes by various publications. Meanwhile, Duke’s Aidan Wallace (174 pounds) is a top-25 contender, adding even more firepower to this clash.
The Blue Devils (5-3) are having their best season since 2021-22, with notable wins against Hofstra and Gardner-Webb. But here’s the kicker: Duke’s coaching staff now includes Codi Russell, an App State alum and four-time NCAA qualifier. Will his insider knowledge give Duke the edge, or will App State’s familiarity with his style neutralize the advantage? It’s a question that’s sure to divide opinions.
The 2025-26 season is proudly presented by Hungry Howie’s and Penn Station, adding a tasty twist to the excitement. Below are the probable lineups for both teams, so you can start strategizing your predictions:
App State Probables
125: Cooper Foster
133: Jarvis Little
141: Aldo Hernandez
149: #28 Kaden Keiser
157: Jeremiah Price
165: Anthony Conetta
174: Colt Campbell
184: #33 Tomas Brooker
197: Logan Eller
Hwt: Stephan Monchery
Duke Probables
125: Riley Rowan
133: John King
141: Raymond Adams
149: SP O'Donnell/Dylan Ross
157: Mikey Boulanger
165: Aurelius Dunbar
174: #22 Aidan Wallace
184: David Hussey
197: Owen McGrory
Hwt: #23 Connor Barket
So, who do you think will come out on top? Will App State’s resilience prevail, or will Duke’s home-mat advantage and coaching insights tip the scales? Let us know in the comments—this is one debate you won’t want to miss!
