BUIES CREEK, N.C. – After two weeks away from the mat over the Holiday break, Campbell will kick off 2025 at the Southern Scuffle, hosted by Chattanooga's McKenzie Arena in Chattanooga, Tenn. Competition begins on Saturday, January 4, wrapping up on Sunday.
Campbell is one of 22 programs represented at this year's Southern Scuffle, with three Camels listed in the tournament's pre-seed rankings.
Shannon Hanna comes in fourth at 141 pounds, with 165 pounder
Dom Baker earning a No. 3 seed.
Levi Hopkins is also seeded second at 197 pounds.
The Southern Scuffle will be Campbell's first competition since the Knockout Collegiate Classic in Kissimmee, Fla. on December 21 as part of a challenging 2024-25 schedule so far, falling to Wisconsin, 25-13, North Dakota State, 22-16, and No. 22 West Virginia, 31-12.
Hanna highlighted CU's performance at the Knockout Classic, going 3-0 on the way to his first SoCon Wrestler of the Week honor of the season, including a 4-2 decision over No. 15 Jordan Titus from West Virginia.
Another Camel with an upset win was
Wynton Denkins, defeating NDSU's No. 29 Gavin Drexler at 149 pounds with a 7-2 decision. Denkins was 2-1 on the day, also defeating Wisconsin's Royce Nilo (Dec. 8-4).
At heavyweight,
Taye Ghadiali also recorded multiple wins, posting a major decision against Wisconsin's Gannon Rosenfeld (19-10) and a pin in 37 seconds against Drew Blackburn-Forst of NDSU. Ghadiali added a forfeit against West Virginia.
Next up, Campbell heads to the Franklin and Marshall Open on January 10 before starting Southern Conference action at Gardner-Webb on January 17. The Camels will make their long-awaited return home on January 24, hosting Bellarmine.
