LOUISVILLE, Ky. — After nearly three weeks off from competition, Bellarmine wrestling will return to action on Tuesday evening versus a very impressive Appalachian State squad.  Tuesday's dual begins at 4:00 p.m. and marks the SoCon opener for both squads. 
 
The last time Bellarmine took the mat was Nov. 30 at home versus Lindenwood.  The Knights prevailed in an exhilarating dual that came down to the final bout.  Freshman Thadd Huff needed an individual victory to secure the team win, and he came through with a match-sealing pin.
 
Huff is now 10-1 this season with a team-best eight pins.  Sophomore Cole Nance and freshman Michael Schiffhauer each lead the team with 12 victories this season.  Alongside Huff, the following Knights picked up wins against Lindenwood:  Schiffhauer (7-2 at 133), Zac Cowan (16-5 at 149), Kysen Montgomery (Forfeiture at 157), and Devan Hendricks (18-5 at 174).  Overall, Head Coach Ned Shuck was very pleased with his team's effort in Bellarmine's last competition:
 
"Wow, our guys had a ton of fight," Shuck said. "We had some guys step in that had less than ideal preparation or wrestled in a weight class above their normal weight, and they stepped up and embraced the challenge. It was a huge team effort, and it felt so good to cap it off with a match-sealing pin!"
 
BU will face a steep challenge, however, on the road in Boone, N.C. on Tuesday.  App State received votes in the latest NWCA Coaches Poll, essentially ranking the Mountaineers no. 28 in the nation.  App State has competed in two duals this year, losing to no. 9 NC State 26-12 and knocking off no. 21 North Carolina 19-16.  The Mountaineers were picked to finish second in this year's SoCon pre-season poll behind Campbell.  Three Mountaineers were pre-season All-SoCon selections – Caleb Smith (125), Jonathan Millner (149), and Cody Bond (157). 
 
Tuesday's dual can be viewed HERE (subscription required). 

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