BELMONT, N.C. — For the Belmont Abbey wrestling team, there had been a sense around the program that they were close to a breakthrough. The last two seasons saw both John Carayiannis and Maxwell Kiel qualify for the NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships with others on the doorstep of earning a spot. Fast forward a year later and the breakthrough has arrived as the Crusaders are sending five wrestlers to the national championships — the most in program history.

Carayiannis (149 pounds) and Kiel (174) are back for the fourth and third times, respectively, and this year are joined by senior Elijah Boyd (133), junior Luke Kunath (141) and junior Kyler Pickard (184). The three additions are all first-time qualifiers. The championships begin at 10 a.m. Friday from Corteva Coliseum in Indianapolis.

"It's a great thing for the team," head coach Randy DeAngelo said. "I think it's even better for the guys that are sticking around. It's a real turning point for us. We talked all year about commitment, discipline and striving for excellence in all areas of their lives. These guys have done a really good job of doing that."

In his second season as head coach, DeAngelo and assistant coach Scott Bosak — an Abbey wrestling alum — have helped to elevate the program with their leadership. There is another aspect of the program that has also helped elevate it: faith.

Each of the five qualifiers mentioned faith as the center of their lives has helped them both on and off the mat. Whether it's a team Bible study led by Carayiannis or beginning each practice with a prayer led by DeAngelo, having that has helped the team become closer on and off the mat.

"We've had so much growth here on an individual level but also as a team," Carayiannis said. "We have 20 to 25 guys showing up every week to Bible study which is pretty rare. It's an awesome opportunity to grow together like that."

Carayiannis has taken on the role as a leader and team captain. He is the first Crusader in program history to qualify four times for nationals and has earned All-American status twice in previous championships. As he gets set to wrestler for the final time representing Belmont Abbey, he's taking some time to reflect on his own journey. He credits for former Crusader wrestler Mitch Dean, his family and many others on helping him along the way.

"It means the world to me and I think it's just another testament to the leadership and mentorship I was given," he said. "It's just the program continuing to grow and get better and that faith aspect plays a huge role."

Kiel, who is making his third appearance at nationals, says that the importance placed on faith within the program has allowed him to look at things from a different perspective.
"It's just about understanding that this is an opportunity from God and it's a blessing," Kiel said.  I don't have to go out there on the mat stressed. I'm just taking advantage of the opportunity that God has given us."

Kiel added that it will be a different feeling with five Crusaders represented in Indianapolis but one that he's embracing.

"I feel like having that whole team environment is going to help us wrestle a lot better," Kiel added. "I'm looking forward to that."

The three newcomers to nationals are also looking forward to the opportunity to compete on the national stage. It has extra meaning for both Boyd and Pickard, who both finished fourth in Super Regionals in past years to be just on the outside looking in. Now that they are both going, they are not taking the opportunity for granted and have also credited faith as a big reason why.

"Our faith is big on our team," Pickard said. "As we have built in our Bible study, it's really built our mindset on to the mat. It's like a brotherhood almost and really helped us come together and push each other harder every day."

Boyd added: "It's definitely impacted me. My previous years here I wasn't as strong in my faith until this year. I think it's just a great opportunity. I could have been there last year but it feels good to get there this year and just wrestle with the best in Division II."

Kunath notes that he's grown in his faith as well during his time at Belmont Abbey and has provided that stability for him on and off the mat. As for having the five go to nationals, he knows that cohesiveness has gone a long way for the team this season.

"We roll off of each other's momentum and emphasize attitude and effort," he said. As long as we all do that, we'll be successful."  

The success that the Crusader wrestling program has had this year can be measured in results: five all-conference selections, a Conference Carolinas East Division co-championship, five national qualifiers. DeAngelo noted that it may be a surprise to others outside the program but not themselves.

It's the faith and belief in God and each other that the team believes that can help elevate the program not just this coming weekend in Indianapolis but moving forward.

"That's the thing with all of these guys. Wins, losses, it doesn't matter," DeAngelo said. "God's got a plan, stay with Him, stay in it and He's going to get you there. It's been amazing to see how much work they've put in and where they are so I'm proud of all of them."