BELMONT, N.C. — The Belmont Abbey wrestling team closed out its regular season on a strong note as the Crusaders earned a 39-14 victory over Allen Thursday evening at the Wheeler Center.

Twelve seniors were recognized in a pre-match ceremony: Caden Hagler, Will Cline, Luke Kunath, Skyler Caban, Jacob Norris, Justin Knapp, Jordan Schlossman, Seth Lambers, Cole Townsend, Brandon Davis, Kyler Pickard and Colby Maxwell.

The Crusaders earned the win thanks to three pinfalls as well as three wins by tech fall. Belmont Abbey won the first four matches of the evening: Daniel Graham by forfeit while Hagler and Cline earned pins. Caban won his match by tech fall.

After Allen won the next three matches, the Crusaders capped off the night with tech fall wins from Pickard and Moore and a pin from Maxwell.

With Thursday's win, the Crusaders close the regular season with an 8-5 record and 8-2 in Conference Carolinas play. Allen is now 3-8 overall and 2-8 in the league.

RESULTS
BELMONT ABBEY 39, ALLEN 14
Bout                                                                                                                                 Running Score
125: Daniel Graham (BAC) won by forfeit                                                                          BAC 6-0
133: Caden Hagler (BAC) def. Norikus Cowan (ALLEN) (Fall 3:20)                                  BAC 12-0
141: Will Cline (BAC) vs. Ja'Len Shippy (ALLEN) (Fall 7:00)                                             BAC 18-0
149: Skyler Caban (BAC) def. Jeanarion Kamga (ALLEN) (TF 17-2 2:56)                        BAC 23-0
157: Dharrin Smith (ALLEN) def. Justin Knapp (BAC) (Fall 6:50)                                      BAC 23-6
165: Malachi Thomas (ALLEN) def. Cole Townsend (BAC) (Dec 10-9)                             BAC 23-9
174: Jerrel Baskins (ALLEN) def. Brandon Davis (BAC) (TF 21-6 3:27)                            BAC 23-14        
184: Kyler Pickard (BAC) def.  Zahmier Baldwin (ALLEN) (TF 19-4 4:20)                         BAC 28-14
197: Caleb Moore (BAC) def. Kaden Gadson (ALLEN) (TF 16-1 3:20                               BAC 33-14
285: Colby Maxwell (BAC) def. Chandler Allen (ALLEN) (Fall 5:53)                                  BAC 39-14
 
20-YEAR ULTIMATE TEAM
During the match, Belmont Abbey also recognized its 'Ultimate Team' to commemorate the 20 years in the history of the program. Together the team represents the very best of Crusader wrestling over the past two decades.

The wrestlers were chosen based on a wide range of accomplishments to include All-American honors along with longevity in the classroom and academic success.

The 20-Year Ultimate Team is as follows:
125: Chris Neidermeier (2005-2009)
133: Elijah Boyd (2021-2025)
141: John Carayiannis (2020-2025)
149: Scott Bosak (2014-2017)
157: Mitch Dean (2019-2022)
165: Greg Hilliard (2016-2020)
174: Maxwell Kiel (2022-2025)
184: Logan Branham (2017-2022)
197: Tim Stanton (2005-2009)
285: Chaas Delgado (2014-2018)

UP NEXT

• The Belmont Abbey wrestling team will compete in the Conference Carolinas Tournament on Sunday, February 15 at UNC Pembroke.
• The Crusaders are the No. 2 seed from the East Division and will face No. 1 West seed Lander in the semifinals.
• The match is scheduled for an 11 a.m. start followed by a 1 p.m. start for the championship match.