North Carolina State University Athletics
Wrestling Alumnus, Mike Macchiavello, Wins U.S. Open
4/29/2026 3:28:00 PM | Wrestling
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Highlighted by NC State wrestling alumnus Michael Macchiavello winning the Senior Freestyle 92kg bracket, between former and current Wolfpack wrestlers, six landed on the podium at the 2026 U.S. Open in Las Vegas over the weekend.
Across the five days of competition at The Expo at World Market Center in Las Vegas, representatives of NC State wrestling delivered a strong showing at the highly competitive U.S. Open freestyle tournament over the weekend.
Between former and current athletes of the Wolfpack's program, 11 wrestled in the tournament, while six of those guys found a place on the podium in their respective weight bracket. One alumnus (Mike Macchiavello) and two current freshmen (Will Denny and Cason Howle) earned placements in the top-three.
2018 national champion at 197 lbs for the Pack, Macchiavello earned the title of U.S. Open Champion after dominating the 92kg field, punching his ticket to Final X in June, a series that determines the U.S. Senior World/Olympic Team. His Final X opponent will be a familiar face, another former Wolfpack Wrestler, Trent Hidlay, who won the World Championship last year and still trains with the Wolfpack RTC in Raleigh.
Senior FS Placements
Ed Scott Senior FS (70kg) - 7th place
Matty Singleton FS (79kg) - 7th place
Mike Macchiavello Senior FS (92kg) - 1st place
Patrick Brophy FS (92kg) - 4th place
U20 FS Placements
Will Denny U20 FS (74kg) - 3rd place
Cason Howle U20 FS (97kg) - 3rd place
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Players Mentioned
