2023 NAIA The Season: Montreat

 

The Cavaliers had two NAIA qualifiers last season, but I think we could potentially be looking at as many as 6 NAIA qualifiers this season. So many members of their roster seem to be right on the edge & a few improvements here and there, we're looking at a team that has the potential to be competitive within the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC). 

133 lbs
Louis Mehaffey

Sophomore Louis Mehaffey isn't the only one who wishes that the Georgia Bulldogs would reinstate their wrestling program. He's also not the only one who is a big fan of Jordan Burroughs. He finished 3rd in the AAC last season & will look to improve upon his record & earn NAIA qualification this season. 

141 lbs
Mohamed "Ben" Hafsia

Another huge fan of Jordan Burroughs in 30 years of being a collegiate wrestling fan, he is the first wrestler I have ever known from Tunisia. He finished 3rd in the AAC this past season as a freshman. I believe we will see him qualify for the NAIA's this year. 

149 lbs
Landon Chambers 

Going 27-8 on the season, Landon Chambers had himself a very good showing in his first year as a Cavalier. A 3rd place finish at the AAC & a NAIA qualification he'll look to once again compete hard within both the conference & within the NAIA. 

157 lbs
Taquel Young 

Senior Taquel Young made the AAC finals last season and came back from a first round loss at the NAIA championships to finish one match shy of All American honors. The Georgia native will look to win a conference title this season & earn a top 8 finish as he finishes his career up as a Cavalier. 

165 lbs
Easton Griffin 

In an AAC bracket that only took the champion, Easton Griffin finished as the runner-up. I believe the junior has potential to qualify for the NAIA championships this year. 

197 lbs
Seth Williamson

Take what I just said about Easton Griffin and apply it to Seth Williamson. 2nd in a AAC bracket that took only the champion, I believe he has potential to be an NAIA qualifier this year. 

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