From Club Team to Conference Contenders: Wake Christian Wrestling’s Breakout 2025 Season
Just three years ago, Wake Christian Academy’s wrestling program was a humble club team with modest beginnings. Fast forward to 2025, and under the guidance of Head Coach John Welch, the team is making waves in North Carolina’s high school wrestling scene, standing tall as conference runner-ups and sending athletes to compete at the state and national levels.
This past winter season was more than a collection of matches—it was a coming-of-age story for a young program fueled by determination, resilience, and an unwavering belief in the power of hard work.
Stars on the Mat: Key Contributors Step Up
Wake Christian’s roster was headlined by a number of standout performers, each playing a critical role in the team’s success. Chuckie Munson and Dylan Welch both earned 6th-place finishes at the State Tournament, representing not only personal achievement but also a testament to the team’s growing presence on the big stage.
Right behind them were Daxon Welch and Anderson Seay, both finishing in the top 8 in their respective weight classes. And while he wasn’t able to compete due to entering concussion protocol, Owen Seay was a cornerstone of the team’s leadership.
“Owen has been a strong leader for the last three years,” said Coach Welch. “Even when he couldn’t be on the mat, his presence made a difference. That’s the kind of impact he’s had on this program.”
A Season of Growth and Grit
The 2025 season marked a turning point in Wake Christian’s wrestling journey. No longer an upstart program simply looking to compete, the team stepped into a more defined role as serious contenders, ultimately placing second in their conference, just behind perennial powerhouse Ravenscroft, whose program boasts over two decades of tradition.
“To finish second to a school like Ravenscroft, with such a long-standing reputation, shows how far we’ve come,” Coach Welch said. “We’re not just participating anymore—we’re competing.”
Despite injuries and a lack of depth in certain areas, the team’s resilience never wavered. Their rapid progression in just two seasons as a sanctioned varsity team is a tribute to the athletes' relentless effort and the coaching staff’s long-term vision.
Defining Moments and Quiet Triumphs
While many highlights stood out across the season, Coach Welch pointed to the story of Chris Mercogliano as a particularly defining moment, though, as he hinted, it’s “too long to write here.” Nonetheless, Chris’s journey is emblematic of the broader narrative: overcoming adversity, pushing personal limits, and finding purpose in the grind.
These behind-the-scenes stories, though less visible on paper, are the true soul of a season—the moments when individuals rise, often quietly, to carry their team and inspire their peers.
Development That Speaks Volumes
As the season progressed, younger athletes took center stage. Dylan Welch is a shining example of that upward trajectory. He not only placed in the States but also qualified to represent North Carolina at the Junior Nationals in Fargo this July—a tremendous achievement and a signal of his dedication beyond the high school season.
Meanwhile, Chuckie Munson closed out his senior year on a high note by earning a scholarship to wrestle at Quincy University, continuing his career at the collegiate level. For Coach Welch and his staff, these milestones represent more than just wins—they’re validation of the program’s mission to shape student-athletes for life beyond high school.
“These kids have shown that they’re willing to put in the work,” Welch said. “Whether it’s training in the offseason or stepping into leadership roles, they’ve embraced what it means to be a Wake Christian wrestler.”
Seniors Who Built the Foundation
This year’s senior class leaves behind more than just memories—they leave behind a foundation. Veterans like Chuckie Munson, Owen Seay, Jason Burke, Ben Bailey, and Logan Macon played pivotal roles in establishing the program’s culture.
“I could always count on them giving their best,” said Welch. “Their work ethic, leadership, and toughness have helped shape what this program is and what it’s going to be.”
Their departure marks the end of an era, but it also sets the stage for a new generation to build on what they started.
A Glimpse into the Future
While saying goodbye to the seniors will be tough, there’s plenty to be excited about on the horizon. Two young names to watch: Ryan Wood, who wrestled as an 8th grader, and Eli Bertonica, a 7th grader, both contributed in meaningful matches and gained valuable experience against older competition.
“The fact that we had middle schoolers step into big moments says a lot about the future,” Coach Welch noted. “They’ve got talent, heart, and a great work ethic. Watch for their names in the years to come.”
With these rising stars gaining momentum, the future for Wake Christian wrestling looks brighter than ever.
The Offseason: Building the Next Step
Coach Welch knows that success isn’t won in-season alone. This offseason, he’s encouraging his athletes to stay active through the Southern Wake Wrestling Club, where they can refine their skills, gain match experience, and grow their wrestling IQ.
“Wrestling is one of those sports where what you do in the offseason defines who you are in the regular season,” he said. “Whether it’s drilling technique, gaining strength, or just getting more mat time, every rep matters.”
That commitment to continuous improvement is what’s turning Wake Christian from a feel-good story into a real threat in North Carolina wrestling.
From Wrestler to Coach: A Legacy of Excellence
Coach John Welch’s own background as a two-time state champion at Ridge High School in New Jersey, an ACC champion and three-time NCAA qualifier at UNC, and a former assistant at Fuquay-Varina High School—where the team won back-to-back state titles in 2000 and 2001—brings a wealth of knowledge and credibility to Wake Christian’s program.
His experience, both as a competitor and coach, is fueling a team culture rooted in toughness, technical excellence, and high character.
“I’ve been around great teams, and I know what it takes,” Welch said. “We’re on the path to becoming one of those teams.”
The Road Ahead
As the 2025 season comes to a close, Wake Christian Academy wrestling isn’t just reflecting on its past—it’s looking boldly toward the future. With dedicated athletes, strong leadership, and a growing culture of excellence, the program is poised for continued success.
In just three short years, they've gone from club team to conference contenders. Now, with momentum on their side and the next generation rising, Wake Christian Wrestling is ready to make even bigger moves on the mat and beyond.
For updates on Wake Christian Academy Wrestling and athlete stats, follow the Southern Wake Wrestling Club or contact the athletics department directly.
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