Observer Wrestling Preview: Latin’s McClelland, Piedmont’s Underwood hope to continue title runs
Charlotte Latin’s Michael McClelland started wrestling at 8 years old and watched his brother Billy win four straight state titles at Charlotte Latin before he graduated last spring. Michael McClelland won his first last winter as a sophomore and hopes to start a run of titles like his brother did.
Brett Underwood of Piedmont, a senior, is also working on a streak. He’s trying to win his second straight N.C. 3A public schools championship this season. He was 53-1 last season at 132 pounds.
McClelland and Underwood are among Observer-area wrestlers to watch as the 2015-16 season gets underway Monday.
For McClelland, while Michael says it wasn’t always easy being the youngest child in a wrestling-crazed household, he admits it made him stronger. His older brother, Billy, won four straight state titles at Latin.
"I had to be tough growing up because Billy would come at me a lot, and try put a (wrestling) move on me, but Peter was usually there to protect me," said Michael. "I learned a lot from watching both of them work really hard. I saw everything it took and how hard I would need to work to be as good as Billy and Peter (a former Charlotte Latin wrestler). At the same time, I’m just try to be the best wrestler I can be. With all the success my brothers had, I have a lot to live up to."
Michael McClelland was 33-7 as a freshman and was CISAA conference runner-up and finished third at the state tournament. Last season, he was 46-11 and won the CISAA title and the state championship at 106 pounds.
Michael hopes to win two more conference and two more state championships before he graduates.
Underwood has similar goals.
"I love wrestling more than any words can describe," Underwood said. "It’s just the right sport for me. I love to go out and bash the other kid, and prove that I am the best wrestler on the mat. Wrestling is definitely a team sport, but when you get out on the mat, it is just you versus your opponent. You have to go out there and win or lose the match. I love the feeling."
Underwood went 32-20 as a Piedmont freshman, 45-3 as sophomore, when he finished sixth in the state at 126 pounds. Last season, he dominated at 132 pounds. He also got his 100th win last season. As a senior, he wants to finish with another state championship.
"Brett has always been one of those kids that hated to lose more than he loved to win," said Piedmont wrestling coach Jamie Belk. "When he gets on the mat, he is going to find a way to beat his opponent."
▪ Winter Sports Previews: The Observer will run a swimming preview Wednesday, followed by indoor track Thursday.
Brett Underwood
School: Piedmont senior
Sport: Wrestling
2014-15 Stats: 53-1 overall, 3A state champion at 132 pounds, also 3A Midwest champion, Southern Carolinas champ in same weight class
Why Him?: Panthers senior looks to cap his career with a second straight individual state title, while also helping to lead his Piedmont team to team conference, regional and state championships.
Michael McClelland
School: Charlotte Latin junior
Sport: Wrestling
2014-15 Stats: 46-11, Won NCISAA 3A state title at 106 pounds; also won CISAA conference title.
Why Him?: The Latin junior is writing his own championship legacy after watching his older brother, Billy, win his fourth straight state titles (2012-2015) at Latin.
Observer-area wrestlers to watch
Charles McCombs, Hunter Huss, Sr. (126): Defending 2A state champion looks to finish his career with another individual, team title.
Parker Walton, Weddington, Sr. (106): Duke signee was undefeated all season before losing a heart breaker in the 3A state final.
Logan Pavia, Lake Norman, Sr. (138): The three-time regional champion went 57-9 last year, but hopes to finish his career with a state title.
Tyler Gregor, Hickory Ridge, So./Tanner Gleaton, Central Cabarrus, So. (106): Younger brothers, Tyler and Tanner renew a rivalry their older brothers, Troy and Heath started as both sophomores have state championship expectations.
David Cline, Jay M. Robinson, Sr. (106): The Bulldogs’ standout won a state title as a freshman and has three regional and three conference titles to his credit, but wants nothing more than to finish with a 3A state championship.
Brett Underwood, Piedmont, Sr (132): 53-1 overall, 3A state champion at 132 pounds, also 3A Midwest champion, Southern Carolinas champ in same weight class
Michael McClelland, Charlotte Latin, Jr (106): 46-11, Won NCISAA 3A state title at 106 pounds; also won CISAA conference title.
Charlotte Observer Wrestling Teams to Watch
Hunter Huss: The defending 2A team state champion, Huskies, are loaded with talent once again with Dalton Jenkins (285), Blake Lewis (182), Keshon McLean (106) and McCombs (126) all amongst the best wrestlers in the state in their weight class.
Piedmont: The Panthers are annual state contenders, but with Underwood and fellow standout senior Thomas Flitz leading the way, they believe they can make another run at a 3A state crown.
Charlotte Latin: The Hawks are going for their 5th straight, NCISAA state title (15th state championship overall as a program) and have the talent to do so once again.
A.L. Brown: The Wonders have the talent to be one of the top 4A teams in the state with senior, Nick Sexton and junior, Isaiah Johnson, leading the way.
Lake Norman: The Wildcats also look to be 4A state contenders with a deep lineup that features standouts like, Patrick DeBiero (285), Chase Komenik (113), Pavia (138), Nick Perilli (120) and Zac Raines (126) up and down the lineup.
▪ Winter Sports Previews: The Observer will run a swimming preview Wednesday, followed by indoor track Thursday.
This story was originally published November 16, 2015 at 11:21 AM with the headline "Observer Wrestling Preview: Latin’s McClelland, Piedmont’s Underwood hope to continue title runs."