BOONE, N.C – Appalachian State University wrestling will return to the mats on New Year's Day to compete in the Southern Scuffle hosted by the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. The tournament will span over two days with action concluding on Friday Jan. 2nd.

Appalachian has participated in the Southern Scuffle every year since its inaugural tournament in 2003.

LOOKING BACK: The Mountaineers last competed in Raleigh against No. 19 ranked NC State. The Apps fell to the Wolfpack 29-12. Dominic Parisi won his match at 125 against Joe DeAngelo with a 6-2 decision to give Appalachian an early lead. Vito Pasone followed up with a pin of Bryce Meredith. Zack Strickland also picked up a win at 157. Denzel Dejournette suffered his first loss of the season to No. 2 Nick Gwiazdowsk after going 17-0 to start the season.

SOUTHERN SCUFFLE: The 2015 tournament marks 12th annual Southern Scuffle and the fourth year in a row that UTC will host the event. The tournament features a 32 team field with 14 of those teams ranked in the top 25 on InterMat Wrestling tournament poll. 

Appalachian has two seeded wrestlers in No. 3 Dylan Cottrell at 149 and No. 4 Dejournette at 285.

NATIONALLY RANKED MOUNTAINEERS:

149- Dylan Cottrell is ranked No. 9 on the InterMat Wrestling poll 

SoCon Wrestlers of the Week: