Heap Advances to SoCon Finals; Four Others in Consolation Semis
3/6/2026 5:48:00 PM | Wrestling
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Davidson's Anderson Heap advanced to the finals of the 2026 Southern Conference Wrestling Championships with a pair of wins on day one of competition inside Kimmel Arena on the campus of UNCA.
A native of St. Cloud, Fla., Heap had no trouble in his quarterfinal match up, defeating Gardner-Webb's Charlie Sly, 17-3.
In session two, the sophomore battled to an 8-5 decision over Nate Higley of Bellarmine to punch his ticket to the 149-pound championship, where he will meet The Citadel's Carson DesRosier.
The winner of tomorrow's final will advance to the NCAA Championships March 19-21 in Cleveland, Ohio.
Fellow sophomore and teammate Bryce Griffin also had his sights on the 165-pound final but was edged by Ryan Vigil (VMI) on a late take down before falling, 5-4. Griffin will meet Presbyterian's Brandon Jacoby in the consolation semifinals on day two.
Despite dropping their quarterfinal matches, Davidson's Brady Joling (125 lbs), Marc Koch (174 lbs) and DJ Spring II (285 lbs) will also return to the mat in the consolation semifinals.
Luke Passarelli (133 lbs), Marley Washington (141 lbs) and Dylan Smith (197) also picked up wins for the Wildcats this morning.
As a team, Davidson compiled 28 points and will enter the final day just 2.5 points behind fifth-place Gardner-Webb (30.5). Appalachian State holds the top spot in the team standings with 69.5 point, followed by Chattanooga (63) and Bellarmine (62.5).
Up Next
The final day of competition will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday morning with the consolation semifinals followed by the consolation finals a 1 p.m. The finals are scheduled to start at 3 p.m. All matches will be shown live on ESPN+.
A native of St. Cloud, Fla., Heap had no trouble in his quarterfinal match up, defeating Gardner-Webb's Charlie Sly, 17-3.
In session two, the sophomore battled to an 8-5 decision over Nate Higley of Bellarmine to punch his ticket to the 149-pound championship, where he will meet The Citadel's Carson DesRosier.
The winner of tomorrow's final will advance to the NCAA Championships March 19-21 in Cleveland, Ohio.
Fellow sophomore and teammate Bryce Griffin also had his sights on the 165-pound final but was edged by Ryan Vigil (VMI) on a late take down before falling, 5-4. Griffin will meet Presbyterian's Brandon Jacoby in the consolation semifinals on day two.
Despite dropping their quarterfinal matches, Davidson's Brady Joling (125 lbs), Marc Koch (174 lbs) and DJ Spring II (285 lbs) will also return to the mat in the consolation semifinals.
Luke Passarelli (133 lbs), Marley Washington (141 lbs) and Dylan Smith (197) also picked up wins for the Wildcats this morning.
As a team, Davidson compiled 28 points and will enter the final day just 2.5 points behind fifth-place Gardner-Webb (30.5). Appalachian State holds the top spot in the team standings with 69.5 point, followed by Chattanooga (63) and Bellarmine (62.5).
Up Next
The final day of competition will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday morning with the consolation semifinals followed by the consolation finals a 1 p.m. The finals are scheduled to start at 3 p.m. All matches will be shown live on ESPN+.
Players Mentioned
165
/ Wrestling
149
/ Wrestling
125
/ Wrestling
157
/ Wrestling
125
/ Wrestling
197
/ Wrestling
285
/ Wrestling
141
/ WrestlingDavidson Wrestling Preseason Virtual Event 1 (10-29-25)
Tuesday, November 04
Davidson Wrestling vs Sacred Heart
Saturday, December 16
Wrestling vs. Duke (STREAM)
Friday, December 08
Inside Davidson Wrestling - Episode 2
Wednesday, November 08
