MOUNT VERNON, Ga. - The Brewton-Parker Christian University Barons men's wrestling team competed at the Appalachian Athletic Conference championships on February 20-21, 2026, and had two wrestlers earn an automatic bid to Nationals, and saw numerous top 10 finishes in other weight classes. 

Bryan Cates kicked off the excitement for the Barons, earning a 6th place finish in the 133 lbs weight class. Arthur Reed, the true freshman, followed with a thrilling 4th place finish to earn a bid to the National Tournament in the 149 lbs weight class. In the 157 lbs weight class, Justin Whitney and Cade Whitaker took home 5th and 6th place, respectively, for the Barons. Season Houston wrapped up the on-mat success for the Barns, taking home 4th place in the 174 lbs weight class, and punched his ticket to the National Tournament. 

The Barons also had the distinction of having the AAC Coach of the Year, Tyler Smith, and the AAC Assistant Coach of the Year, Aris Knight, as voted on by their peers. The Barons will also wait to hear if any of their other strong finishers will qualify for an at-large wild card bid for the National Tournament on March 5-7, 2026. 

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