Going for Gold in Greensboro:

Cape Fear has 4 wrestlers to represent them at the State Championships 

CFNN Reporter AbbiKate Daughtry  

In 2024, Tye Johnson was one of the three wrestlers to qualify for the State Championships from Cape Fear. His two fellow qualifiers, Samuel Apointe and Landon Sargent were a part of the 2024 graduating class, making Tye Johnson this season’s only state qualifying returner. Not only did Tye qualify last season, but he made history as Cumberland County’s only freshman to ever win a state title. This year, he went back to States to defend his title, and was also accompanied by 3 fellow Colts who wanted to claim a state title as well. 

February 24, 2025, Mac Johnson and Tye Johnson were the two Colts in the running to bring home a State title. They both had proved their excellence and punched their ticket to the finals match for the title. Mac Johnson wrestling in the 120 class and his twin brother Tye Johnson wrestling in the 126 class. 

Mac Johnson made his mark in Greensboro, claiming the 3-A 120 State Champion Runner-Up position. He had a great run this season, and to add to his accomplishments at States he was also named the United 8 Conference Wrestler of the Year. His junior and senior years are to come, and it will be a good show to watch Mac Johnson’s next moves to claim his ring. 

“I’m going to focus on bigger goals, not just the state championship but the national championship too. Having the mindset going into it,” said Mac Johnson. 

When the lights went out, and Tye Johnson’s name was called in the Greensboro Coliseum to walk out to the mat for the finals match, this was not a feeling that was a first time feeling for him. Tye Johnson was a freshman state champ in 2024, and came back his sophomore year in 2025 to defend his title and pride- and he did just that. Tye Johnson wrestled all 3 periods finishing with a score of 10-6. It’s a wonder what his junior and senior year will look like for a sophomore so dedicated. 

“It felt good (referencing the win of his second state title), not as good as the first one, because it was just the second one- and then the fourth one will feel better. I’ve just got to keep getting better, watching the guys I’ve got to wrestle, and just going as hard as I can everytime,” said Tye Johnson.  

Rounding out the group of 4 athletes Cape Fear was represented by is Darrian Kariotis (DK) and Frederick Edwards. Kariotis wrestled 144 and Edwards wrestled 157. Both of these wrestlers outdid themselves at regionals, which led to their successes of being State Championship Qualifiers. Both of these wrestlers left a statement at states, and will be coming back hungry next season to try and take it all.