Bentley Sly Eyes Fourth State Title Talks National Success, Senior Season, and the Road to App State.

Belmont NC, Three-time state champion Bentley Sly begins his senior season at Stuart Cramer focused on continuing to improve, leaning on the consistent preparation that has shaped his career. For him, the goals haven’t changed and neither has the approach behind them. “It’s just another step in the right direction toward my goals of wrestling in college,” Sly said. “These are small steps toward that fourth state title.”

Sly has built his career on preparation and consistency. That approach helped elevate him from a top North Carolina prospect to one of the top wrestlers in the country, earning an Honorable Mention on the Nike Wrestling Preseason All-American Team at 150 pounds. He isn't satisfied with the recognition. To him, it simply reflects the work he has put in and his progression.

Photo By Brad Harper

A Strong Start to the Senior Season

Sly has opened his senior year with the same urgency and discipline he brings to his training. Through the early stretch of competition, he has compiled a 14–0 record with 13 pins and one tech fall. “Nothing comes easy. I tell myself I have to work for every point scored.” His early season results reflects that mindset.

Testing Himself in College Opens

Instead of easing into competition, Sly entered multiple college opens to face older, more experienced opponents. The decision was a great way to prepare for Division I wrestling before ever stepping onto campus.

This preseason, he competed at multiple college opens including the App State Open, where he wrestled multiple Division I opponents and finished as tournament runner-up.

“Competing at the college level is just preparation for the next level and wanting to be the most prepared on the mat.”

The event offered a clear look at the pace, physicality, and hand fighting he will see at the college level. It reinforced areas of strength and highlighted adjustments he plans to make.

Takeaways From the App State Open

Sly evaluates his performance with honesty.

“I felt like I did good off their shots and on mat wrestling winning a lot of scrambles and turns on top.” His ability to score in transitional positions carried over against college opponents. At the same time, he identified technical areas he intends to refine.

“I need to improve my hand fight skills and beat my opponents’ head and hands to open up more shots.” This experience gave him a benchmark of where he stands against D1 Competition.

Super 32 Breakthrough

Photo By Dennis Media

Sly has competed at Super 32 multiple times, producing deep runs but coming up short of placing This October, he broke through with a great performance, earning a 4th-place finish and Super 32 All-American honors. “I feel like my skill in Greensboro was high level, but there’s always room for improvement because I wasn’t perfect.”

The placement strengthened his belief in his ability to compete at the national level.

“It gives me confidence I can compete at the highest level and hang with the best guys.”

Competing Against the Nation’s Best

Over the past year, Sly has earned wins over several nationally ranked wrestlers. Those matchups have contributed to his continued growth and reinforced his approach.

“I go into every match the same. Nothing comes easy, and I tell myself I have to work for every point.” Regardless of opponent, rankings, or event his preparation and mindset remain the same.

A Schedule Built for Growth

Sly’s competition calendar includes some of the toughest events in the country.

• Super 32

• NHSCA Nationals

• Fargo

• Multiple College Opens

Each tournament presents its own challenges, new styles, higher pace, and deeper fields. Together, they’ve shaped Sly as a well-rounded competitor ready for the next level. “It gives me confidence I can hang with the best and compete at the highest level.”

Why He Chose App State

When evaluating college programs, Sly prioritized coaching, culture, and development. Appalachian State offered the environment he was looking for.

“Coach Bentley is one of the reasons I selected App. He’s built that program well and has built guys to compete at a high level.”

Team identity played an important role as well. “What excited me most was how they hold themselves as a team.” The program’s structure and expectations aligned with his goals.

Looking Ahead to College Wrestling

As he prepares for the next stage, Sly views the transition to college wrestling with anticipation. “I’m excited to get better. I’m ready to get into that room and work to become a problem at the college level.” He approaches the transition with the same readiness and mindset he relies on every time he steps on the mat.

Leadership At Stuart Cramer

Within the Stuart Cramer program, Sly’s consistency in training and preparation has become the standard expected in the practice room. “I hold all wrestlers that want to be there to the same standard as I would myself.”

His leadership is reflected in steady preparation, intentional training, and disciplined habits throughout the season. These qualities have become part of the program’s standard and show the level of commitment expected within the room.

Handling the Pressure

As a three-time state champion, Sly routinely faces opponents who view a match with him as an opportunity to make a statement. Despite that attention, his mindset remains steady. "No pressure, I just go out and wrestle my hardest.”

By focusing on effort and position instead of focusing on expectations he’s able to maintain consistency regardless of the opponent or situation.

Defining His Legacy

With his senior season underway, Sly’s accomplishments place him among North Carolina’s most successful wrestlers. His view on legacy centers more on how he competes than on the results themselves. “I hope people remember how I wrestle and how fun it is to watch my Super 32 finish.”

A fourth state title would strengthen an already accomplished career, but his body of work extends across years of disciplined preparation and strong performances.