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Sumners Hot Start Sets the Tone for Another State Title Run
- Levi Dennis
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Trinity NC, Wheatmore junior Ayden Sumners has opened his 2025–26 season with the same drive that pushed him to last year’s state title. At 9–0, with a finals win over a defending state champion, he’s positioned himself for another major postseason run.
His résumé already stands out
3rd in the state as a freshman at Ragsdale
State champion last season
Two regional titles
All before reaching the midpoint of his junior year.
What Last Year’s State Title Meant
For Sumners, last season’s championship was more than a medal. It changed his mindset. “Personally, it was as if everything I had ever worked for had paid off. It was like this weight of just wanting to be something big finally happened. It significantly boosted my confidence in myself and my upcoming year wrestling.” That confidence has carried him seamlessly into the new season.
Handling North Carolina’s New Classifications
Even with statewide realignment reshaping competition, Sumners hasn’t adjusted his approach. “I’ve wrestled on almost every big stage in the country. I approach every tournament the same way. I just want to wrestle and get better.” Consistent, focused, and unfazed, that's been his formula.
Testing Himself Against College Competition
This preseason, Sumners stepped into the Southeast Open, facing college athletes and gaining crucial experience. “It showed me I have room to improve but I’m closing the gap on being at that level.” One match taught him a lesson he’s already applying. “My match against the Virginia Tech opponent taught me I need to always have my foot on the gas pedal and not hesitate. I feel like I could’ve won if it wasn’t for riding time. It’s just another thing I need to work on.”
RAW Wrestling Club Crucial in his Development
RAW Wrestling Club has been one of the strongest influences in Sumners rise.
“Training there has made me jump leaps and bounds in my wrestling and my life. Not only have the coaches helped me grow as a wrestler but also as a man.” RAW’s emphasis on the details has shaped his style. “RAW has shaped pretty much everything about my style. They push hard work and doing the little things right, and that’s made the biggest difference for me.”
Offseason Growth and Technical Improvements
Between his sophomore and junior seasons, Sumners made major gains particularly in key positions. “I worked a lot on strength and technique. I think my top game and overall positioning improved the most.” One area saw clear progression “Riding and getting turns were something I really struggled with before, but I’ve really been working on it and improving.”
A 9–0 Start Built on Confidence and Preparation
Sumners opened the year 5–0 and extended it to 9–0, highlighted by a 4–0 win over defending state champion David Lambright in the finals at the Cecil J. Mock. “I’ve been working all summer for this and it’s my time again.”
His early-season discipline reflects an athlete who knows where he’s headed.
Individual Goals Big Ambitions, Bigger Expectations
Sumners’ goals for the year match the urgency he brings to the mat. “Some goals I have set are to go undefeated and take out all the best kids at my weight.” He’s not shying away from high standards, he's embracing them.
Team Goals: Building Something special at Wheatmore
For Sumners, success isn’t just individual. “My goal is to win another state title. As a team, we want to keep improving, push each other, and make a strong run this year. And of course, get that team state ring too.” Wheatmore has its leader back, confident, experienced, and driven.
Looking Ahead
With a state title, multiple regional crowns, a freshman podium finish, and now an undefeated junior start, Ayden Sumners is carving out a career defined by steady growth and high standards. He’s not just chasing a second title he’s building a legacy built on work, maturity, and belief.