VMI wrestler Ryan Vigil has advanced to the 165-pound title match at the Southern Conference Championship after winning three matches on Friday at Kimmel Arena in Asheville, North Carolina. Entering as the eighth seed, Vigil defeated three opponents—the most by any finalist in any bracket this year—to secure his spot in Saturday’s championship round.
Vigil began with a technical fall victory, winning 17-2 in the pigtail match. He then upset the top-seeded and 24th-ranked wrestler from The Citadel with a sudden victory decision. In the semifinals, Vigil secured his place in the finals with a last-minute takedown for a 5-4 win. He is the first VMI Keydet to reach a championship match since Neal Richards did so in 2020 and will face Anthony Conetta of Appalachian State for the title.
Alongside Vigil, VMI will have three other wrestlers competing on Saturday. Dyson Dunham advanced to the consolation semifinals at 141 pounds after earning a major decision win. Phoenix Alyea remains alive for third place at 149 pounds following a pin and technical fall, while Toby Schoffstall also progressed after recording an early pin in his consolation quarterfinal.
The Keydets currently stand seventh in team points with 27 but have opportunities to improve their position during Saturday’s events. The consolation semifinals begin at 10 a.m., followed by consolation finals at 1 p.m., and championship matches starting at 3 p.m.
For more details about VMI Wrestling and updates from the tournament, visit VMIKeydets.com or follow VMI Athletics on social media.
