PARK CITY, Kan.— Kane Bryson and Boedi Kirkland represented the Montreat College men's wrestling team on Thursday during day one of the 2026 NAIA Men's Wrestling Championships in Park City, Kan. Competing at Heartland Credit Union Arena, the Cavalier duo combined for three wins and eight team points. As a result, the Cavs sat tied for 28^th following Thursday's action.
 
Session one took place during the afternoon, and both Bryson and Kirkland picked up a victory in their respective weight classes. At 125, Bryson began his tournament journey with an exclamation point. Participating as the No. 22 seed, Bryson upset the 11^th-seeded competitor with a pin in just 32 seconds. The freshman's initial takedown ultimately led to the result and advanced him through to session two on Thursday night.
 
Kirkland dropped his first matchup in the 149-lb weight class, losing to the No. 12 seed via a 5-4 decision due to riding time. The Catawba, N.C. native rebounded well, though. Seeded 21^st himself, Kirkland crushed the No. 28 seed in the first round of the consolation bracket. Leading 10-3, Kirkland notched one final takedown before pinning his foe and finishing the bout at the 5:58 mark.
 
The second session featured another Kirkland victory. In the second round of the consolation bracket, the freshman topped the No. 22 seed with a rapid 49-second pin. Like Bryson earlier in the day, Kirkland's initial takedown led to the match's conclusion.
 
Bryson's time at the national championships ended on Thursday after suffering a pair of defeats in the evening window. The Canton, N.C. native's first loss came at the hands of the No. 6 seed. Bryson battled valiantly in the championship bracket's second round, and he nearly made it to overtime before being pinned in 6:36. He then fell via a 10-1 major decision to the 21^st-seeded wrestler in the consolation bracket's second round. As a result, Bryson wrapped up his debut outing at nationals with a 1-2 record.
 
Thanks to Kirkland's and Bryson's efforts, Thursday marked the first time in program history in which the Montreat College men's wrestling team saw multiple student-athletes secure a triumph at the same national championships. Kirkland also matched the program record for the most wins at a single national tournament with two.
 
For a look at results from the 2026 NAIA Men's Wrestling Championships, click here.
 
With a pair of wins and only one loss, Kirkland advances to the second day of nationals. He will continue to represent the Cavs tomorrow afternoon in round three of the 149-lb weight class's consolation bracket.