AUSTIN, Texas – Roanoke College senior Mark Samuel has been invited to compete in the 2025 National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) All-Star Classic, presented by Nike Wrestling, on Saturday, Nov. 1 at Jersey Mike's Arena. Tickets for the event, which is set to begin at 7 p.m., can be found here.

Only one wrestler is selected from Division II and one from Division III each year, everyone else is D1. Samuel will face the returning D2 finalist, Khyvon Grace of West Liberty, at 141 pounds.

"We are so excited for Marky, for our coaching staff, but mostly for the young men in our program," said head coach Nate Yetzer. "This is a testament of the hard work this entire team has put in. Marky has never shied away from a challenge. He will be ready for this one."

 "I'm excited to get to represent all of Division III at the All-Star Classic," said Samuel.

The event will feature highly ranked NCAA Division I men's folkstyle matches, inter-divisional women's freestyle bouts, and a top matchups from the Division II and Division III level. Spanning more than half a century, the event is considered one of wrestling's most respected annual showcase events.

"The NWCA All-Star Classic spotlights the best collegiate wrestlers in the country - showcasing current stars of the sport and future world champions," said Travis Shives, GM of FloWrestling. "We are honored to partner with the NWCA and Rutgers University to put a spotlight on the best of NCAA wrestling."

Samuel and the Maroon wrestling team start the season by hosting the Southeast Open Nov. 2 and have their first dual meet at home in the Cregger Center against Southern Virginia University Nov. 13. Roanoke returns two All Americans, seven National qualifiers and 11 regional placers.

Maroon potential starting lineup:
125: Mac Cafurello returning All American
133: Jude Robson returning Regional Placer
141: Mark Samuel Returning National Champ
149: Taylor Smith Returning 2x National Qualifier, 2x Regional Champion
157: Casey Smith Returning National Qualifier
165: Kyle Lee
174: Xavier Preston 2x National Qualifier
184: Vincenzo Corvetto National Qualifier , Regional Champion
197: Lorenzo Pellot National Qualifier, Regional Runner up / Hunter Moore returning Regional Placer
285: Nick Cook Returning Regional Placer