Union Pines wrestler claims third place at national tournament

Dominic Blue, a two-time state champion, earns All-American honors at NHSCA Wrestling Nationals

Mar. 31, 2026 at 2:52pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the intense action of a wrestling match, with sharp, overlapping shapes and planes in the team colors of the competing schools.A cubist-inspired illustration captures the dynamic energy and competitive spirit of the national wrestling tournament where a Union Pines wrestler earned All-American honors.Virginia Beach Today

Union Pines wrestler Dominic Blue, a two-time state champion, finished third at the NHSCA National Wrestling Tournament held in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Blue earned All-American honors after winning seven matches over three days and reaching the semifinals before falling to the top-seeded wrestler from Florida.

Why it matters

Blue's third-place finish is a significant accomplishment, as the NHSCA Nationals is one of the most prestigious high school wrestling tournaments in the country, featuring over 6,000 competitors. His success puts Union Pines wrestling on the national map and highlights the program's ability to develop top-tier talent.

The details

Blue first competed at the NHSCA Freshman Nationals three years ago while wrestling for Scotland High School, where he had finished as a state runner-up. After transferring to Union Pines, he placed third at the state tournament as a sophomore and won two matches at the national tournament. This year, entering as the fifth seed, Blue won seven matches, including victories over opponents from Louisiana, Maryland, Wyoming, and Utah, before falling to the top-seeded wrestler from Florida in the semifinals. He then rebounded to earn a 4-2 decision over a wrestler from Virginia to claim third place.

  • The NHSCA Wrestling Nationals began in 1990 when the National High School Coaches Association invited all senior state champions to compete in a national tournament in Pittsburgh.
  • Blue first competed at the NHSCA Freshman Nationals three years ago while wrestling for Scotland High School.
  • The NHSCA Nationals tournament was held this past weekend in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

The players

Dominic Blue

A two-time state champion wrestler who transferred to Union Pines High School and finished third at the NHSCA National Wrestling Tournament, earning All-American honors.

Zeno Moore

The top-seeded wrestler from Florida who defeated Dominic Blue in the semifinals of the NHSCA National Wrestling Tournament.

Union Pines High School

The high school that Dominic Blue currently represents, which has had two wrestlers place at the NHSCA Nationals, including Dominic Blue's third-place finish.

Scotland High School

The high school that Dominic Blue previously attended, where he finished as a state runner-up before transferring to Union Pines.

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What’s next

Blue will look to build on his success at the NHSCA Nationals and aim for a state championship in his senior season at Union Pines High School.

The takeaway

Dominic Blue's third-place finish at the prestigious NHSCA National Wrestling Tournament showcases the strength of the Union Pines wrestling program and its ability to develop top-tier talent. His accomplishment puts the school on the national wrestling map and demonstrates the program's commitment to excellence.