The Cary wrestling team had a tough road in its own conference, even though its 34-1 overall record and runner-up finish in the state individual and team tournaments may not indicate it.
Panther Creek (28-2), whose only two losses came to Cary, provided the stiffest challenge to the Imps' dominance of the East. When the two sides met in the final regular-season match of the season, both were undefeated.
Holly Springs (21-7) and Green Hope (26-7) gave the Tri-Nine Conference an unheard of four playoff teams.