It won't be his last match as a Moc, but John Lampe will say an official goodbye to University of Tennessee at Chattanooga wrestling fans tonight.
The 184-pound senior and his teammates host Appalachian State at 7 at Maclellan Gym, the Mocs' final home dual of the season and senior night. The Mountaineers-Mocs match is one with a colorful history and one that in the past has secured a Southern Conference championship.
"It's a huge match, and I'm looking forward to it," UTC coach Heath Eslinger said. "It's going to be fun. At some point, competition is fun. That's why you train and work hard. If you're prepared, you never mind taking the test. I believe we're prepared and looking forward to the test."
UTC's 5-0 SoCon record has the Mocs atop the standings, and a win tonight will give them at least a share of yet another conference championship. Appalachian State and Gardner-Webb, each 4-1 in the SoCon, are tied for second.
There are several good matchups in tonight's dual, with the best between nationally ranked heavyweights Denzel Dejournette of Appalachian State and the Mocs' Jared Johnson. Dejournette is 23-2 overall and 5-0 in the SoCon, while Johnson is 19-3 and 5-0.
Other key matches are at 125, 141, 165 and 174 pounds. At 125, it's the Mountaineers' Vito Pasone (15-8, 5-0) vs. Alonzo Allen (10-9, 2-2); at 141, it's Appalachian State's Michael Longo (13-11, 5-0) vs. Mike Pongracz (18-2, 5-0); at 165, it's the Mountaineers' Forrest Przybysz (16-8, 4-1) vs. Dominic Lampe (15-8, 4-1); at 174, it will be Appalachian State's Nick Kee (23-5, 5-0) against Sean Mappes (14-7, 4-0).
"Appalachian has put together a good team, and I hope we can get a good crowd to watch what should be a good battle," Eslinger said.
John Lampe has been a rock for the Mocs.
"He's a picture of everything you want in an athlete: self-sufficient, diligent in everything he does, top-notch academically, socially and athletically," said Eslinger, who noted that Lampe is a prime example of getting the most from people through sports.
"He's the picture of what we're all after," Eslinger said. "He's intrinsically driven. He could care less about a trophy, and he does things right because that's who he is."
Unbeaten in four conference matches, Lampe is 14-4 overall. His opponent will be either Taylor Jackson (12-11, 2-3) or Marcus Johnson (1-3).
Fellow UTC senior Austin Sams, meanwhile, has been something of a forgotten man this year since suffering a knee injury. The 149-pounder is still on crutches and using a brace.
"He's just been on a roller coaster with injuries, but he has really been a huge contributor. He was in the starting lineup for two seasons and did a great job," Eslinger said. "Our No. 1 concern as coaches here is to get the guys where they want to be in the next phase of their life. Austin has made us proud."
Contact Ward Gossett at wgossett@timesfreepress.com or 423-886-4765. Follow him on Twitter @wardgossett.