The American collegiate wrestling scene is raging with back-to-back nail-biting duals. While every university puts its best foot forward every year, the outcomes of matches are predetermined to an extent based on their recruitment culture. The wrestling off-season is usually filled with the news of several high-school wrestlers committing to famed wrestling programs.

However, the coaches of NC State Wolfpack seek more than just stats and records. A recently uploaded video on social media highlighted the same, as Wolfpack’s head coach Pat Popolizio described what is an instant deal breaker for him.

“Cherry-picking” is the biggest red flag, per head coach

Pat Popolizio has been leading the NC State Wolfpack wrestling program as its head coach since 2012. The 2023-24 season marks his 12th season. His efforts have won him the 2018 Dan Gable co-NCAA Coach of the Year and the 2016 National Coach of the Year awards. Athletor Team recently uploaded a video of Popolizio on X where the Wolfpack head coach spoke about the biggest red flag in aspiring wrestlers. He said, “We like guys that like to compete and don’t shy away from competition. So if we’re cherry-picking our competitions throughout the year, to me, that’s something that might not work with us.”

Laying emphasis on the value of showing up despite the odds, Popolizio noted, “We want guys that want to compete. They’re not afraid to compete. They’re willing to put it on the line week to week there. They know if we have a tough competition coming up there, they’re not making excuses of why they can’t be in that competition. It’s more of what do I got to do to get ready for the competition.”

Popolizio’s words suggest that one doesn’t simply become a part of the pack, but has to prove oneself as an actual wolf to join. Popolizio has reached the finals of the NWCA Division I National Coach of the Year Award every year from 2018 to 2022. In fact, NC State is enjoying a flourishing season in 2023-24 under his helm as well.

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The ongoing juggernaut of NC State Wrestling

The NC State Wolfpack makes a really strong wrestling program. NC State has participated in seven duals so far and hasn’t been bested even once. Moreover, it opened its season against Presbyterian with a flawless score of 48-0. These results were achieved by the careful selection procedure of the wrestlers by the watchful and trained eye of head coach Pat Popolizio. 

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The NC State Wolfpack is currently preparing for their next wrestling showdown at the Cliff Keen Invitational. The event will take place in Las Vegas on 1 and 2 December. Will the Wolfpack continue its winning juggernaut and amass further victories under its belt?

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