The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/743343
NOVEMBER 2016 ■ 113 through, it sets the tone really fast for us. If it takes them a while to transition, it might not be until the end of the year that we're truly ready and hitting on all cylinders." Last year was a confidence builder for not only the guys in the starting lineup but the backups who worked alongside the 10 starters every day in the mat room. In addi- tion to the conference title the Pack has to defend, there is also an 11th-place finish at nationals they're working to eclipse. "I think with what we've got coming back — the experience — and then some new guys that are going to be developing in the process, that's going to make things just as competitive," Popolizio concluded. "It might take a little more time … but ul- timately we're going to be in the same spot we were a year ago. "When you look at the overall package, every one of our guys is close to being a top-20 guy. That means you're going to have 10 guys that can compete at the national tournament, and that's what you want. Once you get there, anybody can score points and place. Kevin Jack proved that for us as a true freshman." Popolizio's first NC State squad went 5-6 overall, was winless in the ACC and placed 63rd at the NCAA Championships. Those marks became the outliers while top-20 national finishes have become the norm — NCSU has done so in each of the last three years — quicker than any- body could have expected. And despite a few key losses that led last year's historic campaign, Popolizio's Pack is not done climbing yet. ■ ■ By The Numbers 1 Team in the history of college wrestling has traveled to national powerhouses Iowa and Oklahoma State and won at both venues in the same year — NC State last season. 7 Wrestlers on the current roster not only have experience at the NCAA Championships, but they have each won at least one match there. "I think that is going to be what makes this year special," head coach Pat Popolizio noted. 306 Career wins were posted by the trio of starters that must be replaced from last year's team — Nick Gwiazdowski, Tommy Gantt and Pete Renda. To put in perspective how significant that is, NC State has won more individual NCAA champi - onships in its history (seven) than it boasts individual 100-match winners (four). SEPI is proud to support NC State and Wolfpack Athletics Improving the communities we impact and the infrastructure they depend on. At SEPI, we look at each new project as a unique opportunity to enhance the quality of life for our neighbors and ourselves. That's why our award-winning, woman-owned business offers clients a superior team of professionals dedicated to engineering excellence. 1025 Wade Avenue | Raleigh, NC | 27605 | 919.789.9977 | sepiengineering.com | @SEPIengineers Steve Thomas, PE | COO MSCE, NCSU Class of '86 BSCE, NCSU Class of '84 Sepideh Saidi, PE | President/CEO BSCE, NCSU Class of '93 BSAg.E, NCSU Class of '85 C.E. "Neil" Lassiter Jr, PE CEI Division Manager BSCE, NCSU Class of '83 Photo by Oak City Photography GO PACK! www.pursuitwealthstrategies.com 8315 Six Forks Rd. #201 Raleigh, NC 27615 (919) 847-7600 Life First, Money Second. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC "It might take a little more time … but ultimately we're going to be in the same spot we were a year ago." ■ Head coach Pat Popolizio