Pat Popolizio: "We're Training To Win The National Title"
NC State wrestling coach Pat Popolizio met with the media to discuss his team's start and this week's huge match against rival North Carolina.
NOTE: Click the video above to watch the interview.
“I think it’s a perfect time to have a big dual in Reynolds. We’ve been working hard to promote wrestling in this area, and it’s grown over the years.”
“There will be some high-intensity matches, and we’re looking forward to it.”
“It’s critical. It’s well overdue to have two teams working really hard, this high in the rankings. People get excited when you see high-level competition going at it.”
“The ACC has grown tremendously. I think this will be an exciting dual.”
“It’s what we want. When you look at the national tournament you’re going to hit high-level guys across the board, from the first round all the way to the finals. It’s preparing our team and individuals.”
“When we set our schedule we try to make it challenging for our team and individuals so we’ll be ready come March.”
“Any program you get that’s in-state will always bring that high-level intensity, and that’s what we expect Friday night.”
“At the end of the day it’s still a wrestling match, and guys have been training for this, preparing for this... we’re excited to host a team that’s in the top 10 right now.”
“I think [Reynolds] is one of the best college venues for wrestling right now in the country. It’s loud in there the way they’ve renovated it, and we hope to pack that in pretty good this Friday.”
“We’ve had great people connected to our program, from top to bottom... athletes, coaches, and administration... we recruit a certain type of athlete and it’s showing. These guys are the total package, and that’s from our starters and down to the guys who may not get to wrestle every day. They are all on the same page.”
“That’s what we’re training for. We talked about it yesterday, ‘Why not us?’ It’s long overdue for NC State athletics. Someone has to get it done, and everyday we wake up, we’re training to win the national title as individuals and as a team.”
“They want to win a team title and an individual title.”
“That’s a testament to the work these guys are putting in. It’s exciting to know that a lot of these guys will be back and development is still another year in the works with high-level recruits coming in. That’s a dangerous combination. We have to get better every day... we know that.”
“There’s a lot of movement in college wrestling. The South is growing tremendously, and Raleigh is obviously one of the best places in the country to live... we obviously have some history and tradition here, but we want to get to that level where we can compete with the top programs every year.”
“We have guys on this team who want to bring a national championship here. That’s why they came here.”
“Reynolds has helped a lot. When you look at the venue it’s one of the best in the country, and the next [step] for us is getting some in-house facilities so these guys can train day-to-day. I think that will be phase two as far as that next level to compete every year.”
“Reynolds is an unbelievable atmosphere... that’s going to speak volumes to where we are at as a program.”
“Winning helps a lot, but the way these guys carry themselves is very important. They are great people to be around.”