University of North Carolina Athletics
Freshmen Wrestlers Making Big Impact For UNC
February 26, 2000 | Wrestling
Feb. 26, 2000
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - Nick Richmond and Skyler Holman are freshmen on the 1999-2000 UNC wrestling team. Richmond has been Carolina's starter all year at 184 lbs. as a true freshman. A native of Claysville, Pa., Richmond is 14-12 on the season, including 5-7 in dual meets, and he has won three matches by fall. Holman, a red-shirt freshman from Sallisaw, Okla., is ranked No. 7 in the country at 125 lbs. and is an impressive 31-2 with five falls on the year. His dual meet record is a team-best 12-1.
This is the second in a series of conversations with the Tar Heel wrestlers as they prepare for the ACC Championships March 4 in College Park, Md. Carolina has won three straight ACC titles and seven of the last eight under the direction of head coach Bill Lam.
NICK RICHMOND
TarHeelBlue.com: What are your thoughts on the season thus far heading into the ACC Tournament?
Richmond: "We've been really picking it up in these final two weeks heading into the tournament. Coach has been really pushing us, and we've tried to step our training up to the next level."
TarHeelBlue.com: How do you think your experience at the ACC Tournament will differ from your experience in high school tournaments?
Richmond: "The competition will definitely be at a higher level. I faced a few good guys in high school, but at this level, everyone will be tough. I am used to the crowds that I'll face at ACCs coming from a state that has a strong wrestling heritage and draws big crowds to its tournaments."
TarHeelBlue.com: How has wrestling affected your life off the mat?
Richmond: "Academically, it's really tough during the season, but you have to discipline yourself and establish a strong work ethic."
TarHeelBlue.com: What inspires you throughout the season?
Richmond: "To win as much as I can and test myself continually. If I keep moving and pushing, then that keeps me motivated."
SKYLER HOLMAN
TarHeelBlue.com: What did red-shirting do for you last year?
Holman: "It really gave me a chance to change to a different level. It allowed me to see what things were like before stepping on the mat."
TarHeelBlue.com: How do you think this experience will differ from your experience in high school?
Holman: "The level of competition will be up there. I've never been to ACCs, but I am ready for an exciting crowd and a tough field."
TarHeelBlue.com: You've lost only twice this season. What are your expectations for the postseason?
Holman: "Well, I expect to go into the conference tournament and win it. I have been fortunate to overcome those losses and defeat those guys who defeated me later in the season. One of the losses came to an ACC opponent, but I am pretty confident I will do well."
TarHeelBlue.com: What influence has assistant coach and three-time NCAA champion T.J. Jaworsky have on your wrestling career?
Holman: "He has been a tremendous influence. Just to watch him wrestle and see him keep moving is really motivating. He helps us see where we need to go and he has served as a great role model for me and the rest of the guys."
TarHeelBlue.com: What are your thoughts on any of the seniors departing?
Holman: "I used to talk to Jason LaMotta a lot before matches and we would help each other get pumped up. He would really have a big impact on me before meets."
TarHeelBlue.com: Who has been your inspiration throughout your wrestling career?
Holman: "Certainly my father. He has been behind me and pushed me the whole way. He has led the way for me. He was my first wrestling coach and has pushed me to the best I can be."
