Carolina Wrestling Q&A: What Makes A Great Teammate

An extended time away from the wrestling mat has given Tar Heel wrestlers an opportunity to recharge and reflect on their accomplishments from the past season.

As the down time continues, we recently asked several members of the Carolina Wrestling program the following question: What makes a great teammate?

Below, hear from both coaches and student-athletes on the aspects and value of a great teammate.

Josh McClure, R-Sr., 157 pounds

"I think the most important thing about being a good teammate is from sun up to sun down, you need to be able to lead others and hold them accountable. I believe this to be that "it" factor that separates the best teams from the good teams.

"Secondly, you have to put others before yourself sometimes. I've learned that not all 35 guys can start, and that is okay. It takes an army. Sometimes you need to just be there for your teammates and push them day in and day out to help them accomplish their goals, because it will only make you better as well.

"Lastly, a good teammate is there for his brother not only in the practice room, but off the mat as well. The Carolina student-athlete is more than just an athlete. We have our struggles in life, too. It is imperative that you are there for your teammates not only when things are great, but also when things aren't so great.

Jeremiah Derby, R-So., 125 pounds

"To me, a good teammate is one who is willing to sacrifice and go out of their way for the benefit of others. A good teammate is willing to help others with whatever it may be, and whenever they may need it. It does not matter if it is sports, academics, or just a friend in need, a good teammate is there.

"Good teammates also hold each other accountable for the high expectations set by the coaches and our team so that they can represent the University in the highest fashion. I am thankful and blessed to have great teammates at UNC."

Michael Goldfeder, R-So., 157 pounds

"What makes a good teammate is a loaded question. There are so many variables that go into supporting your team, and all that goes with that. Ultimately, I feel like being a good teammate is synonymous with the terms loyalty and trust. A good teammate, in my eyes, stays loyal to his team through all the ups and downs and trusts that his team will do the same for him.

Tony Ramos, Associate Head Coach

"A great teammate holds their peers accountable. They know when to push and they know when to encourage. But, most of all, they inspire everyone around them to be better."

Nick Lirette, R-Sr., 141 pounds

First, a great teammate is not afraid to show vulnerability and compassion to their teammates. They are willing to think and act selflessly for the teammates around them for the benefit of the entire team rather than only themselves.

Secondly, a great teammate leads by what they do instead of what they say. They would never say something they wouldn't do themselves.

Thirdly, a great teammate includes everyone. They ensure that everyone feels that they are equally important in accomplishing the team's goal, and recognize that everyone has something to offer.

*this quote was taken from a Q&A with Nick Lirette earlier this month on GoHeels. You can read the full story here.

Zach Sherman, R-Jr., 141 pounds

"In the eyes of a spectator, the sport of wrestling seems to be very individualized, but at the NCAA level it is as team-oriented as it gets. We all have the common goal of bringing the Carolina Wrestling program to be national champs, and I've realized that the building blocks to make that happen stem each teammate's ability to break barriers each day.

"Outside expectations can have a discouraging effect on a team, so a good teammate would help to set our own standards and maintain optimism regardless of the opinions of others. A good teammate acts as an example to show that the light at the end of the tunnel does exist, as well as to stand with them through the struggle no matter what.

Lastly, the most important aspect to being a good teammate is to love each person like family, and to me "love" means "Loyalty Out-Values Everything"!

Nick Vetell, Strength and Conditioning Coach

A great teammate is someone who consistently gives 100-percent effort in all things they do. They strive to improve themselves and others around them to achieve their full potential. They help create an atmosphere that promotes unity and camaraderie. Finally, they work hard to build a relationship of trust with anyone they are in contact with.

Players Mentioned

Jeremiah Derby

Michael Goldfeder

Nick Lirette

Josh McClure

Zach Sherman

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