University of North Carolina Athletics
Josh McClure Talks Upcoming Season, Leaving a Legacy
January 5, 2021 | Wrestling
This week, GoHeels.com talked with redshirt senior Josh McClure, who enters the 2020-21 season ranked nationally at 157 pounds.Â
Below, Josh talks about his offseason improvements, his relationship with head coach Coleman Scott, and more.
GoHeels: After not being in the starting lineup last season, what does it mean to you to be in the projected lineup as you begin your senior season in Chapel Hill?
McClure: It means a lot to me to be back in the lineup because before last year, I think I was comfortable with where I was at. I don't know if content is the right word, but I don't think I appreciated just how great it was to be one of those 10 guys starting in front of our fans. Last year really woke me up and made me truly recognize where I was at, and how I was going to get back to where I wanted to be.Â
GH: In what ways do you feel you were able to improve over the extended offseason?
JM: I think my strength and conditioning really improved over the summer. Though COVID-19 really put a roadblock on a lot of things, particularly access to facilities and strength equipment, I was able to find a way to get bigger than I ever have been before, and still be in great shape. I was able to let my body truly get back to 100 percent after the season for the first time I can remember, and I really took advantage of that in my offseason training regiment.
GH: Your class is a particularly tight-knit group. How do your relationships off the mat help the team connection once you enter the wrestling room?
JM: My class is special, no doubt about it. When we came in as freshmen, a lot of things were changing culturally on our team. I think the fact that, five years later, we still have this many guys in our class on the team says a lot. The fact that we all hang out and are great friends off the mat makes us compete even harder for each other on the mat. We hold each other to a high standard, and with our relationships being so tight, we aren't scared to hold each other accountable. Because at the end of the day, we all want to be the best, and if it weren't for my classmates and brothers, I don't think I'd be where I am.Â
GH: You and Coleman Scott have had a close relationship since you arrived in Chapel Hill. Can you describe what that's been like and how he's helped you grow?
JM: Yeah, Coleman and I have a very close, unique relationship. He's someone who has helped me grow not only as a wrestler, but as a man as well. I feel like he is someone I can go to and talk about any issues I'm having, both on and off the mat. Since I've gotten here, he's truly made me feel like I am part of his family. At the same time, with us being so close, he isn't afraid to let me know when I am slacking. He pushes me hard, and though I may not always like it, he has helped me find out more about myself than I ever would have known without him. I believe that deep waters build character, and Coleman Scott has helped develop my character as a wrestler and as a man more than I could ever thank him enough for.
GH: When you graduate from Carolina, how do you want people to remember Josh McClure and his time as a Tar Heel?
JM: Carolina has given me everything I wanted out of my college experience and then some. I've met some of the best people I know here, had access to a world-class education, and have been able to chase my goals as a wrestler with some of my best friends. When I leave, I want people to remember me as a leader who simply did things the right way. I want people to remember my wrestling and all the things that go along with it, sure, but it's important to me to be remembered as someone who didn't take shortcuts, who worked hard, and simultaneously helped others around him accomplish their goals. A lot of people can lead vocally, but leading by example is extremely important for the development and success of a program. Character is everything for Carolina Wrestling, and since I came in, I've done everything I can to prove that and make sure it continues to be a priority after I leave.
