Although the COVID-19 pandemic has presented challenges for the North Carolina wrestling team thus far, the Tar Heels are excited to get back to some type of familiarity.
The season began on the wrong foot before the team’s opening meet against Campbell, as the Tar Heels were unable to participate due to unspecified coronavirus-related issues within the team. Then, following a 45-0 win over Gardner-Webb in UNC's return, the team was sidelined once again, postponing its dual meet against Virginia Tech that was originally scheduled for Jan. 15.
Still, despite these unique circumstances, the Tar Heels found a way to respond. Following a 12-day hiatus, the team opened its ACC slate with a 29-9 victory over Duke on Jan. 22.
Head coach Coleman Scott said he knows this year has been difficult for his wrestlers, but is proud of how the team has been able to persevere through adversity.
“We’ve had to make some adjustments, but these guys have been able to handle this like men,” Scott said. “We can’t worry about the uncertainties, and it’s hard not to, but we’ve got to keep focused on what we can do and what we can handle.”
This sentiment has also made its way down to the wrestlers, who have made it their focus to remain as tightly knit as possible.
“I think just staying consistent with our training and competing with ourselves in the room just helps us continue to grow and get better,” redshirt junior Austin O’Connor said.
Now that things have returned to some type of normalcy, the team is in the midst of a quick turnaround, facing North Carolina State and Virginia Tech on Friday and Saturday, respectively.
Although having bouts on consecutive days is a challenging proposition for any team, Scott said he believes this stretch will simulate what lies ahead in postseason play, when teams are consistently going through a similar process.
