Former NC State Wrestler Gwiazdowski Heading to World Championships

RALEIGH, N.C. – Right before the preseason gets underway for the 2017-18 NC State wrestling team, the Wolfpack’s coaching staff has one very important international tournament on their minds.

Two-time NCAA champion and former Wolfpack All-American Nick Gwiazdowski will be in action at the 2017 World Championships in Paris in two weeks. Since he graduated from NC State in 2016, Gwiazdowski has been all around the world training and competing to become the top heavyweight in the U.S., which has landed him a spot on the U.S. World Team this summer.

One constant for Gwiazdowski in this world-wind wrestling tour as been his former college coaches and his training at the Wolfpack’s Regional Training Center. Throughout this past year, Gwiazdowski has spent many hours in the NC State Wrestling Room working with his former coaches as he has transitioned to freestyle wrestling.

“It’s such a luxury for me to go around the world and train, then when I come back to Raleigh and train in this environment it is right at the same level,” said Gwiazdowski. “It goes to show the commitment that the NC State coaches have to continue to work with me.

“It then trickles down to the guys that are currently here wrestling. Them coming in and working with me, it’s really appreciated. All the different levels of support I receive here in Raleigh have led me to where I am now.”

Current associate head coach Frank Beasley has seen first-hand the improvement Gwiazdowski has made on the international scene. Beasley will be traveling with Gwiazdowski over the next two weeks and will be in his corner coaching him during the World Championships.

“It’s a great comfort level,” said Gwiazdowski. “When you go into matches it is just you out there, but the moments before, the moments after, the break in between, to have a familiar voice is a spark and a help. Them knowing me and what I like to do is very beneficial. I’m very fortunate to be able to continue working with all of my coaches.”

Gwiazdowski and Beasley were recently in Colorado Springs for a 10-day training camp. Next up, they both will head to Germany this weekend for an acclimation camp, and then head to Paris for the World Championships.

Along with Beasley being in his corner for the top international wrestling tournament of the year, Wolfpack head coach Pat Popolizio, assistant coach Obe Blanc, director of operations Melissa Simmons and director of compliance Jason Greco will all be making the trek over to Paris to support Gwiazdowski.

The 2017 World Championships run from August 21-26. Gwiazdowski will be in action in the 125 kg freestyle bracket on Friday, August 25.