Pat Popolizio, the 2012 Colonial Athletic Association’s Coach of the Year, has been named head wrestling coach for the Wolfpack. In six seasons at Binghamton University, Popolizio transformed the Bearcats into a national contender after inheriting the program that went 0-12 following its reinstatement in 2005-06.

“Pat is a builder of programs and of young men,” Yow said. “He was an outstanding collegiate performer at Oklahoma State and is a proven teacher and mentor as a head coach. He will lead Wolfpack Wrestling to compete for ACC titles and, eventually, the national championship. I thank Sherard Clinkscales and our search committee for their excellent work that resulted in his hire.”

“I want to thank Dr. Yow, Sherard Clinkscales, and the entire search committee at NC State for this opportunity and for believing I am the right person for this job,” Popolizio said. “The leadership of the athletic department, its reputation, and the tremendous facilities here, are what sold me. This is a wrestling program with a strong tradition and huge potential. I’m extremely excited and very thankful for this opportunity.”

-News release