A pair of recent UNC wrestling graduates returned to the Tar Heel program on Tuesday, as head coach Coleman Scott announced the addition of Troy Heilmann and Joey Ward to his staff.

Heilmann–who placed fourth in the 2018 NCAA Tournament at 149 pounds, the highest finish by any Tar Heel at the event since 1996–will be the director of high performance and operation.

“We are very happy to have Troy join the staff as director of high performance and operations,” Scott said. “Troy was one of the first to buy into our system when we got here. He brings a tremendous work ethic to our staff that will make him a superstar in the coaching world down the road.” 

Ward, meanwhile, was a four-time NCAA Tournament qualifier who graduated in 2017. He will join the team as a volunteer assistant coach.

“Joey is a huge asset to what we are doing,” Scott said. “He wants to start his coaching career, and I am confident he will be a very good coach. It was one of our goals as a staff to keep our alumni involved, and Joey is extending our Carolina coaching tree that we want to grow as big as possible.” 

The Tar Heels will begin their season on Nov. 4 at the Hokie Open in Roanoke, Virginia.

 

 

 

Photo via UNC Athletics

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