Wrestlers Recognized at Scholar Athlete Banquet

Monday evening, several wrestlers were honored at the 2013 Caterpillar Scholar Athlete Banquet.  The purpose of the event is to recognize those student athletes holding a 3.0 GPA or higher.

Pictured (left to right): Coach Frank Beasley, KaRonne Jones, Tommy Gantt, Cohl Fulk, Nick Gwiazdowski, and Quinton Godley.  Also honored but not pictured: Eloheim Palma, Ryan Fox, and Brandon Jorge. 

Leaders of the PACK: Getting to Know Quinton Godley

Check out today's interview with Student Assistant Quinton Godley:

Q: What made you decide to be a college wrestling coach?
A: Well I'm not officially a college coach, but I do not mind being part of that category.  I decided to volunteer my time this year with the team because having a familiar face in the room every now and then may bring comfort to some of the guys that were here the year before; however, I'm willing to spread my knowledge about the sport - the way I was taught and still learning - any way possible.

Q: What is your favorite style of wrestling to coach? Why?
A: Folkstyle is the only style I wrestle and I know more about that, therefore it's my favorite style to coach.

Q: What is your most memorable moment as a coach?As a wrestler?
A: Again, I'm new to coaching, but from what I have already experienced, the guys' eagerness/willingness to learn the sport at the college level is just astonishing and motivates me beyond explanation.  My most memorable moment as a wrestler was my senior year, after knocking off two ranked guys ahead of me, I faced my last ranked victim before ACCs & Nationals.  This wrestler was ranked extremely high and the match came down to mentality - which to me is 99% of the game.

Q: When did you start wrestling as a kid and who pushed you the most throughout your career?
A: I first started wrestling my sophomore year in high school.  Unfortunately, I didn't start before then, but again the sport is 99% mental and if it I had anything, it was mentality and it's still running.  My high school coach Dennis Marshall is the main reason I was able to wrestle here at NC State and was the person who pushed me the hardest throughout my high school career; he pushed my team and I to the edge but pushed me a little extra because I guess he thought I had potential.  As I got to college, Dennis Marshall was more so my main motivation - I refused to let him down.  I met Noel Loban when I got here and he was the person who pushed me throughout my college career & two years later was accompanied by Lee Pritts.

Q: What is your favorite wrestling movie?
A: This is a good question but I don't have a favorite wrestling movie and have not seen many.  The only wrestling movie I have seen, and a little embarrassed to mention, is "Going to the Mat."

Q: Who is your favorite professional sports team:
A: Football: CAROLINA PANTHERS ALL DAY!
    Basketball: Don't have a favorite team but pull for the Miami Heat most of the time.

Q: What is your favorite TV Show?
A: My favorite TV show is Jamie Foxx & SpongeBob Square Pants is my favorite "cartoon" show - don't judge, it relaxes me!

Q: What is the last book you've read?
A: Code of the Streets by Elijah Anderson.  I'm currently reading the Holy Bible but that will take me a while.

Q: What is your favorite food?
A: I love answering this question because people become so appalled when I tell them, but my favorite food is chitterlings.  What do you expect from a down south breed?

Q: What is your favorite Raleigh-area restaurant so far?
A: My favorite restaurant, whether in Raleigh or anywhere else is Applebee's, mainly because of their 2 for $20 deal & they also have great desserts.

Our last interview with the coaching staff will be tomorrow with Volunteer Assistant Noel Loban.