Troy Heilmann and Joey Ward CHAPEL HILL -- Former All-Americans Troy Heilmann and Joey Ward have joined the North Carolina wrestling coaching staff, head coach Coleman Scott announced Tuesday. Heilmann begins his coaching career as the program's first director of high performance and operations, while Ward will serve as the team's volunteer assistant coach.
Heilmann capped his UNC career last spring with an ACC title and a podium finish at nationals. A native of South Plainfield, New Jersey, Heilmann went 32-6 as a senior at 149 pounds, and his fourth-place NCAA finish matched the highest by a UNC competitor since Justin Harty took second at heavyweight in 1996.
"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."
A 2017 Carolina graduate, Ward was a four-time NCAA qualifier who took seventh at 141 pounds at the 2016 NCAA Championships. The Cincinnati, Ohio, product had at least 20 wins in each of his four seasons, finishing his Tar Heel career with 98 total victories.
"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 UNC wrestling team opens its 2018-19 campaign at the Hokie Open in Roanoke, Virginia, on Nov. 4. The Tar Heels will host Nebraska at Carmichael Arena on Dec. 15 for their first home dual of the fall.
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