64 Hours with @PackWrestle
2/1/2016 3:42:00 PM | Wrestling
Friday, Jan. 29
8:13 AM - The Pack loads up a team sleeper bus and embarks on a 500-mile drive up to Pittsburgh. Before leaving WB, some of the guys do some conditioning in the weight room while others enjoy bagels and cream cheese. The travel party on this trip includes 17 student-athletes, four coaches and four support staff members.
The chariot for the bus ride to Pittsburgh awaits, long travel day extra dose of #PackMentality pic.twitter.com/wcQbTCoDDb
— NC State Wrestling (@PackWrestle) January 29, 2016
10:21 AM - Pilot Mountain appears in the view, the first of many mountains seen on the scenic drive up through the Appalachian Mountains. During the early portion of the trip many are sleeping enjoying the overhead beds, but per diem distribution seemed to be enjoyed the most.
10:44 AM - Crossing over the Virginia border. In just a little more then a month away, the Pack will be returning to Virginia for the ACC Championship on March 6.
11:17 AM - Stop in Max Meadows, Va. Apparently the bus driver did not have #PackMentality as a switch of drivers was required due to amount of driving time.
12:15 PM - Crossing over the West Virginia border.
1:01 PM - Stop in Beckley, W.Va. After about five hours on the road, time for a workout. The team pulls into the Beckley YMCA and hits the cardio machines for a two-hour workout before enjoying lunch back on the bus.
Been on the bus four hours, too long to go without getting in a workout here in Beckley, W.Va. pic.twitter.com/zuCS0fGfVR
— NC State Wrestling (@PackWrestle) January 29, 2016
6:20 PM - Crossing over the Pennsylvania border. Just before hitting the PA border, the WVU Coliseum appears into view, the venue for Sunday's dual against WVU - but first continue up to Pittsburgh.
7:27 PM - A 12-hour travel day is complete with the arrival at the Pittsburgh hotel which will be used for the next two nights. The Pack heads into the comforts of the hotel and is greeted with a catered dinner. After dinner, the team settles in, some visiting with family while others relax in their rooms.
After leaving about 12 hours ago, finally arrived in Pittsburgh. pic.twitter.com/j5bRQi3ub5
— NC State Wrestling (@PackWrestle) January 30, 2016
Saturday, Jan. 30
9 AM - Wake up call and breakfast at the hotel.
9:45 AM - Up for 45 minutes, already time for a workout. Some of the team hits the hotel's gym, consisting of four cardio machines and the entire team has a weight check ahead of the evening dual against Pitt.
1:00 PM - A quick lunch before some afternoon rest.
4:10 PM - Team arrives at Fitzgerald Field House, site of the ACC dual. Before the doors even open, the Pack goes through another long workout, getting in mat time before weigh-ins take place at 6:00 p.m.
The view from @PackWrestle's bench tonight. pic.twitter.com/K0taGEibOh
— NC State Wrestling (@PackWrestle) January 30, 2016
6:10 PM - A visit from alum and former NCAA Champion Sylvester Terkay. Terkay is from and currently lives in the Pittsburgh area, and came into the locker room to visit with the team before the dual and offers his encouragement.
Great to have alum and former NCAA Champion Sylvester Terkay come and visit before today's dual! #PackMentality pic.twitter.com/5NWlwE4udp
— NC State Wrestling (@PackWrestle) January 30, 2016
8:47 PM - Nick Gwiazdowski closes out the dual with a major decision in the final match, and the Pack downs Pitt 28-6 to improve to 4-0 in ACC action.
Winning 8 of 10 bouts, @PackWrestle takes care of #14 Pitt in 28-6 ACC road win! pic.twitter.com/9j0T6Bc36I
— NC State Wrestling (@PackWrestle) January 31, 2016
9:20 PM - The team arrives back at the hotel. A few visit with families while others look for their dinner options. Not much late-night activity, as an early wake-up call awaits for the drive to West Virginia.
Sunday, Jan. 31
6:45 AM - Wake up call and breakfast at the team hotel, followed by the day's first weight check.
On the road again. Leaving Pittsburgh and heading to West Virginia for a 1PM dual. pic.twitter.com/ETpu4M98xV
— NC State Wrestling (@PackWrestle) January 31, 2016
7:33 AM - The bus departs Pittsburgh and heads 75 miles south to Morgantown. Stark contrast from leaving WB, as there is almost no activity on the bus as all the beds are taken during the drive.
9:02 AM - Arrive in Morgantown. Made pretty good time, and arrived a bit earlier then expected. A quick caffeine run for the coaches was required, and then the bus pulls into WVU's practice facility. In leading up for the dual, the Pack takes to the practice room and gets in a good morning workout.
Getting ready to start! pic.twitter.com/LrE2m7JlSW
— NC State Wrestling (@PackWrestle) January 31, 2016
3:05 PM - Once again, Gwiazdowski closes out the dual this time with a technical fall. The Pack picks up its second win in as many days, 24-9 over West Virginia. The Pack's win was the 20th of the season, setting a new school mark for most wins in a single season.
GoPack Recap: @PackWrestle Sets New School Record with 20th Win of Season - https://t.co/hiS0EHFkTd pic.twitter.com/9pbZon8Exq
— NC State Wrestling (@PackWrestle) January 31, 2016
3:50 PM - The bus pulls out of Morgantown, 430 miles to get back home to Raleigh. Another quick stop in Beckley for gas and some food breaks up the drive.
11:45 PM - A 16-hour day is complete, as the team bus pulls into WB. The team unloads and everybody heads home looking forward to the comforts of their own bed.
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Players Mentioned
