By Michela Gritti
As the wrestling season approaches, Head Coach Othello Johnson is confident that the UNC Pembroke wrestling team is ready to make a strong statement. With a balance of experienced veterans and young talent, the Braves are set to compete with intensity, discipline and unity. “We have an experienced team with guys who have been around for a while,” Johnson said. “Our talent is pretty well spread across the group.”
The team includes standout seniors like Logan Robinson and Caleb Grau, both of whom have competed at the national tournament and bring valuable leadership to the mat. Returning All-American Keegan Roberson, a redshirting junior, adds even more strength to the roster.At the same time, several younger wrestlers are stepping up and competing for starting positions, bringing energy and motivation to the group. “We have a solid mix of new and experienced wrestlers,” Johnson said.
Recruitment and Determination
Recruiting has been a significant part of Johnson’s 19-year tenure with the program. He explained that UNCP’s success comes from finding the right mix of talent and hunger.
“North Carolina has a lot of college wrestling programs, so we have to go beyond the state sometimes,” he said. “We recruit from places like Pennsylvania, Illinois and New Jersey, strong wrestling states. We look for athletes who might not have reached all their goals in high school but are still hungry to prove themselves.”
He emphasized that UNCP’s affordability and strong history help attract talented wrestlers who want an opportunity to grow and develop. “We have built our success on that balance, recruiting experienced, hungry athletes who want to compete and be part of something special,” he said. Johnson also explained that success in college wrestling requires both accomplishment and ambition. “Getting to the national tournament in college is like winning two state titles in high school,” he said. “We look for guys who still want to see how far they can go.”
Goals and Big Tests Ahead
This year’s goals are clear: win matches, stay consistent, and compete for the conference title. “The goal is always to win and perform strong,” Johnson said. “We want to be a top four team in the conference and make a run for the championship by the end of the year.”
The team’s schedule includes several important events, such as the PJ Smith Pembroke Classic on November 9 and the Midwest Classic in Indianapolis in December, one of the toughest tournaments in Division II wrestling. “If you can make it to the second day of the Midwest Classic, you know you are capable of competing at the national level,” Johnson said. He also highlighted conference rivalries with teams like Lander and Newberry. “It has been back and forth for years,” he said. “We are hungry to take those wins back.”
Mental and Physical Toughness
According to Johnson, preseason training was both challenging and rewarding. The team faced tough workouts and even a rainy five-mile run to end the preseason. “Competing in tough conditions builds character,” he said. “It gives us insight into how the guys will perform under pressure.”
The team’s focus now is on mastering the fundamentals — defense, setups and taking good shots. “We try to be boring and consistent,” Johnson said with a laugh. “That is how you win.” Mental toughness is also a significant theme in Johnson’s coaching philosophy. He explained that discipline is more important than motivation. “Motivation comes and goes,” he said. “Discipline and resilience are what carry you when the excitement fades.”
Connection, Discipline and Growth
When asked to describe this year’s team in one word, Johnson did not hesitate: “Connected.”
Every year, the wrestlers meet without coaches to set their own goals for the season. “They decide what they want to accomplish, and our job is to help them stay accountable,” Johnson said. He teaches that wrestling is about more than sports. “College wrestling is a decision profession,” he said. “Every day you decide whether to show up and give your best. That is what builds character.”
Strength in Diversity
Johnson said one of the biggest strengths of this year’s team is its diversity, not only in experience but also in background.
“We have wrestlers from all kinds of places and situations,” he said. “Some come from wealthy families, and others come from very little. For a few of them, this dorm room and the cafeteria are the best living conditions they have ever had.” He added that the team’s mix of backgrounds gives everyone perspective. “Some guys realize how blessed they are, and others see how far they can go,” he said. “They learn from each other and grow together, not just as athletes but as people.”
Looking Ahead
The Braves open their season on November 1 at the Glenville State Open, where both veterans and newcomers will step onto the mat for the first time this year. “For the freshmen, it is their first real college match,” Johnson said. “For the seniors, it is hearing that first whistle for the last time. For the rest, it is a reminder that time flies.”
He reflected on what it means to coach year after year. “I do not have to do this, I get to do this,” he said. “I get paid to coach and to be around some of the most hardworking, driven people on the planet, student athletes.”