GREENSBORO, NC – Erik Wince has been named the first ever head wrestling coach at Greensboro College, Director of Athletics Bryan Galuski announced on Friday.
“Erik’s knowledge, enthusiasm, passion, and respect for the sport of wrestling made this an easy decision for myself and our search committee,” Galuski said. “We have hired an individual who is willing to go to great lengths to invest himself in Greensboro College and our student-athletes. He demands nothing but excellence and recognizes the importance of having a successful program on and off the mat. I am personally thrilled to welcome Erik and his wife, Hannah, to Greensboro College and our athletics department.”
“I want to thank President Czarda, Athletic Director Bryan Galuski, and the rest of the Greensboro College Athletic Department for this monumental opportunity to be the first head coach for the Pride Wrestling program,” said Wince. “This is a great opportunity to help grow Greensboro College and the sport of wrestling. With the support of the city of Greensboro and the surrounding areas and the entire North Carolina wrestling community there is no doubt that this program can have a major impact right away and for many years to come.”
Wince comes to Greensboro College from Davidson College where he has served as an assistant coach for the Wildcats wrestling staff for the past two seasons. During his time with Davidson, Wince has helped guide two NCAA national qualifiers for the first time in Wildcat history as well as serving as an integral part of the recruiting process.
Wince continued to say, “I also want to thank Davidson Athletic Director Jim Murphy, Associate AD Scott Applegate, and Head Wrestling Coach Bob Patnesky for giving me the opportunity to coach at Davidson College. Their support and leadership is what has prepared me to take on the endeavor I have in front of me as I transition into my leadership role at Greensboro College. It has been a great experience and I look forward to maintaining these relationships for years to come.”
Prior to his stint with Davidson, Wince spent five seasons as the head wrestling coach and strength & conditioning coach at Forsyth Country Day School in Lewisville, N.C.
While serving as the Head Coach at Forsyth, Wince was named the Piedmont Athletic Conference of Independent Schools (PACIS) Wrestling Coach of the Year, guiding the Furies to a pair of NC Independent School Athletic Association state titles and one state runner-up finish. In three seasons, his wrestlers made 19 appearances in the state finals. Wince also boasts the honor of coaching a three-time Prep National All-American and a two-time Prep National All-American.
Before joining the coaching ranks, Wince attended Gardner Webb University where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education in 2004. Wince was a four year member of Bulldogs wrestling team and finished his senior campaign ranked among the national individual leaders with a 27-5 record. This earned Wince the University’s Male Athlete of the Year and the University’s Outstanding Wrestler Award in 2003 while becoming the first Bulldog athlete to qualify for an NCAA Division I Tournament since the institution changed their division affiliation in 2001.
Wince was elected the USA Wrestling State Chairman for North Carolina in 2011-12. Wince has also served as the national team head coach for the Junior National Duals (2006), Cadet Nationals (2007), and Junior Nationals (2008-10).
What People Are Saying
“I would like to first like to congratulate Erik on being named the Head Wrestling coach at Greensboro College. He truly will be missed here at Davidson. He has been a huge part of our recent success. There is no doubt that he will lead Greensboro College’s wrestling program with great pride and work ethic. We would like to wish him good luck as he conquers this new challenge in his life.” – Bob Patnesky (Head Wrestling Coach Davidson College)
“During his two tenures at Davidson, Erik has been an integral part of the program. Under his guidance, Davidson boasted two NCAA national qualifiers for the first time in school history and his recruiting tactics have brought in athletes that fit the Davidson mold, while helping expand the reach to different parts of the country. He brings a wealth of coaching experience and a tremendous passion for the sport of wrestling. We’re sad to see him go, but wish him the best at Greensboro College.” – Scott Applegate (Associate Athletic Director Davidson College)
“We are excited about Coach Wince’s selection as the first head coach at Greensboro College. His extensive knowledge of wrestling, plus his deep knowledge of North Carolina’s wrestling community will make him a great asset to help launch the Pride wrestling program in the right direction! The North Carolina wrestling world was already buzzing about Greensboro College’s bold decision to add wrestling, and the selection of Coach Wince will only increase the excitement and interest in your new program!” – Ed Duncan (Administrative Director for NCUSA Wrestling)