April 6, 2001

T.J. Jaworsky will pursue other coaching opportunities and has decided not to return for his seventh year as assistant wrestling coach at the University of North Carolina, head coach Bill Lam announced today.

Jaworsky is the most decorated wrestler in UNC and Atlantic Coast Conference history. The Edmond, Okla., native transferred from Oklahoma State to UNC in 1992 and won NCAA titles at 134 pounds in 1993, 1994 and 1995. The 1994 title was won in Chapel Hill at the Smith Center when UNC played host to the national championship.

"I've had a great experience at Carolina, as a student, wrestler and coach, but it is time for me to move on and pursue my ultimate goal of becoming a head coach," says Jaworsky. "I've had the opportunity to learn a great deal about running a major college program, but it is in my best interest to continue that learning process elsewhere. I am extremely proud to be part of the seven ACC titles we won here."

Jaworsky won three individual ACC titles, led the Tar Heels to three ACC team titles as a competitor and four more as an assistant coach. In 1995, he posted a 38-0 record and was named National Wrestler of the Year and Most Outstanding Wrestler at the NCAA Tournament. He was 110-5 in his three seasons at Carolina.

"T.J. is not only the finest wrestler in UNC history, he is an excellent coach," says Lam. "I am confident he will soon become an outstanding head coach. We wish him nothing but the best as he continues on in his coaching career."