Carolina Wrestling's New Look
Carolina Wrestling unveiled renovated locker and weight rooms, and the newly named Bill Lam Wrestling Room.
By Katie Sweet // September 26, 2025
Wrestling has a tradition of discipline and grit. Carolina Wrestling has a tradition of discipline, grit and excellence. Tucked into Fetzer gym is a space where determination meets dedication, a space where champions train, a space where young men literally go to the mat for Carolina.
Last week, that space unveiled a makeover fitting to the Carolina Wrestling family.
Thanks to the generosity of alumni, parents, and friends, Carolina Wrestling unveiled renovated locker and weight rooms, and the newly named Bill Lam Wrestling Room, honoring the legendary coach who led the program for 30 years. The updates continue a tradition of excellence.
BUILT FOR CHAMPIONS
Coach Bill Lam led the wrestling program from 1973 to 2003, compiling a whopping 378 dual meet wins, the most in ACC history. Under his leadership, the Tar Heels claimed 15 ACC team titles and produced five NCAA champions.
“This is an unbelievable honor,” said Lam. “I’m so thankful to [Coach] Rob Koll and The Rams Club. Having the workout room named for me is meaningful because of all the thousands of hours we put in there, a place where our athletes poured out their hearts with all the hard work it takes to be champions.”
Lam did more than simply coach student-athletes. He built young men into generous leaders.
“Coach Lam is proud of all the guys he’s coached,” said Carter Mario, a former wrestler and class of 1980. “Next to my Dad, he has had the biggest impact on my life and a lot of what he taught me – hard work, effort, discipline, and resiliency – has been key to any success I have had. Naming the new wrestling room in honor of Coach Lam was an opportunity I couldn’t pass on.”
Mario’s gift, alongside contributions from others, helped transform the wrestling space.
UPDATED FACILITIES, CONTINUED TRADITION
As part of the facility upgrades, a renovated weight room was revealed, supported by former Tar Heel Spencer Nadolsky, who competed from 2004 to 2007.
“Much of my ability on the mat came from my hard work in the gym,” said Nadolsky, now a physician. “As someone who promotes exercise for health, I hope future UNC wrestlers improve their ability using this gym while also learning how exercise can keep them healthy for years after wrestling.”
For Coach Koll, now in his third season, the facility is more than just bricks, mats, and weights. It’s a symbol of commitment, excellence, and what it means to be part of the Carolina Wrestling family.
“I am profoundly grateful to our generous donors whose unwavering support has made this vision a reality,” said Koll, who wrestled under Lam and won an NCAA title at 158 pounds in 1988.
PRIDE IN CAROLINA
The unveiling of the renovated space married the past, present, and future, highlighting the successes seen, as well as the vision for the program and the role that facilities play in training, recruiting, and continued success.
Laura Stein and Sam Goldfeder, parents of 2023 graduate and former Tar Heel wrestler Michael Goldfeder, were among those who made this dream a reality by supporting the locker room renovations.
“We are proud wrestling parents,” they shared. “Because of Coach Koll’s passion and guidance, we were afforded the opportunity to make a lasting difference for the wrestlers of Carolina. The quality of the facilities is a reflection of pride, and we wanted to show more pride in Carolina. Go Heels!”
HONORING THE PAST, GROWING THE FUTURE
The transformation of the wrestling facilities is a commitment that honors the student-athletes of yesterday, today, and tomorrow. It is also a nod to the dedication of Coach Lam and Coach Koll. Their influence has shaped so many and will continue to do so.
From the mat to the weight room, one thing is clear: Carolina Wrestling was built by determined leaders and will continue to produce champions.
