ROCKINGHAM — Joey Nicholson always knew where he wanted to continue his athletic and academic career, and the Richmond Senior High School wrestler made it official this week.
After concluding an illustrious four-year career with the Raiders, and becoming the program’s all-time wins leader with 151 victories, Nicholson announced he will be competing at the college level as a UNC-Pembroke Brave.
“It feels amazing to be a part of Brave Nation and being able to continue my studies and wrestling career,” Nicholson said.
“I chose UNCP because it’s not far from home and it’s a nice environment,” he continued. “Their wrestling team is outstanding.”
After receiving his acceptance letter from Pembroke, Nicholson was able to sign his National Letter of Intent on Wednesday. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, his father and high school coach Earl Nicholson, said it was a “slow process.”
Unlike most signings, which would have taken place in Richmond’s media center with family members, teammates and coaching staff members, Joey Nicholson was able to sign with the Braves virtually to make his future official.
During most of his career as a Raider, Nicholson wrestled in the 113 and 120-pound weight classes, but intends on making the jump to the 125-pound division for the Braves this coming winter.
In one of the first matches of his senior season at Richmond, Nicholson broke the Raider program’s all-time wins record on his home mat. Facing Fairmont High School’s Anydrean Cromartie in the Raider Rumble, Nicholson pinned him in the first round to secure win No. 119.
That victory put him atop the list for the most by a single wrestler in Richmond’s 47-year history, surpassing former leader Joshua Pryce. He added 32 more victories throughout the season, and made his first appearance at the NCHSAA 4A individual state tournament.
Now Nicholson hopes to carry that drive and momentum with him when he suits up for the Braves during his freshman season.
“I hope to be in the starting lineup,” he remarked as one of his goals. “I’d also like to make the national tournament.
“I’m so excited to get to go to college and feel the college experience,” he added. “I’m excited to get to train at a higher level, improve my skill and hopefully get stronger.”
Nicholson plans to study sports medicine and hopes to earn his bachelor and master’s degrees while at UNC-Pembroke.
