May 22, 2005

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - Former University of North Carolina wrestling coach Bill Lam received the Lifetime Service to Wrestling Award from the State Chapter of North Carolina of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Sunday at the Friday Center.

Lam was one of six North Carolina honorees to receive the award, which is "given in recognition of years of dedication to the development of leadership and citizenship in young people through the sport of wrestling," according to the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.

Lam retired from North Carolina in 2003 after 30 years as head wrestling coach. He won 15 Atlantic Coast Conference titles and was a 10-time league coach of the year. Lam mentored five NCAA champions, 37 All-Americas and 93 ACC champions. He posted a 378-131-4 career record and was named national coach of the year in 1982.

"Bill Lam has left a strong legacy here at UNC and throughout the state," said current UNC head coach C.D. Mock, who won a national title under Lam in 1982. "His influence on the sport of wrestling in the state of North Carolina is hard to measure. His belief in me was the primary reason I came to UNC as a wrestler, and I learned a tremendous amount from him as his assistant coach for three years. I consider him a mentor and friend. His influence on countless young men who have passed through this great University is eternal. This recognition is a well-deserved honor."