The Daily Tar Heel
HADDAD
from page 1
about North Carolina’s 6-foot-2,
240-pound heavyweight wrestler
in any media guide. It’s just who
he is.
Haddad spent his high school
years at Bethlehem Catholic in
Pennsylvania where his father,
Tarik, coached football.
“My father was the catalyst in
everything I’ve done up to this point,”
Haddad said. “He’s been my biggest
supporter, my biggest fan and he’s
also been my biggest critic.
“He always calls a spade a spade
and I couldn’t ask for anything
more from a father.”
Haddad started under his father
for three years and wrestled through-
out high school, but it wasn’t until his
junior year that he had something
special with wrestling.
Wrestling was his ticket.
A full season of tirelessly prac-
ticing placed Haddad in the state
finals match as a junior. Twenty-
eight seconds later, Haddad was
the state runner-up.
“I worked so hard and wanted it
so bad and knew in my heart that
I was going to achieve that dream,”
Haddad said. “And then when I got
pinned in 28 seconds, I wanted
answers.”
But there weren’t any — not at
first.
“There was only one person that
I could ask for answers why, and
that was the Lord,” Haddad said.
“It was at that moment that I said,
‘OK, God, I’m going to praise you
in this storm.’ From that moment
on, I became a man of faith.”
One year later, Haddad’s answer
was validated. He won both the
state and national championship.
Recruitment process
Haddad had a horde of serious
offers from schools like Indiana,
Oklahoma State and Michigan.
North Carolina isn’t a tradi-
tional wrestling powerhouse. It
isn’t the Iowa of the South, and
when Haddad spoke to UNC coach
C.D. Mock, the prized recruit was
staring at a large part of the pro-
gram’s history. Haddad saw himself
becoming a part of that history.
As UNC’s first wrestling national
champion in 1982, Mock inspired
Haddad to believe that he could
once again become a national
champion at North Carolina.
“I believed that from the minute
I signed the paper,” Haddad said.
During his redshirt season, he
quickly learned that collegiate
wrestling was no simple task. It
took Haddad nearly two months to
record his first takedown, a profi-
ciency he mastered in high school.
“I think a lot of Z’s problems had
to do with the fact that he wasn’t
used to getting worked in practice,”
Mock said. “That’s hard to swallow
if you’re not ready for that.”
Friend in food
Craig Samuels first met Haddad
when the redshirt freshman walked
into Franklin Street Pizza & Pasta,
which Samuels owns. A long-time
supporter of UNC’s wrestling team
and a wrestling coach at Culbreth
Middle School, Samuels befriended
Haddad.
The restaurant became one of
Haddad’s favorites for a number
of reasons. He enjoyed every-
thing from its signature penne in
a pink basil sauce to his talks with
Samuels about wrestling and life.
What Haddad orders isn’t on
the menu. It’s called “the usual.” By
now, the employees know exactly
The Daily Tar Heel
RELIGIOUS
DIRECTORY
From Page One thursday, february 18, 2010 13
what that entails. A garden salad,
the penne with pink basil sauce, a
serious thought because “you don’t
get do-overs.”
MEDLIN week because he believes it will be
especially prominent next year. nursing home
from page 1
slice of Sicilian pizza and the occa- “When I sent him home in Eventually, Medlin said he hopes from page 1
sional Philly cheesesteak for that the summer, I started recruiting Some members of the Board of to hold several town hall meetings tect some residents from abuse.
familiar taste from home. It totals another heavyweight,” Mock said. Trustees have expressed concern that to allow students to voice their con- Also, the home failed to make sure
$22.45. “I just didn’t know.” UNC’s tuition increases were too low cerns about tuition. it was free of dangers that could
“I’ve never actually seen a in light of budget problems. “I don’t like the idea of closed cause accidents, reports state.
human being eat as much as he The turnaround After voting unanimously for door conversations about tuition,” The statement from nursing home
does,” Samuels said. “He used to a 5.2 percent tuition increase this Medlin said. regulators says they have been in
order, well, still does, like three That summer, Haddad took past year, trustees said UNC was Along with outlining his vision contact with local law enforcement,
main courses and I’m like, ‘This three classes. Like wrestling, it was too resistant to higher tuition hikes. for next year’s tuition process, county Adult Protective Services and
guy can’t finish this food, no way.’ go hard or go home, except literally The board voted on that increase Medlin said he will spend the com- management at Britthaven.
And I look up, and all the plates this time. on the same day the University of ing months understanding his role It is not yet clear how many
are empty.” It was during that time, while California system raised tuition by as leader of the student body. patients were involved, Horton
Often Samuels and his eighth- searching for inspiration, that his an unprecedented 32 percent. Jones said the transition period said. Some went to UNC Hospitals,
grade son Jake, a 119-pound wrestler uncle told him, “People love and The student body president is one is a time for the president-elect to he said.
at Culbreth, attend UNC wrestling respect a man who rises from the of two chairmen on the tuition and acquaint himself with the role. UNC Hospitals could not pro-
matches to support the team and ashes.” fee advisory task force, which sends But Medlin said he will focus vide additional information about
Haddad, who has offered Samuels That was all he needed. fee proposals to the chancellor, who mostly on understanding the charac- the event because of patient con-
and his son wrestling advice. “I really had to dig deep and then makes a recommendation to ter of Jones’ relationships with other fidentiality laws, spokesman Tom
“We have that sort of relation- find my faith and continue to pray the Board of Trustees. The president student leaders and administrators. Hughes said.
ship where Craig can open up to throughout the storm,” Haddad said. is also the sole student representa- “Until she walks out of that The nursing home’s parent com-
me and ask me for help when it “That was a point in my life where I tive on the Board of Trustees. office, I’m going to be picking her pany, Britthaven Inc., has more
comes up because, you know, I was didn’t know which way was up.” Medlin — who said he is inter- brain,” he said. than 40 locations across the state.
there once,” Haddad said. “I was an Haddad, with the help and sup- ested in a transparent process and
eighth-grade wrestler.” port of his family, earned two A’s affordable tuition — said he will Contact the University Editor Contact the City Editor
This year, when Jake wrestled and an A- to boost his GPA above begin working on the issue next at udesk@unc.edu. at citydesk@unc.edu.
a rematch against the only oppo- the minimum for eligibility.
nent who had beaten him, Haddad Still, it would be a long process. Pride and zombies
gave Samuels advice to pass along Returning in the fall semester, The creators of a Jane Austen
to him. Ferguson found himself in anoth- classic’s mashup spoke on campus
“I just said to him, ‘Every time
you step out on the mat nerves are
er math class with Haddad. It was
déjà vu for Ferguson, but a redemp-
games Wednesday. See pg. 3 for story.
a part of everything. Nerves are a tion opportunity for Haddad. Voting troubles
© 2009 The Mepham Group. All rights reserved.
part of your life and everything you “I was like, ‘I’ll help you out, but
do in every aspect of life.’” if I feel like you’re using me to get Level: 1 2 3 4 Orange County officials worry
about the closing of two early voting
the work done and you’re not using
sites. See pg. 4 for story.
Classroom struggles me as an aid to help you learn, I’m
Complete the grid
going to stop helping you right then
so each row, column Football time
Not too far into the spring and there,’” Ferguson said. and 3-by-3 box (in
semester, open wrestling tourna- In addition, Haddad worked bold borders) con- UNC-Charlotte gained Board of
ments wrapped up and Haddad with senior associate athletic direc- tains every digit 1 Governor’s approval for a football
was a free man — free from his tors John Blanchard, Beth Miller to 9. team. See pg. 11 for story.
time-consuming commitments to and Larry Gallo, Jr.
the wrestling team and free to do All three directors spent time Solution to
Bridging a gap
what he wanted. making sure Haddad would be eli- Wednesday’s puzzle
Without the structure and gible and tracking down Haddad’s The UNC system is reviewing
competition of wrestling, Haddad teachers to stress that his final several schools’ Summer Bridge
stagnated. grades were submitted in time for programs. See pg. 12 for story.
At first, sophomore Thomas him to rejoin the team for its tour-
Ferguson noticed his teammate nament in Reno, Nev., on Dec. 20. Changes coming
hadn’t been coming to their math With one challenge out of the
UNC is set to begin a year-long
class. way, Haddad can move to the next. review of its curriculum next week.
“I knew he was a freshman, he He is 11-5 this season since rejoining
Go online for story.
was probably caught up in the the lineup and is climbing the ranks
things freshmen get caught up in,” at No. 21 in the country, according
Ferguson said. to WrestlingReport.com.
Ferguson te xted Haddad, “I needed that same strength
encouraging him to come to class that I needed to get back up and
despite math being “his thing.” pick myself back up after I got
Haddad didn’ t listen and pinned in 28 seconds, to get up and
Ferguson reached out again, offer- pick myself back up from the 0.6,”
ing to help Haddad with his home- Haddad said.
work and studying if he would come It wasn’t fairy-tale perfect, but
to class, but when Haddad didn’t perhaps it’s better that way.
show, Ferguson stopped trying. Haddad emerged victorious
The result for Haddad was a 0.6 from the tribulations like the famil-
Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle
(C)2010 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
GPA for the semester. iar image he displays when winning All rights reserved.
“I was in a dark place my fresh- a match — arms raised high and a
man year second semester,” Haddad smile that reached higher. Across 59 Savings plan for later yrs. 16 Persistently bothered can follow each half of the
said. “I lost focus. And, when I lost “I’m loving where I’m at,” 1 One might read “Mom,” 60 Larger-life link 21 Love personified answers to starred clues
focus, I mean, I lost focus. I hit Haddad said. “I love and I enjoy for short 61 Do over 23 Corporate rule 43 Word-for-word
4 Core training muscles 62 Indian bread 25 One treating 44 Either 2 in 2 + 2 = 4, in
rock bottom. When that semester waking up everyday and going to 7 Old jet set jet, briefly 63 Part of CBS: Abbr. 28 Number of Sinbad’s math
was over, I was just sitting there work out and doing the things that 10 “Cheers” bartender 64 Hi-__ graphics voyages 46 Street boss?
saying, ‘I possibly could’ve just I’m supposed to be doing.” 13 Green opening 65 Bean holder 29 Nautical “Hold it!” 48 Like most wheelchair-
14 Pained expression 66 Antiquity, once 32 Advanced exams accessible entrances
ruined my life.’” 50 “Inferno” author
16 Trac II successor 34 Australian exports
Haddad’s cumulative GPA Contact the Sports Editor at 17 H-1 in HI, e.g.: Abbr. Down 35 More lit 51 Reindeer caretakers,
dropped to 1.2, below what he sports@unc.edu. 18 Dye, usually 1 Cookout site 36 Lynx family members traditionally
needed to be eligible to wrestle. 19 Docile 2 Responded to, as a 37 Lawlessness 54 River dam
20 Do a cobbler’s work stoolie’s tip 38 Ladies of Spain 55 Explorer Hernando de __
Haddad wasn’t allowed to compete 41 Indian garb 58 Thighs, at times
22 *In the netherworld 3 *Climber’s support
in what would have been his first 24 Think the world of 4 Concurs 42 Bettor’s concern, which
semester on the team. 25 Pocket protector contents 5 Songwriter Jacques
Mock wrote Haddad a letter 26 Clinton was one 6 Incite to pounce (on)
telling him that he still had a great 27 Ginormous 7 Bun-making site
29 Lets out, maybe 8 Tugs’ burdens
opportunity and to give it some 30 Some defensive linemen 9 Shore flier
31 Storm part 10 Delayed
32 Eggs, to Agrippa 11 Large wardrobe
33 Lions, on a scoreboard 12 Star of “I’m No Angel”
34 *Use bank “protection” (1933)
36 Hist. majors’ degrees 15 Builder of tiny cities
39 Allotment word
Take 15/501 South towards Pittsboro
Exit Market St. / Southern Village 40 Coll. dorm overseers
41 1944 invasion city
Percy Jackson: LIGHTNING THIEF I ...1:15-4:00-7:15-9:45 45 Like some bands
VALENTINE’S DAY J . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1:10-4:05-7:10-9:50 47 Super trendy
49 Hackneyed
THE WOLFMAN K . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12:45-2:55-5:05-7:25-9:40 50 Lairs
52 Sharp-crested ridge
DEAR JOHN J . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1:20-4:10-7:20-9:45 53 *Place where a driver
UP IN THE AIR K . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:25-4:15-7:05-9:35 may be required to
All shows $6.50 for college students with ID stop
55 Cheshire Cat, notably
Bargain
Matinees 56 Bat head?
$6.50 57 Wrap up
DTH CLASSIFIEDS The Daily Tar Heel
No matter who you are,
or where you are on life’s journey,
You Are Welcome Here.
UNITED CHURCH OF CHAPEL HILL
1321 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
www.unitedchurch.org
919-942-3540
10:30 Sunday Worship Email Jenny Schultz:
North Chatham School • 3380 Lystra Rd. JShultz@unitedchurch.org for info on
College & Young Adults at UCCH.
www.citppc.org • 960-0616
Worship: Sundays at 8:45am, 11am
Come as you are. Education Classes: 10am
You are welcome here. To believe is to care, to care is to do...
Equipping
Passionately
Devoted
Followers of
Jesus Christ
...a new church plant
Contemporary
Are You Interested? Worship: in downtown Chapel Hill
Sunday Sundays at 5pm
WEEKLY LARGE GROUP 11am www.greenleafvineyard.org
Tuesday 8pm @ Murphey 116 “Encounter” - Dinner & Discussion on Sunday Nights North Carolina Hillel 919-360-4320
Coffee Shop Sessions Fridays at 2pm 210 W. Cameron Ave. • 919-942-4057
Contact Daniel Mason: 201 Culbreth Rd. • Chapel Hill RSVP for Shabbat and more at Honor God. Love the
dmason@ruf.org 919-967-3056 • www.hillsong.org www.nchillel.org Community. Live like Family.
You’re Invited...
Sunday 10 am
Welcome!
To the Chapel Hill
Evergreen
United Methodist Church Christian Science
Rev. Donna Banks, Pastor Church
Third Watch Band
US 15-501, N Chatham County
CSChapelHill.org
5:15pm,
(south of Cole Park Plaza) 9am, 11am & Student Mass at 7pm CSSentinel.org
919-968-0198
Place a Classified: www.dailytarheel.com/classifieds or Call 919-962-0252