Two-time NCAA champion Nick Gwiazdowski won matches in locations all over New York during his high school career and tallied many more victories in the Empire State in college.

But the North Carolina State standout has never taken the mat at Madison Square Garden. That will change on Thursday as the top seed at heavyweight begins his march toward a third consecutive title at the NCAA tournament in New York City.

"It's nice to be in my home state," the former Duanesburg High School and Journeymen Wrestling star said. "It's just more motivation to have friends and family there at my last time wrestling in college. It will be really cool to be at one of the most historic arenas in the country."