Sport: Wrestling. Weight class: 215 pounds
Parents: Kristina and Joe Cox
Hometown: Winchester
What do you love about wrestling?: I love the fact that I get to go out there and just practice as hard as a I can every day, and put everything I have out on the mat.
Most memorable moment in wrestling: When I qualified for Fargo Nationals at Virginia Freestyle States at 190 pounds. That was two years ago. I just went out there, knew I had nothing to lose, put everything I could into every match, and made it to the finals.
Most embarrassing moment in wrestling: When I went to regionals my sophomore year, and I had to wrestle the No. 16 [wrestler] in the country at the time. He spladled me (a cross between a split-leg and cradle move), and it got posted on Virginia Wrestling and SpladleCity [online]. (Kingsley Menifee of Fauquier, who now wrestles for Morgan State, won the 190-pound match by fall in 58 seconds.)
Most difficult moment in wrestling: Last year, when I didn’t make it to states. I hit my head at regionals in my my third match of the day and couldn’t wrestle the same the rest of the day. My last two matches were affected by the hit. (Cox won his third match but lost his last two bouts at 190 to take sixth place.)
Three people you can have dinner with, dead or alive: Freddie Mercury; he’s my favorite music artist of all time. My grandma Letty; she passed away when I was really young and I never really got to talk to her and know her too well. And [Washington Commanders quarterback] Jayden Daniels; he’s an amazing football player and all around, he seems like a pretty good person.
Biggest athletic influence: My dad. He’s always there for me. He pushes me to the best wrestler I can be and keeps me motivated.
Favorite teacher: My seventh-grade science teacher at Frederick County Middle, Mr. [Christopher] Bosse. He had a different style of teaching. He had us basically teach ourselves through project-based learning. He was an amazing guy. He was funny. He helped us whenever we needed help.
Favorite athlete: Jayden Daniels
Favorite team: Washington Commanders
Favorite movie: “Coco”
Favorite TV show: “Stranger Things”
Favorite song: “Basket Case” by Green Day
Favorite food: General Tso’s chicken with lo mein. I like it at China Garden on Sunnyside Plaza.
Worst thing you’ve eaten: Brussels sprouts or fish.
Plans after high school: I’m planning to go to [James Madison] to study kinesiology. I’m really good at learning about the human body, and I understand it very well. I want to incorporate that into my future job of either physical therapy, occupational therapy or athletic training.
— Compiled by Robert Niedzwiecki