Wrestling Overview

James Wood

Coach: Greg Walker, 9th season.

Last year: Placed 13th in Group AA; 9th in Region II; 4th in the Northwestern District tournament.

Key losses: Mark Bean, Jaime Walton, Chris Ewing.

Key returnees: Taylor Swartz, Sr., 120; Jimmy Woznak, So. 106; Brandon Walton, Sr., 152; Levi Roy, Sr., 182; Erik Bearer, Sr., 285.

Top newcomers: None mentioned.

Outlook: James Wood is also relying on a lot of freshmen, and is looking at starting five of them. But no matter who’s in the lineup, Walker figures his team will be a threat.

Despite having to forfeit five weight classes at the season-opening Tuscarora Duals because of injuries, weight issues and SATs, James Wood went 2-3 and did not lose a match by more than 12 points — and the 12-point defeat came against Group AAA J.E.B. Stuart.

“We did well,” Walker said. “I think we’ll be a better tournament team than a dual team this year.”

Walker said he’s looking forward to putting his team through the 32-WRAL tournament (sponsored by the local CBS station in Raleigh, N.C. — Sherando will also attend) to give his team a different type of tournament experience.

Come postseason tournament time, Walker said he expects big things from Swartz, Woznak and Bearer. Walker said 120 looks like a loaded class around the state this year, so Swartz — who Walker praised for beating Guthridge in the the third-place match at states last year — will have to work hard to win it all.

“Jimmy [Woznak] might have the best shot to win [a state title], because 106 usually is mostly freshmen,” said Walker of the sophomore, who went 1-2 at the state tournament a year ago. “Last year was Erik Bearer’s first year wrestling, and he was banged up. I think he can be district champion.”