Athlete Spotlight: James Wood wrestler James Battulga

James Wood High School 16-year-old junior

Sport: Wrestling. Weight class: 150 pounds

Parent: Battulga Gur

Hometown: Charles Town, W.Va. (moved to Winchester three years ago)

What do you love about wrestling?: Winning matches and getting better every day.

Most memorable moment in wrestling: Making it to the semifinals at states last year. (Battulga competed at 138 pounds and ultimately placed fourth in Class 4.) At districts and regionals, I just dominated everyone.

Most embarrassing moment in wrestling: I got tech-falled by the ranked No. 17 kid (nationally) at a tournament in West Virginia. I just got ragdolled.

Most difficult moment in wrestling: Cutting weight. Not eating for a couple of days, practicing hard, pushing the limits [to make weight] is difficult.

Three people you can have dinner with, dead or alive: Lana Del Ray; she’s a really good singer. [Olympic gold medalist] David Taylor; he’s one of my favorite wrestlers. And [Handley wrestler] Alex Sardelis; he’s my best friend. We play Fortnite together, have a good bond, and he’s a good training partner [with Red Lion Wrestling Club in Winchester].

Biggest athletic influence: David Taylor. I’ve watched him a lot and I get my wrestling moves from him. He’s really pushed me.

Favorite teacher: Ms. [Carrie] Stephanites, my biology teacher last year. She was really nice. She knew a lot about wrestling and supported me.

Favorite athlete: [Penn State wrestler and Hagerstown, Md. native] Aaron Brooks

Favorite team: Philadelphia Eagles

Favorite movie: “The Irishman”

Favorite TV show: “Narcos”

Favorite song: “Russian Cream” by Key Glock

Favorite food: Chicken Alfredo. I like it homemade or from Olive Garden.

Worst thing you’ve ever eaten: Sushi

Plans after high school: I want to wrestle in college and major in computer science. I like computers, and computer science has a good salary.

— Compiled by Robert Niedzwiecki