Head Coach John Kincade and his team of Bulldogs' wrestlers are preparing for the start of the program's fourth season this weekend by participating in a dual team tournament at Van Buren on Friday and Saturday. Greenwood's first home meet will be Thursday, December 17th, when the Bulldogs host Checotah (OK), Russellville, and Van Buren.
Coach Kincade is optimistic about his team, despite losing several key members of last year's squad to graduation, including three-time state champ Taylor Compton. Last season the Bulldogs finished eighth overall in the state and second in Class 6A behind Searcy. Kincade is assisted by David Tuck, and the two coaches have 19 athletes out for the team.
"We don't have a lot of depth, but we have quality wrestlers," said Kincade. "We return two state placers. Jon Womack finished 6th at state last year at heavyweight as a freshman. Dustin Williams finished 3rd at state last year at 120 pounds, 4th at state as a sophomore, and 6th at state as a freshman." Williams was also named All-State last February.
"The newcomer this year is Dylan Wilson, who is a freshman [and] a four-time youth state champion," said the coach. "We start the season this weekend at Van Buren with half the team. I'll have football players next week after a week of rest."
The following athletes have committed to wrestle this season, including three freshman, Aaron East, Isaac Johnson and Dylan Wilson, along with sophomores Jacob Dewey, Matthew Smith, Jon Womack, and Kenny Wood.
Upperclassman include juniors Jacob Barker, Austin Collins, Donald Faulkenberry, Braxton Horne, Wade Motley, James Shoemake, and seniors Bryce Allen, Jadrien Flores, Alex Nolen, Bailey Rodgers, Clay Watts, and Dustin Williams.
Team managers include Dustie Cummings, Kaitlyn Mixon, Mikayla Steel, and Emily Tuck.