The Greenwood wrestling team is hoping and preparing for a strong finish to their season, competing for the first time in the new 5A state classification. Since the program’s inception in 2012 the Bulldogs have wrestled on the state level against mostly 6A and 7A schools in Arkansas.
The founder of the GHS program, Head Coach John Kincade has 34 athletes on his wrestling roster this season, but only 14 on the varsity level.
“Our current starters consist of five freshmen, three sophomores, five juniors, and one senior, so the future looks bright” said the ever-optimistic coach of his young squad.
When talking about his top wrestlers this season, Kincade immediately pointed out Ty Moose, Colton Tuck, and senior Dylan Wilson. Tuck and Moose both finished high in the standings at last weekend’s meet in Jenks, Oklahoma.
“Moose is a defending state runner-up,” said his coach. “He was at 120 pounds last year, but he’s at 126 pounds this year.” Moose placed fourth overall at the Jenks Invitational.
Tuck was also a state runner-up in 2018 and has moved from the 132-pound weight class to 145 pounds as he looks to make it back to the championship round. He finished third at Jenks.
Dylan Wilson was injured before last year's state tournament, and was not available to compete, but he captured the state runner-up trophy as a sophomore.
Coach Kincade hopes that experience in the state finals will help propel his top three wrestlers to grab the first place trophy this season in state competition. Greenwood also benefits from dropping down a class in competition.
“We are very excited,” said the coach. “Moving down a class is going to help us tremendously.”
Greenwood has competed well so far this season, knocking off several higher classification schools, including Rogers, Rogers Heritage, Little Rock Central, Bryant, Northside, and Fayetteville.
Kincade believes that facing tough opponents early in the schedule will pay off against their 5A opponents. The 5A Dual State Championship is scheduled for January 26th in Greenbrier.
In the meantime, the Bulldogs are hosting a big meet this week on Thursday night at H.B. Stewart Arena starting at 6 p.m. It’s only the second meet ever held in the basketball arena to accommodate more fans with more comfortable seating and amenities.
All students attending will receive a free slice of pizza, while supplies last. Greenwood’s opponents will be Greenbrier and Lakeside high schools, both among the better 5A wrestling programs in the state. It will also be senior night for the Bulldogs.