Wellesley Athlete of the Week: Wrestling’s Paul Woods

Wellesley Athlete of the Week is made possible with sponsorship support from Deland, Gibson Insurance. The family-owned and operated business has carried on this Wellesley tradition for over 30 years.

Athlete of the Week: Paul Woods

Sport: Wrestling (a senior and starter at 138 lbs.)

When & how you got involved in this sport: I was introduced to wrestling by the father of a friend. He was a former wrestler and thought I would enjoy it. He was right.

What you love most about this sport: I love that wrestling is a team sport but when you step onto the mat, it’s about you and your opponent.

Pre-game ritual: I hydrate and eat a full stack of rice cakes.

Top goal for this season: I want to stay healthy and progress to and perform well in the New England Championship.

Thoughts about this year’s team: We have a very young and talented team; our Freshman, Sophomore and Junior wrestlers are performing well. I look forward to watching the team grow over the next few years.

An accomplishment that you’re especially proud of: I am relatively new to the sport of wrestling and late season injuries kept me from wrestling in the Sectional Tournament last year; however, I have continued to gain experience and hope to perform well this post season.

An inspiring story related to your involvement in the sport/this team: I am boring.

Interests outside of your sport: I enjoy a broad mix of outdoor activities and love to spend time at the beach.

What other sports do you play, if any? Ninja—think the TV show American Ninja Warrior. I am a former World Ninja League (WNL) Champion.

Coach Chris Sywetz on Paul Woods:  Paul has recently returned to the lineup after taking some time to recover from an injury he sustained this summer while wrestling. He has made an instant impact on the Raiders lineup. Paul was a perfect 5-0 last week helping the Raiders secure 4 team victories, improving their overall record to 12-10. Paul looks forward to competing in the postseason and is projected to finish top 6 in the state in hopes of wrestling in the New England Championships.  Paul is undecided on where he will be going to school next year but where he ends up HE WILL BE WRESTLING.  If you are a college coach and are looking for an extremely mature and intelligent young man who can learn moves faster than most and has the work ethic of an olympic champion, Paul Woods is the guy you are looking for.  

(Athletes of the Week are nominated by their coaches.)