After coming back from a 7-0 deficit, Junior Caleb Greenwood won the 150 lb. Div. III state title for wrestling at the Schottenstein Center in Columbus on March 9.

Greenwood notched the majority of his points in the 11-10 victory against South Range’s  Tyson Seesholtz  in the final two minutes of the match, capping a remarkable 46-2 season in which he also took the District title.  

Greenwood explains the importance of believing in his goals and how that helped to steer him towards success at states. 

 “[I stayed focused on] winning it, manifesting my goals and how I wanted to do it,” he said.

Greenwood’s preparation throughout the season was intense.

“I trained hard to make sure my technique was good and that I was mentally ready to win,” he said.

This level of preparation led him to pin every one of his opponents at the District championship on March 2 in Independence. 

Following the District win, he was careful not to become too confident.

“I was happy to win Districts, but I also felt there [was] still more work to be done,” he said.

Greenwood was also concerned about his recovery going into states.

“I felt like my muscles were a little sore,” he said. “I just [wanted] to make sure that I [felt] good [in order to] win states.”

It was also a challenge making weight two weeks back to back.

 “I just made sure I kept my weight low and not let it get out of control,” he said.

Greenwood has been focused on improvement since placing 8th in last year’s state tournament. 

 “Definitely my technique [is] something I was lacking my sophomore year, so improving [that was important] so I [could] finish on higher level guys  and be more competitive,” he said

 “[Also] my strength level, [since] last year… I was a little undersized for 150, so going into this year I felt like one of the bigger guys at 150,” he added. 

Athletic Director Ryan Peters has always been impressed by Greenwood’s tireless work ethic. 

“Caleb is one of the hardest working athletes in the school,” he said. “There are no days off with Caleb. He works out before school, during school, after school, during practice and after practice.” 

Peters has been watching Greenwood wrestle since he was very young.

“Caleb started wrestling in our Beachwood Elite wrestling team when he was in elementary school,” Peters said. “I was the head coach of that program.” 

“In my role as athletic director we will do whatever it takes to help Caleb and the rest of his teammates and coaches have continued success,” he added. “It has been an honor to have a front-seat view of Caleb’s career.” 

In spite of his accomplishments, Greenwood remains extremely humble both on and off the mat. 

“He carries himself with confidence and humility, not arrogance,” Peters said.

There was one  moment at the state tournament that really stood out to Peters.

“At the end of his state championship match, Caleb had just won the biggest wrestling match of his life, and his opponent lost the biggest match of his life,” Peters said. “Immediately after he won, Caleb reached down to his opponent and helped lift him off the mat and showed his support and gratitude for his opponent’s efforts and thanked him.”

As hard as he works, and as successful he is, Greenwood continues to give credit to everyone in his corner. 

“My coaches have been a big part of it,” he said. “They have been with me all season, and they inspire me.” 

“I couldn’t be here without my teammates,” he added. “My teammates have been my rock through all this. “The season gets long, [and] without my teammates I would be nowhere.” 

Greenwood gives a shout out to his long time training partner Aaden Condor as another big influence on his success. 

“He has been my main partner since freshman year, so it’s like we road dogs,” he said. Greenwood explains that his father, Coach James Greenwood, has also been critical to his success. 

“I think it’s cool to have him in my corner,” he said. “He’s very helpful, supports me a lot. I am proud to have him in my corner.” 

In addition to staying humble, Greenwood does not let success ruin his sense of humor, as exhibited by the array of fun socks he wears for matches, ranging from cartoon characters to candy. 

“I just got cool socks when I wrestle,” he said. “Every match I have a different pair of socks on.” 

“At the state finals I was wearing Garfield– I wear Garfeild a lot, but I [also have] sour patch kids and South Park [and many others],” he added.

Greenwood is happy about his wins, but he is already focused on next year. 

“For my senior year of wrestling, I want to go undefeated and win states,” he said. 

Peters wholeheartedly believes in Greenwood and feels confident about next season. 

 “In the wrestling arena, Caleb now has a target on his back since winning the state championship, which is not easy,” he said. “I am confident that Caleb will have an amazing senior year.”