While most students are still asleep, senior Caleb Greenwood is already in the weight room. Before school every morning, he finishes a workout while the school is still quiet, then returns for a two-hour wrestling practice after school. He adds additional training when needed.
This consistency is what earned Caleb the Div. III State Championship in the 150 lb. weight class last season and has made him an all-time leader on the Beachwood wrestling team.
His work ethic began early. Greenwood started wrestling in elementary school, growing up in a household where the sport was discussed on the daily. His father James Greenwood, the team’s head coach, explains that Caleb has always thrived on routine.
“He’s extremely consistent,” Coach Greenwood said. “He eats at the same time, he sleeps at the same time, and follows his training schedule every day. That discipline is why he has a lot of success in wrestling and in life.”
With an outstanding 35-3 record with 19 pins so far this season, Caleb is preparing for the start of the postseason on Saturday, Feb. 28 with Sectional Championships at BHS. Friday, March 6 and Saturday March 7 are District Championships and State Championships scheduled for the weekend of March 13.
The wrestling room has always felt like a second home.
“It’s like a happy place for him,” Coach Greenwood said. “He loves his teammates and he loves to compete.”
His teammate of two years, Adam Hamzah, explains the kind of teammate Caleb is.
“He’s the guy that sets the pace for everyone,” Hamzah said. “He isn’t loud, he just outworks people.”
As Greenwood’s commitment increased, so did the demands of his training. Balancing schoolwork and intense workouts isn’t easy, but Greenwood says discipline makes it possible.
“I make sure to use my time wisely,” he said. “During my study halls, I do my work. After practice, sometimes I stay up late getting my work done instead of watching TV or playing video games.”
That dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed by his teammates, especially during the tough practices.
“When everyone’s tired or stressed, you see him putting in extra work, and it makes you want to keep going,” Hamzah said. “Instead of just doing his own thing after a rough practice a couple weeks ago, he went around and made sure guys were still moving and keeping the intensity up.”
Greenwood reflects on the biggest challenge he faces on the mat and how he is able to overcome it.
“Making weight has been very challenging for me,” he said. “Sometimes I’m a couple pounds over on the day of the meet after already cutting weight that week. I just lean on my teammates to help me through it because it’s a hard thing to do on your own.”
Coach Greenwood praises Caleb’s ability to make changes during a match.
“[Caleb’s] composure in matches is incredible,” he said. “He can adjust in the middle of a match better than almost anyone I’ve seen.”
Even after reaching the top of the podium, Greenwood continues to push himself.
“Even though he’s at the top, he doesn’t settle,” Hamzah said.
While Greenwood is known for his discipline, he also has a lighter side–espcially before matches.
“I always wear goofy socks and pajama pants before a match,” he said. “I’ve got to make sure my socks are all the way pulled up. I’m a little superstitious.”
According to his father, Caleb’s drive has always defined him. Coach Greenwood even recalls a time his son trained through injuries and never missed practice.
Greenwood recognizes how special it is for his dad to be his coach.
“Having my dad as my coach all these years has been very fun,” he said. “When I was growing up, I was always being shown what it takes to be a champ. He has always just pushed me in the right direction.”
Coach Greenwood complements Caleb’s desire to learn.
“He’s incredibly coachable,” he said. “He doesn’t take feedback personally. He listens, thinks about it, and gets better.”
Winning a state title last season didn’t change Caleb’s mindset.
“My goal this year is to get another one,” he said. “I still want it just as much.”
Beyond wins and losses, Greenwood’s calm response to pressure has made him a role model for the rest of his team and younger wrestlers. After tough matches, he reflects and moves forward.
“He’s probably the best captain I’ve ever had,” Coach Greenwood said. “He showed everyone how you’re supposed to respond when things don’t go your way.”
Beyond the mats, Greenwood is known as responsible, kind and mature, the youngest boy in a family of eight. Whether helping teammates or supporting his siblings, his character shows in small moments as much as in big victories.
For Greenwood, success comes down to one simple concept.
“Stay consistent,” he said. “It just takes time.”
And every morning before sunrise, he continues to demonstrate this.
