Dorchester District 4 marked a monumental step forward in athletics with the debut of its first-ever wrestling programs at Woodland Middle School (WMS) and Woodland High School (WHS). After nearly a year and a half of preparation, the district launched its wrestling initiatives this season, with both teams practicing at the old St. George Middle School gymnasium. The program has been a significant milestone for the district, offering student-athletes a new avenue to excel in sports while fostering discipline, resilience, and teamwork. With just a few weeks of practice under their belts, both teams have already showcased their potential.
Wrestling is new to much of the DD4 community, requiring a learning curve for athletes, coaches, and spectators. The scoring system, in particular, is a fresh concept for many. Here’s a simplified explanation of how it works:
Individual Matches: Matches consist of three two-minute periods. Wrestlers aim to score points through moves like takedowns (2 points), escapes (1 point), and reversals (2 points). A match can end early via a pin (fall), technical fall, injury default, or disqualification.
Team Scoring in Dual Meets: Team points are earned based on individual match outcomes. Wrestlers can secure 3 to 6 team points depending on how they win. For example, a pin earns 6 points, while a narrow decision victory adds 3 points.
Wrestlers begin in either the neutral position (on their feet) or referee’s position (one wrestler on hands and knees, the other on top). From these positions, they execute moves to gain control, escape, or pin their opponent.
On Tuesday, December 11, the WMS Wolves competed in their inaugural match against the Oakbrook Eagles. Though the Wolves have yet to fill all their weight classes, leaving them at a disadvantage with forfeited points, they gave a strong performance. Despite the lack of experience, the team managed to score 21 points. However, the seasoned Eagles edged them out with a 33-21 victory. The team, led by Head Coach Keith Scarf and Assistant Coaches Carlos Horne, Sara Jayne and James McClellan, is actively recruiting students, particularly in the lower weight classes, to round out their roster.
The next evening, December 12, history was made again as the WHS Wolverines hosted their first-ever wrestling match in front of an enthusiastic crowd. While the team is still building its roster, with boys filling higher weight classes and girls competing in the lighter divisions, the Wolverines impressed spectators with several wins by pins and decisions. Despite their efforts, the more experienced Timberland Wolves secured a 45-33 victory. Coach Keith Scharf noted the immense potential in the team, expressing optimism for their growth and success in the coming seasons.
Spectators from the wrestling community beyond DD4 attended both matches, eager to see the district’s progress. The enthusiasm and support from students, parents, and coaches signal a bright future for wrestling in Dorchester District 4. The WMS Wolves and WHS Wolverines, driven by their dedicated coaching staff, are already hard at work preparing for their next challenge at Northwoods Academy tomorrow for a tournament style meet. As recruitment efforts continue and the teams gain experience, the excitement surrounding DD4 wrestling is undeniable.
Both teams’ performances in their first matches demonstrated that this program is more than just a new athletic endeavor—it's a movement, building a foundation for success and pride within the district.