Woodward Builds a Family and a Contender in East Lansing Wrestling Program

East Lansing High School Wrestling Coach Thomas Woodward has overseen tremendous growth of the Trojans’ wrestling program during his eight years at the helm, expanding a program that had a handful of athletes to dozens.

In a sport where wins and losses can be determined by how athletes take care of themselves off the mat, along with their performance during matches, Woodward takes pride in aiding the development of teenagers who will soon enter adulthood.

“They do nothing but exceed my expectations,” Woodward said. “From learning how to deal with a sport where your body is gonna hurt, to learning how to eat healthy and maintain your energy.”

The wrestling program has progressed since Woodward’s arrival. After starting with only a few athletes, the team has grown to almost 40 members, established the high school’s first girls team and boasts athletes on track to wrestle at the collegiate level.

When Woodward started, the team lacked depth and resources. Woodward worked hard to build interest in wrestling, and along with student athletes and their parents, has held fundraisers to increase the program’s resources. 

“We didn’t walk into a situation where there was a lot of equipment or a wrestling room, so everything we have is earned,” Woodward said.

This season, the team has a chance to send more wrestlers to the state tournament than any other year during Woodward’s tenure. The coach is especially proud of the effort and discipline that goes into earning that.

“I want the team to feel like a family. When you’re going through things like blood, sweat, and tears, it really helps if you’ve got somebody next to you going through the same thing,” he said.

He appreciates that the roster has grown over the years, and likes the energy and competitiveness of practices much more when the team is bigger.

Last year, Trojan wrestling was able to start a girls team. Three years ago, a few freshman girls practiced on the same team as the boys, making a commitment to wrestle through the rest of their high school career on their own team.

Now, the girls have taken recruiting into their own hands.

“We have girls come mid-season and say ‘Hey, I want to come and watch practice.’ I think there were five or six girls who actually came out in the beginning,” Woodward said.

Committing to the girls team was a success. Under the leadership of Coach Kamyab Kamali, the girls team recently finished second place in a tournament at Hemlock with 22 teams – the Trojan girls’ first top three finish in program history. 

“It’s a new thing, and to have that success, it puts a smile on your face. We might have something here, this might be something special,” said Woodward.

Additionally, wrestler Mya Terranova reached a career milestone by picking up her 50th career victory earlier this season.

Woodward appreciates the support the Trojans have received at tournaments. At their Senior Night, friends, family and fans packed the bleachers. Some fans even brought signs encouraging East Lansing wrestlers.

“I’ve never seen that many people at an East Lansing wrestling tournament,” he said.

As the team navigates the rest of the season, Woodward hopes his athletes recognize the progress they’ve made individually and as a team.

“It brings out a lot of yourself. Seeing how they stand up for themselves and how their heads are held high in the hallway. . . that’s great,” he said.

Woodward sees wrestling as a way to prepare for life after high school, and sees it play out in the personal development of many of his wrestlers. He’s also glad to see increased local interest in Trojan wrestling. 

“We belong in the wrestling community. We belong in the East Lansing sports community,” Woodward said.