Josh’s Sights are set on defending his National Title & Winning the Prestigious Hodge Trophy
Josh Wilson, a senior at Greensboro College and a proud North Carolina wrestler, is on a mission to cap off his collegiate wrestling career in historic fashion, representing North Carolina on the college wrestling stage. As the defending national champion at 141lbs, Josh has his eyes set on a repeat title and the prestigious Hodge Trophy, wrestling’s equivalent to the Heisman. Representing North Carolina wrestling on the national stage, Josh embodies the determination and excellence that define our state’s athletes, showcasing North Carolina wrestling pride.
Josh’s Wrestling Beginnings
Josh’s wrestling journey began in an unexpected place: his science classroom. It was there that his teacher, Coach Goergavich, introduced him to wrestling. “At the time I was doing taekwondo,” Josh recalls. “He invited me to a practice, taught me a blast double, and then it was on from there.” From those early days, Josh’s passion for the sport grew, culminating in a standout high school career at Southeast Guilford. However, it was a loss in the state finals during his senior year that truly shaped him. “It taught me that you could do everything right, but things might not go your way. It made me hungrier to achieve more,” he shares.
Choosing Greensboro College
Josh’s decision to continue his wrestling journey in college was both practical and personal. “I chose Greensboro College because it was close to home and I was offered a full academic scholarship for all my years of college, leaving me with no student loan debt,” he explains. The move allowed him to stay connected to his family while pursuing his academic and athletic dreams, and it has proven to be a perfect fit for his success.
The Daily Grind
For Josh, the life of a college wrestler is defined by discipline and consistency. “If you’ve ever heard the term ‘eat, sleep, train,’ it is exactly that way. But you also must add in studying due to your classes,” he says. A typical day for Josh starts with a morning lift or cardio, followed by breakfast, classes, practice, recovery sessions (preferably an ice bath), and studying before an early bedtime. It’s a demanding schedule, but one that has fueled his rise to the top of collegiate wrestling.
Chasing Postseason Glory
As Josh enters the second half of his senior season, his goals are clear: defend his national title and claim the Hodge Trophy. “My goal this season is to get the most dominant award,” he declares. Representing North Carolina on the national stage, Josh is determined to showcase the strength of our state’s wrestling community and prove that North Carolina is a force to be reckoned with.
Rallying Behind Josh
As we in the North Carolina wrestling community continue to grow and unite, it’s time to show our support for Josh Wilson as he pursues his postseason dreams. Let’s rally behind him on his path to the national championships. Support Josh Wilson’s journey to a second national title and cheer him on as he represents our state with pride. Follow Josh’s journey, celebrate his success, and let’s make sure the country knows what North Carolina wrestling is all about!
Division III National Championships | March 14-15, 2025 | Amica Mutual Pavilion | Providence, RI
Greensboro College Wrestling @gcpride_wrestling | Greensboro College Wrestling
Fox8 Sports Feature: Josh Wilson – The Journey to Success
