Known for a relentless work ethic, steady technical gains, and leadership by example, senior Mason Wood has been one of the most dependable wrestlers for Normal West.

“Mason’s relentless work ethic, steady technical improvement and leadership by example make him an outstanding wrestler for the program,” head coach David Lehr mentioned.

Brad Wood, Mason’s father, wrestled in high school and encouraged him to try the sport.

Several of Wood’s peers were also already on the team, so he joined in seventh grade and quickly became committed to the program.

Wood’s commitment deepened after his freshman year when he began training.

He started seeing the results of sustained effort and recognized that consistent work translated into better performance and enjoyment.

After tough lessons, Wood can be emotional, but he lets those emotions settle, and listens to feedback to make the adjustments.

“Mason is very coachable, you know. Immediately following a tough loss, he can be a little emotional. Just like everyone else, and so you just have to wait for emotions to settle, but he listens and learns and makes those appropriate adjustments,” Lehr mentions. 

Wood leads by examples rather than relying on speeches.

He pushes himself in practice and helps correct teammates when they’re off track. 

“There’s lots of different types of leaders. Mason leads through example. He pushed hard. He knows what right is, and he helps correct them, but his biggest leadership asset is that he leads by example,” Lehr mentioned.   

He finished the season with a strong 15-4 record, contributing 77 points to his team and closing out his high school career with an overall mark of 71-49 and an overall mark 292 points.

The boys will compete i individual sectionals on Feb. 13-14. Team sectionals take place tonight, Feb. 5.