Bronx Wood of Rose Hill was one of two wrestlers voted as the Wichita Small School Preseason Wrestler of the Year. Last season at Andover Central, Wood won five tournaments and took second at regionals. This season, Wood is ranked fourth at 190 in the Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association preseason rankings.

To get himself prepared for the season, Wood wrestled in some premiere non-KSHSAA tournaments.

“I have wrestled a few preseason tournaments, like Rocky Mountain Nationals, Fargo, and Super 32,” Wood said. “I finished first at Rocky Mountain Nationals, beating Arizona state commit Caleb Vanbuskirk in the finals. Then I finished sixth at Fargo to become a Fargo All-American. Then I went to Super 32 and won a few matches and lost a few.”

Wood has specific goals both for himself and for the Rockets.

“My expectations for myself is to be the best version of myself that I ever have been, specifically to win a state title,” Wood said. “I fully expect our team to win a state title.”

There were several fundamentals Wood focused on throughout his tournament schedule in the offseason that he hopes carries over to his senior season.

“I really wanted to improve on my top skills and neutral skills,” Wood said. “I have been working on my breakdowns and rides for top. I have also been working on my movement and takedown for the neutral position.”

Wood wants to wrestle in college and is waiting on getting more offers before he makes a decision as to where that will be.