Woodford earns Muroski Memorial Award

by Joseph Bell

Posted on April 5, 2009

JOHNSONBURG – Johnsonburg senior Josh Woodford, who competed in the 152-pound weight class during the 2008-2009 wrestling season, was honored yesterday afternoon by his coaches and fellow wrestlers as he was given the Aaron Muroski Memorial Award.

"We let the wrestlers vote on this award so they decide which one of their teammates deserves this award the most," Johnsonburg head varsity wrestling coach Tom Launer said during the ceremony at Johnsonburg Area High School.
"The criteria to win this award, the wrestler must do everything necessary to help the team, you have to be dependable, attend practices, work hard, be willing to help other wrestlers improve their skills, you have to support your teammates and you have to be an outstanding representative of the Johnsonburg wrestling team and Johnsonburg Area High School."
A consistent grappler, Woodford became only the fourth wrestler to reach the century milestone for wins.
"He was the leader on the team," Launer said. "He came to work everyday and we're really going to miss Woody next year. Practice will be very different next year without Woody there."
As a freshman during the 2005-2006 season, Woodford finished with a 19-9 record; in 2006-2007, he finished 26-7; in 2007-2008, he finished 27-6 and then ended his high school wrestling career with a 28-5 mark.
"He's improved every year and he got career win No. 100 Feb. 28, 2009 at regionals at Sharon (Area) High School with a 5-0 decision against Kaine Kulka of Reynolds High School," Launer said. "(Kulka) is a very good wrestler and it was a very good match to get your 100th win."
Woodford was presented with a plaque commemorating his 100th victory and a second plaque listing his other senior year accomplishments.
At 28-5 on the year, Woodford was crowned the Eisenhower Tournament champion in the 152-pound weight class to open the 2008-09 season, a season with saw him earn second place in the district tournament and a trip to the regional competition in Sharon, where he earned win No. 100.
Woodford, who was bested only by Johnsonburg sophomore Jesse Wolfe's 29 wins, was first in falls, second in takedowns and technical falls, and also third in points scored.

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