Ricky Woods began his coaching journey in the early 1990s, receiving a call from his former high school wrestling coach, Al Posnack. Woods, who had recently graduated from Hillwood, was asked to assist a new coach at Bellevue Middle School. What was initially intended to be a brief stint turned into a lifelong commitment to coaching.
Nearly 35 years later, Woods serves as the head wrestling coach and athletics director at Harpeth High School. He has also contributed to various Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) committees and the wrestling coaches’ council. In recognition of his contributions to high school sports, Woods recently received the TSSAA Distinguished Service Award.
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Woods attributes his continued involvement in coaching to his passion for supporting young athletes. He views the wrestling field house as a community center, emphasizing the importance of providing opportunities for the youth. His dedication to the sport has left a lasting impact on his students, many of whom have returned to assist as coaches or have pursued collegiate wrestling and military service.
Woods cherishes the relationships he has built with his former students, who often reach out to share their life milestones with him. Despite being asked about retirement, Woods has no plans to step down, expressing a strong commitment to the sport and the community he serves.
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