Cutting weight and running stairs is something most people avoid, but junior William Holland performs these activities willingly every winter for wrestling season.

Holland first started wrestling at seven years old, competing for the Olney Gold Outlaws intramural league; he competed and trained on this team for three years before joining a highly competitive B&O Outlaws team for four years. Holland is now starting his 9th year of wrestling as the captain of the RHS team. 

“Choosing Will as a captain wasn’t a hard choice at all,” wrestling Coach William Morris said. “He’s a great leader on and off of the mat. Which is everything you want from a leader.”

Holland’s father first introduced him to the sport after his time wrestling at the University of Maryland. Holland feels grateful to have such a big supporter, as his father takes him to all his practices and coaches him. 

“I love wrestling, because it gets me in great shape, has helped me make new friends, and gets me excited about something,” said Holland. “Wrestling also helps release a lot of my anger; I just put it all out on the mat.”

Holland had a successful freshman year winning over 30 matches — the most freshman wins in RHS history. He also won many tournaments including the 2015 Mid Maryland, 2019 Parkside tournament, and placed 4th in the 2019 regionals. This year, Holland has even higher expectations for himself.

“The team has potential to make it really far this year,” Holland stated. “Personally, I hope to wrestle hard and do well in tournaments.”

These impressive goals require a lot of time and dedication, which Holland puts in even before the season starts with rigorous workouts. 

“Preparing for wrestling season is tricky. There is no amount of weight lifting or running that can prepare your body for wrestling. I watch old film, run, lift weights, and try to get into the right mindset,” Holland said.

Not only is Holland a leader on the mat, but also a leader in school. Holland is the Junior school-wide SGA president and is part of many clubs. 

“It is very hard for me to stay on top of schoolwork, SGA, wrestling, and so many other commitments,” Holland said. “I struggle with time management. The way I balance everything is by prioritizing sleep and dedicating downtime to being productive.”

Even with all of Holland’s other commitments, he still helps his teammates learn. Some of Holland’s teammates referred to him as an inspiration. 

“He’s one of our most experienced wrestlers on the team,” Coach Morris said. “He is great helping out the newer wrestlers with moves and getting them up to speed.”