Walton Wrestling Sponsors
Coaches
Rudolph "Rudy" Armocida - Head Coach
Jake Francis - Assistant Coach
Coach Francis is going into his 6th year as assistant coach at Walton. He was previously an assistant coach at Clarke Central in Athens, GA.
He is the owner of Crossfit Dwala here in Marietta. Coach Francis and his wife Corynne have three daughters. Coach Francis wrestled for Walton and was a State finalist in his Senior Season.
Thomas Woolwine - Assistant Coach
Coach Woolwine is entering his 6th year of coaching. He is a graduate of Walton High School where he was a four year letterman on the wrestling team. He is also the Head Coach of the Junior Program where he started his career in the 7th grade. Coach Woolwine earned a Bronze Certification with the USA Wrestling National Coaches Education Program (NCEP).
Jeff Olsen - Assistant Coach
Coach Olsen is currently in his 5th year as an assistant Coach at Walton. Wrestling for Walton from 2005-2009, Jeff was a 2x State finalist and a GHSA State Champion.
Ethan Searcy - Assistant Coach
Coach Ethan is in his first year as an assistant coach at Walton. A Walton alum, he competed in both wrestling and football from 2014–2018. After high school, he attended Auburn University, earning a degree in Supply Chain Management in 2022. Having aspired to coach since his time as a student-athlete, he is excited to contribute to the program and help develop the next generation of Walton wrestlers.
FAQ
Q: I AM A PARENT WHO DOES NOT HAVE EXPERIENCE WITH WRESLTING. HOW DO I LEARN ABOUT THE SPORT AND IF IT IS RIGHT FOR MY Wrestler?
A: No experience, no problem. We are here to help. Click here for a "Parent's Guide to Wrestling" by Bill Campbell
Q; WHAT ARE PRACTICES LIKE?
A: Practices involves warm-ups and stretching, technique, drilling technique, live wrestling. The goal of practice is to develop wrestling fundamentals in an enjoyable atmosphere where all Athletes can learn and reach their wrestling potential. All practices are closed practices to anyone outside the team.
Q: IS WRESTLING DANGEROUS?
A: Wrestling is very fun sport, but it is also a tough sport where bumps and bruises do occur. Wrestlers can briefly be put in uncomfortable positions while wrestling an opponent, but it is not very dangerous at all. In fact, most of the injuries suffered by wrestlers are not directly related to the sport itself, but to hygiene. These injuries / infections are completely avoidable through regular cleaning of the mats and the wrestler showering as soon as they get home from practice. Every now and then a wrestler may get a bloody lip or nose, but the practices and wrestling meets are all closely supervised, and overall very safe.
Q: WHAT SHOULD MY Wrestler WEAR TO WRESTLING PRACTICE?
A: Your Athlete should wear shorts, a t-shirt, wrestling shoes and head gear to practice. If you are new to the sport, please talk to the coaches before buying anything. Each wrestler will be given gear to wear and should try and represent Walton as much as possible
Q: WHO WILL MY Athlete BE WRESTLING WITH?
A: In practice, your child will wrestle with the kids closest to their age, weight and ability. We try to match age, experience and weight the best we can.
Q: IF PLAY A FALL SPORT, SUCH AS FOOTBALL, CAN I START LATE?
A: Yes! We have football players and other sport athletes on the team every year. We will always review the basics. You can start practice as soon as playoffs are over. But, if you can make it on a night off you should try. The more time on the mat the better.