Walton Wrestling Sponsors
Coaches
Rudolph "Rudy" Armocida - Head Coach
Coach "Rudy" Armocida brings more than a decade of wrestling coaching experience to Walton High School, including a successful tenure as head coach at Campbell High School. During his time at Campbell, he built a competitive wrestling program, recording 153 dual-meet victories while helping develop both the boys' and girls' teams.
In 2026, Armocida was named Cobb County Women's Team Coach of the Year, recognizing his contributions to the growth and success of girls' wrestling.
As head coach of the Walton Raiders, Armocida brings a strong foundation in athlete development, competitive preparation, and program leadership. His focus is on building a culture of accountability, hard work, and continuous improvement while helping wrestlers grow both on and off the mat.
Email: Rudolph.Armocida@cobbk12.org
Matt Brantley - Assistant Coach
Coach Matt Brantley joins the Walton Wrestling program with a decade of coaching experience at Lassiter High School, where he also competed as a four-year varsity wrestler. A former sectional heavyweight champion, Brantley brings firsthand competitive experience and a strong understanding of athlete development to Walton's varsity, junior varsity, and girls' wrestling programs.
Brantley holds a bachelor's degree in Exercise and Health Science from Kennesaw State University and a master's degree in Kinesiology from Louisiana State University. He also spent 16 years as a personal trainer in corporate wellness, working with individuals across a wide range of fitness levels and goals.
At Walton, Brantley draws on his background in wrestling, exercise science, and strength training to help athletes develop the conditioning, technique, and physical preparation needed to compete successfully, with a particular focus on the heavier weight classes.
Jake Francis - Assistant Coach
Coach Jake Francis is a Walton Wrestling alumnus and former state finalist who brings both competitive experience and a longstanding connection to the Raider wrestling program. Now in his seventh season coaching at Walton, Francis previously coached at Clarke Central High School in Athens, Georgia.
Outside of wrestling, Francis owns CrossFit Dwala in Marietta, where he works with athletes and individuals to develop strength, conditioning, and overall fitness. His experience as both a competitive wrestler and fitness professional brings a valuable perspective to athlete development, emphasizing physical preparation, mental toughness, and the discipline required to succeed on and off the mat.
Francis and his wife, Corynne, have three daughters.
Thomas Woolwine - Assistant Coach & Junior Program Coach
Coach Thomas “Tommy” Woolwine is a Walton Wrestling alumnus and former four-year varsity letterman who continues to give back to the program that helped shape his wrestling career. As head coach of Walton's junior wrestling program, Woolwine plays an important role in introducing young athletes to the sport and preparing them for the transition to high school competition.
A USA Wrestling Bronze Certified Coach, Woolwine brings a strong emphasis on fundamentals, technical development, and building confidence in wrestlers at every experience level. His commitment to developing young athletes helps strengthen the connection between Walton's junior and high school programs while building a foundation for the next generation of Raider wrestlers.
Jeff Olsen - Assistant Coach
Coach Jeff Olsen is a Walton Wrestling alumnus, former GHSA state champion, and two-time state finalist who brings firsthand experience competing at the highest level of Georgia high school wrestling. Now in his sixth year coaching at Walton, Olsen continues to give back to the program where he established his own competitive success.
Drawing on his experience as both a championship wrestler and coach, Olsen emphasizes technical development, competitive preparation, and the discipline required to succeed on the mat. His connection to Walton's wrestling tradition provides current athletes with a valuable perspective on what it takes to compete at the state level while representing the Raiders.
Ethan Searcy - Assistant Coach
Coach Ethan Searcy is a Walton High School alumnus and former Raider wrestler and football player who brings a strong connection to the school's athletic tradition. Now in his second year coaching at Walton, Searcy has returned to the wrestling program to help develop the next generation of Raider athletes.
A graduate of Auburn University with a degree in Supply Chain Management, Searcy brings the perspective of a former multi-sport athlete who understands the dedication, discipline, and commitment required to balance athletics and academics. His experience within the Walton program allows him to connect with current wrestlers while helping them develop confidence, competitive skills, and a strong work ethic both on and off the mat.
Zac Kelsey - Assistant Coach
Coach Zac Kelsey brings collegiate wrestling experience and a strong foundation in competitive athletics to the Walton Wrestling program. A former wrestler at the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, Kelsey competed at the 149-pound weight class after a successful high school career at Mahtomedi High School in Minnesota, where he served as team captain for two consecutive seasons.
Drawing on his experience competing at both the high school and collegiate levels, Kelsey brings an understanding of the discipline, preparation, and commitment required to succeed in wrestling. At Walton, he helps develop Raider wrestlers while emphasizing strong fundamentals, competitive growth, and the value of hard work both on and off the mat.
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.