Spencer Woods named USA Wrestling Athlete of the Week presented by U.S. Air Force Special Warfare

Spencer Woods (Colorado Springs, Colo./Army WCAP) has been named the USA Wrestling Athlete of the Week, presented by U.S. Air Force Special Warfare, on March 6, 2024.

Woods had a stellar day at the Pan-American Olympic Games Qualifier en route to earning the weight class quota for 87 kg for the 2024 Paris Games. The U.S. is currently qualified for three of the six Greco-Roman weight classes for this year’s Olympic Games.

Woods started his day with a first-period pin against Ariel Alfonso Rodriguez of Honduras. In the semifinals, Woods faced a tough opponent in 2020 Olympian, two-time U23 World medalist and four-time Pan American champion Daniel Gregorich Hecavarria of Cuba.

The match began with Woods giving up a cheap, would-be slip throw that was confirmed a takedown for Gregorich Hecavarria. He held strong underneath on multiple occasions in the first period, stepping over a gut wrench to keep the score within reach at the break, 3-2. Once he got his chance on top, Woods pressed hard with his par terre lift, earning a defensive leg foul that proved to be the match winner. After a lost challenge from the Cuban corner tacked on a final point, Woods secured the 6-3 decision.

Woods is a two-time Senior World Team member and made the jump from 82 kg to 87 kg at 2023 Senior Nationals in December. He finished seventh at the Pan-American Championships a week earlier, working from a tough spot to qualify 87 kg for the 2024 Paris Games.

To nominate a wrestler for this honor please email the athlete's name, wrestling program, weekly accomplishments, and career accolades to communications@usawrestling.org.