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FEB.26, 2024— Pal-Mac wrestler Braidon Woodward Saturday wrestled his way into the history books.

The senior took home the title of state champion during the New York Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) Championships in Albany.

He became the first Pal-Mac wrestler to win a state title since Jace Schafer in 2020.

“It still doesn’t feel real, the whole year was like a movie,” Woodward said. “Just everything we went through just to get here as a team.”

Woodward entered the tournament as the number one overall seed in the 170 lb division. He efficiently worked his way through several rounds by pinning his opponents. Then came the title round versus an opponent from Vernon-Verona-Sherrill, a school near Syracuse.

“A lot of nerves at first, because I had all of the community and everyone counting on me, everyone wanted me to win,” Woodward said. “But in the end it was awesome.” 

Indeed it was, as he powered his way to a 5-1 decision to win the title. He was welcomed by an army of teammates, coaches, and his family.

 

For Woodward, this moment meant more than just standing at the top of the podium. It was the culmination of a season full of adversity and new experiences.

This season was his first and only at Pal-Mac, which means he had to wrestle with an entirely new group of teammates and adjust to an entirely new district. But that didn't matter, as he said his teammates quickly welcomed him in. Throughout our interview, he was quick to praise the work of his teammates.

Woodward and the team worked their way through several tournaments, and several titles. The team took home both the Section V Class B1, and Division II titles.  It also picked up the Wayne-Finger Lakes East Division Championship.

Several other Pal-Mac wrestlers joined Woodward in Albany to compete for titles in their respective weight classes. This includes Keegin Christian, Jared Haers, Luke Herendeen, Zach Rooks, and Luke Vangorden.

Woodward personally finished the season with a 54-1 overall record, the lone loss came early in the season at a tournament at Niagara University. He says it helped inspire him to finish the rest of the season strong.

“I’m just happy to be a Red Raider,” Woodward said. “It was a great season.” 

He credited his ability to win out to the work ethic instilled in him and his teammates by his coaches.

Up next, he will attend and wrestle at the University of Buffalo. He signed his Letter of Intent in November to compete there.