The GHS wrestling team has been known for taking down their competition. Coach Pierce gets a lot of enjoyment out of leading his team to victory. However, he cannot do it alone.
    This year, new coaches were added to supplement Coach Pierce and Coach Scott, “Forty-seven kids, one of me, it’s simply not enough,” says Coach Pierce. The new coaches include Jason Smith, Kenny Hensley, and Greg Todd. All of which are GHS alumni.
    “The new coaches help to make practice run much more smoothly,” says Pierce. One coach is able to be in the weight room working on strength training, one works on conditioning, one works on technique, and they all come together to manage the team.
    Another element of our team that contributes to its success is the unique coaching system used. Each coach works with a different weight class allowing more time for instruction. Coach Pierce also says, “It’s important to have coaches to encourage.”
    Coach Jason Smith graduated from GHS in 1992. He was district and regional champion his senior year, and placed in the region all four years of high school. Smith continued to wrestle in college at UVA, and has since held several different jobs before returning to Gloucester. Smith says the feeling of putting time back into the program is exciting, “It’s a good feeling in the wrestling room…it’s motivational.” He is able to bring his knowledge of competing at a higher level to the students with his collegiate experience. “It makes me realize how much I love the county, and the program, and I’m very motivated to help them be successful.”
    Speaking of success, another new coach was a wrestling hero throughout his high school years as well. Greg Todd won the state championship in his graduating year of 2007 and has now returned as an addition to the Dukes coaching staff.
    One more addition to the team is Coach Kenny Hensley, who graduated from GHS in 2003. After graduating, Hensley joined the U.S. army. Even though he is still in the service, he has decided to invest his free time coaching. “I support GHS and I love wrestling,” he says. Hensley’s coaching responsibilities include conditioning, and reinforcing the techniques that Coach Pierce has already taught.
    It appears that this dynamic group of coaches has paid off for the team this season. Two weekends ago, the Varsity Dukes traveled to York High for a dual team tournament and went undefeated in their division. Gil Owens won the Outstanding Wrestler Award while Anthony Monahan won the Sportsmanship Award after pinning all of his opponents. The JV team also placed second in the Raider Nation Tournament at Warwick High.