Chasing her Olympic dream

BALTIMORE (Map, News) - Nicole Woody made sure her most recent trip to Oklahoma City wouldn’t be her last.

Woody, who graduated from Arundel High last month, is taking her Olympic dreams to Oklahoma City University. She signed a letter of intent Monday to wrestle with the Stars, who will introduce a fully funded women’s wrestling program in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics in the winter.

“She wants to be a world champion. She wants to be an Olympic champion. She wants a degree,” Oklahoma City wrestling coach Archie Randall said. “That’s what we’ll make sure she gets.”

Randall and his coaching staff spent the last few months recruiting and landed Woody after she competed in the Junior Dual National Championships in Oklahoma City last week.

Woody went 6-1 for Maryland in the tournament, with her only loss coming to the lone undefeated 98-pounder, Illinois’ Max Nowry.

At one point in the match, Nowry (10-0) landed a hard takedown, putting Woody on her back. He fought furiously to pin her, but Woody dodged every attempt.

Nowry settled for a decision — his only victory not earned by fall.

“That, to me, was amazing in itself,” Randall said.

Woody wasn’t so enthusiastic.

“I don’t take pride in losing,” Woody said. “I didn’t do anything in that match, and I have to be more aggressive. I’ve got to start moving my feet more and start shooting. That’s the best thing I can do now.”

Randall said Woody would spend the summer “bulking up” in order to take her place at the 48 kilogram (105 pounds) spot in the lineup. She’ll join 32 other girls this season, as Randall tries to prepare them for the 2008 Olympic trials. He wants every wrestler to have between 30 to 40 matches this season so they’re ready.

Woody, who said being in the Olympics would be a dream come true, doesn’t think she’ll ready for the 2008 games. She’s gearing herself for potential berths in the 2012 and 2016 Olympics — both goals Woody believes are more possible with the Stars’ coaching staff behind her.

Woody chose Oklahoma City over several colleges, including Lock Haven University (Pa.), which is launching its women’s wrestling club program in the upcoming season. After visiting the campuses and the coaches, Woody decided Oklahoma City would be a better fit for her.

“This school is geared toward success, and that’s what we want to do,” Randall said. “We want to be the best wrestling program in the country. Nicole is going to help us get there.”

In her three-year career at Arundel, where she predominantly tangled with boys, Woody finished with a 69-19 record. She was 34-4 in 2007, while capturing the Anne Arundel County championships and the 4A/3A East Regional title. Woody took a 6-2 defeat to River Hill’s Scott Mantua in the state finals, keeping her from becoming Maryland’s first female wrestling champion.

But her goals are higher now.

“I don’t like to lose,” Woody said. “I love to win. Once I like get the feeling it’s like a drug. I just need it more and more.”