River-Allen Carroll-Wilson '21 Recruiting Profile

Becoming a state placer my Sophomore year, while being a true freshman, is probably the most recognized athletic accomplishment in my high school wrestling career so far. I do believe I grew the most my freshman year after becoming my high school’s first freshman conference champion. The junior I beat for the conference title I had lost previously to (8-2) in a dual tournament a few weeks prior. With good mentors, I was able to recognize what it was going to take to advance to the next level of wrestling and dedicated myself to that challenge. Though I began wrestling at the age of 8, North Carolina wrestling isn’t as strong as some other states yet. Therefore, I started attending numerous camps and clinics (in and out of the state) and have had the opportunity to train at the Naval Academy, University of North Carolina at Pembroke, North Carolina State and several others. I have also been blessed to work with amazingly talented wrestlers such as J’den Cox, Ken Chertow and Lloyd Keaser. I have participated in many NUWAY, AAU & USAW tournaments as well. This past season I earned 3 All-Americans. I took 3^rd place at the National Southern Throne Tournament in Myrtle Beach, SC and 5^th at NUWAY Nationals in Lansing, MI. Leadership is a role that I was honored to take on since early childhood. My father is an officer in the United States Marine Corps and has deployed countless times for months or nearly a year at a time. With two younger brothers, this often left me as the “man of the house.” Solving problems efficiently with a creative mindset fuels my motivation in nearly all that I do. I’ve served my student body as Class President twice under the Student Council. I have held and am holding team captain positions athletically both in school and outside teams. I am currently serving as the chess team president and am a member in several other clubs.  Hard work and dedication have made me the person I am today. As a business owner, a 6-time HS All-American athlete, an academic achiever and an active volunteer in my community, I believe I’ve been fortunate to learn what it takes to be a good leader. I’ve learned not only from personal experience but from mentors and even formal training with groups such as the Hugh O’Brian Leadership Program and the Jacksonville Leadership Academy. I believe that we all remain students throughout our lives, thus I believe taking criticisms readily and accepting recommendations graciously is another character strength I take pride in. I am anxious to know what it is I can do to improve and ready myself even more for a colliegate wrestling career.