Goose Creek Wrestling 2025 Season Recap: Champions, Growth, and a Bright Future
At Goose Creek High School, the 2025 wrestling season was nothing short of a triumph. Under the leadership of Coach Willis Nearhood, the Goose Creek Wrestling team delivered standout performances, developed new talent, and emerged as one of the premier programs in Berkeley County, not only finishing strong but producing more state champions than any other school in the county.
With a mix of experienced seniors, rising stars, and fierce competitors, this season was a testament to both the depth of the roster and the culture Coach Nearhood has built. It’s clear Goose Creek Wrestling isn’t just having a good year—it’s building a legacy.
A Season of Milestones and Medals
The 2025 season produced two state champions, one state finalist, and several top-three finishers. Headlining this powerhouse team was Montero Royal, who achieved perfection on the mat this season. Wrestling in the 113 lbs boys division, Montero finished 38-0, capturing his second consecutive state title—an astonishing feat considering he’s only a sophomore.
On the girls’ side, Sydney Mitchem brought home the state title in the 135 lbs weight class, adding to Goose Creek’s historic year with her championship in the Girls Division.
Not to be overshadowed, Mekye Nelson, a junior in the 132 lbs division, made an incredible run to the state finals, finishing as state runner-up. Meanwhile, Lael Morton-Wheeler earned a 3rd place finish at 115 lbs in the Girls Division, contributing to the team's well-rounded and deep postseason performance.
As Coach Nearhood proudly pointed out, "We had the most State Champions in Berkeley County." That statement alone captures the dominance of the Goose Creek program this year.
Leaders on the Mat
Wrestling is a sport where results are clear-cut, and Goose Creek had plenty of names lighting up the win columns. Six wrestlers finished the season with 30 or more wins, making them the leading point scorers and engines of the team’s success:
Henry Schultz – 47 wins
Montero Royal – 38 wins (State Champion)
Jacob Butts – 36 wins
Jesse Ruiz – 33 wins
Mekye Nelson – 32 wins (State Finalist)
Tre Adams – 31 wins
This crew not only consistently delivered victories but also set the tone during meets and tournaments. Their effort, skill, and resilience helped anchor the team through the season’s inevitable highs and lows.
No Flashy Turning Points, Just Daily Improvement
While many teams point to defining moments or dramatic comebacks, Coach Nearhood took a more grounded approach to success: consistency and effort.
“There weren’t any defining moments,” he said. “We just tried to get better each day.”
That daily grind paid off. Goose Creek steadily climbed the ranks, wrestled with intensity, and reached a peak when it mattered most—in the postseason. Their mantra of constant improvement was a difference-maker, especially as the stakes increased late in the year.
Emerging Talent and First-Year Standouts
While the spotlight rightly shone on state champions and seasoned veterans, Coach Nearhood made a point to recognize the first-year starters who made significant strides. Wrestlers like Jesse Ruiz, Jamrion Coleman, Montrell Robinson, and Joseph Monroe all took on bigger roles as the season progressed and are seen as future pillars of the program.
This year was a foundational one for these athletes, and their growth bodes well for the continued success of Goose Creek Wrestling. With more experience, they’re expected to become point scorers and potential title contenders in the seasons to come.
Toughness in Adversity
As with any intense wrestling season, injuries and setbacks are part of the journey. Goose Creek faced its share but responded with resilience and focus, particularly during the playoffs and postseason. Instead of being derailed by adversity, the team leaned into the challenge.
“We responded well and focused on being the best team we could be,” said Coach Nearhood.
That mindset carried the team through tough losses and helped them finish the season at full throttle, showing that toughness in wrestling isn’t just physical, it’s mental.
Senior Leadership Leaves Its Mark
Goose Creek said goodbye to a large and impactful senior class, one that helped set the tone in both performance and culture. Coach Nearhood credited them with establishing the standard for what it means to be a Goose Creek wrestler.
“They were solid and set a good example of how we do things in our program,” he noted.
This leadership legacy is crucial, especially as the baton is passed to the next group of captains and leaders. The program’s identity—discipline, improvement, and accountability—has been reinforced by this outgoing class.
Looking Ahead: Offseason Goals and Program Momentum
With all the postseason accolades and growth in talent, the 2026 season is already looking bright for Goose Creek. But Coach Nearhood isn’t waiting until next winter to build the foundation—the offseason work has already begun.
One focus is ramping up participation in Freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling, which are essential for skill development and mat awareness. These styles give wrestlers new techniques and challenges, helping to sharpen their competitive edge.
“Our progress in the weight room and freestyle season will have a big impact on our success next year,” Nearhood emphasized.
Offseason training will also ensure that both returning standouts—like Montero Royal and Mekye Nelson—and rising talents—like Jesse Ruiz and Montrell Robinson—are ready to take on tougher competition and climb even higher.
A Program on the Move
From producing state champions to growing first-year wrestlers, Goose Creek High School’s wrestling program has proven itself as a force in South Carolina wrestling. Under Coach Nearhood’s steady leadership, the team continues to evolve, guided by a simple yet powerful philosophy: “Just get better every day.”
With a room full of driven athletes, a pipeline of up-and-coming talent, and a culture rooted in work ethic and pride, Goose Creek is building something special—one practice, one match, and one season at a time.
As the 2025 winter season comes to a close, there’s no doubt: Goose Creek Wrestling is just getting started.
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