Blue Devils Freshman Building Toward State Championship Push

MOORESVILLE, N.C. — Mooresville High School freshman Josiah Grady is competing at 106 pounds on the varsity wrestling team and is preparing for regional competition with hopes of qualifying for the NCHSAA State Championships later this month.

Grady said the move from youth to varsity wrestling has been challenging but worthwhile. “A big adjustment, really rough,” he said.

He credited his longtime coach, Geoffrey McIntosh, for guiding him through the transition. “He’s my day one who will always be my coach,” Grady said. “He was always there for me. He always picks me up, telling me, ‘I got this.’”

His routine includes two daily workouts focused on improving technique, awareness, and conditioning. “Better technique and being smarter,” Grady said. Competing for years in youth tournaments across the country has helped him handle tougher high school opponents. “Just experience wrestling and learning from other great wrestlers,” he said. “I ain’t nothing yet, but I will be and I’m gonna prove it.”

At the recent Ninth Grade State Championships, presented by NC USA Wrestling, Grady earned a close win over an opponent he may face again at the NCHSAA State Tournament. “I need to get back in that room working harder so I don’t make that match too close for comfort,” he said.

With regionals coming up, Grady is concentrating on staying sharp and improving small details. “My shots and mat control, staying towards the middle, keeping my level low so they don’t get to my legs. Lower shots, single legs,” he said. He also credited teammates such as Austin Green and head coach Kane Price for their support.

Off the mat, Grady stays consistent through discipline and structure. “I discipline my diet with great nutrition,” he said, explaining that his daily routine includes healthy meals, two training sessions, and recovery. He works closely with his dad to stay on track.

Grady said the Mooresville team continues to improve as the season progresses. “We’ve grown so much together,” he said. “Coaches set the tone, pushing us to our limits these past couple weeks.”

Rankings don’t concern him much. “I go one match at a time, working on technique, studying my opponents,” he said. He also trains with Believe to Achieve (B2A), Combat Athletics, sessions with Coach Gary Eller, and Darkhorse Wrestling Club to keep improving.

Outside of wrestling, Grady describes himself as someone who likes helping others and doesn’t tolerate bullying. “A good kid who wants to help out kids in need. I don’t like bullying—you know, I’ve been bullied before,” he said.

During the interview, a curveball question came up: if he could have dinner with anyone, living or dead, who would it be? Grady answered, “Probably my dad and my late papaw.”

With regionals ahead, Grady’s focus remains on steady improvement and earning his spot at the NCHSAA State Championships.