Jace Munoz is on a mission this winter. The Sherwood High senior was on the path to a state title last school year when, during a victory in the Maryland 4A/3A regional semifinals, Munoz injured his wrist. He went on to win the regional title with his wrist taped, but subsequent swelling revealed the worst-case scenario: a broken bone that prevented him from competing in the state tournament.
“I thought he was going to win states,” Sherwood Coach Pete Siarkis said. “He was peaking at the right time and looking great. The kid who won, Jace beat up pretty good earlier in the year.”
Munoz finished the season 29-1, the only loss coming in overtime when he wrestled up a weight class.
His wrist healed, Munoz has his sights set on finishing the job this wrestling season. The 126-pound senior won nine matches and was named the Most Outstanding Wrestler at the Rockville Rumble this past weekend, improving to 22-0 with 17 pins and two technical falls this season.
For his efforts, Munoz was named the Montgomery County Sports Hall of Fame High School Athlete of the Week.
Each week throughout the school year, the Montgomery County Sports Hall of Fame is partnering with Montgomery Community Media to honor an Athlete of the Week from the county’s more than 40 public and private high schools.
The fall Athletes of the Week were presented with a commemorative hat and certificate at the Montgomery County Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2022 induction ceremony in December.
Also a two-year starter at cornerback for the Sherwood football team, Munoz is closing in on 100 wins for his high school career, despite not having a sophomore season because the Covid-19 pandemic cancelled all sports that school year. This year’s state tournament is March 2 to 4 at the Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro, and Munoz plans to be there.
“He’s got a goal,” Siarkas said. “He feels like he got robbed last year. He’s challenging himself this year. He wants to be ready.”
