From TCS to the Naval Academy: Samuel Wood Becomes School’s First D1 Cross Country Commit

From TCS to the Naval Academy: Samuel Wood

Becomes School’s First D1 Cross Country Commit

By Samantha DePriest

Earlier this month senior Samuel Wood officially committed to run Division 1 Cross Country and Track at the United States Naval Academy. While TCS has celebrated many runners who have gone on to compete in Division II and III in college, Samuel is the first to commit to run Division I. To compete in Division I track or cross country, student athletes generally need elite high school performances, years of structured training, strong academics, and success in high level competitions. The recruiting process and personal discipline also play a major role in reaching that level.

At Samuel’s signing on March 5th, TCS Cross Country Coach and Bible Department Head, Mr. Ryan Tipton, opened the evening in prayer. Track and Field Coach and Assistant Principal, Mr. Roby Ross, shared remarks of praise and honor as well as Samuel’s father and honored veteran, Mr. Josh Wood, who himself is a second generation serviceman.

Mr. Wood shared, “Thank you to Trinity for setting this up, it is a proud moment not necessarily just for Samuel but to honor what a great God we serve. When you look at the shape of the world today and you look at the lives of our children, life is precious. And in a moment, you students are going to be in college and you look back and all those memories and moments along the way, if you don’t stop to appreciate what God is doing in your life, you’ll miss it. I am blessed to be as part of a school and a body of believers that puts such an emphasis on our children to teach them how Christ would. So from the Wood family to Trinity, thank you.”

Samuel spoke of his time at TCS with immense gratitude for his coaches and teammates giving all glory to God for the opportunity to compete at the next level. In closing, Jordan Bosworth from 1st Baptist Peachtree City led a beautiful prayer over Samuel.

To learn more about Samuel’s journey to the US Naval Academy, click the button below.

Mrs. Bonnie Wood, Samuel’s mom, shares, “We were blessed to have family, friends, and coaches come together to celebrate not just Samuel’s achievements, but his heart for God. Grateful for the prayers and support of so many godly people who’ve poured Truth into our son’s life. As Samuel prepares to serve our country, we know the Lord will guide him every step of the way.”

Samuel Wood pictured with his parents Josh and Bonnie Wood.

Samuel Wood speaking at his signing.

Josh Wood speaking at Samuel’s signing.

Coach Ryan Tipton speaking at Samuel’s signing.

TCS Cross Country Coach Ryan Tipton shared, “Sam Wood is one of the finest young men I have ever known. He understands the value of what it means to be a team in a sport where he very well could have made it about himself. His parents have pointed him faithfully to Christ over the years and he understands the gospel and is committed to being the believing believer and the repenting repenter that God is called him to be. Sam shines brightly not because he is successful. There are plenty of successful people in this world. Sam Wood shines brightly because in his success, he points to the one who made it all, sustained it all, and in the end gets glory for all.”

Coach Roby Ross speaking at Samuel’s signing.

TCS Track and Field Coach Roby Ross shared, “Having Samuel Wood commit to compete in Cross Country and Track and Field at the U.S. Naval Academy is such a special event on multiple levels.  On the surface, it is a testimony of his hard work and a big landmark in the XC and Track program histories - having an athlete to compete on such an elite level.  However; what makes it especially meaningful is that with this commitment comes Samuel's selfless commitment to serve our country - to work extremely hard in preparation to keep all of us safe - to stand willing to fight for our lives, liberty and freedom. I couldn't imagine a better ending to Samuel's magnificent running career here at TCS.”

Samuel Wood pictured with Coach Ryan Tipton (pictured left) and Coach Roby Ross (pictured right).

Jordan Bosworth from First Baptist of Peachtree City.

The Wood Brothers: Running with Purpose and Faith

The Wood Brothers: Running with purpose and faith

By Samantha DePriest

Josh Wood praying with his son Noah and congratuling him after he won the State Championship and set the meet record of 9:51 for the 3000 meters.

Image from Bonnie Wood

For the Woods family, faith isn’t something that fits neatly into one part of life, it is the foundation of everything they do. From the way they approach school and sports to how they handle new seasons and big transitions, Bonnie and Josh Wood have taught their boys, Samuel and Noah, and Class of 2024 Alumni Grace. that everything they have is a gift from God.

As a proud military family, the Woods have learned how to make things work wherever the Lord leads them. After 23 years of service in the Air Force and 16 moves around the world, Josh now works for Delta in Atlanta, allowing the family to be closer to their extended family in Tallahassee. They have lived everywhere from Nevada to South Korea, Utah, and Georgia, each move shaping their hearts and deepening their faith.

Trinity Christian Cross Country Prayer huddle.

Image by Bonnie Wood.

When they left Korea in 2023, the Woods felt strongly that God was calling them back to a Christian school environment. They found that here at TCS where they’ve experienced a loving community that uplifts their boys and continually points them to Jesus. “We love that our boys are surrounded by friends, teachers, and coaches who love the Lord,” Bonnie says. Both Samuel and Noah run Cross Country in the Fall under the leadership of Coach Ryan Tipton, who also serves as the Bible Department Head, and Track and Field in the Spring under the leadership of Coach Roby Ross, who also serves as the Assistant High School Principal.

Samuel Wood’s PR and school record for the 5k is 14:59. He is currently ranked 1st in State for our division.

Image by Bonnie Wood.

SAMUEL WOOD: RUNNING WITH DISCIPLINE AND PURPOSE

Samuel, a TCS senior, was born in Nevada and has already lived an extraordinary life of travel and growth. He’s an outstanding student and serves as President of the National Honor Society, Vice President of Student Council, a member of the eSports team, and is active in his youth group at First Baptist Peachtree City. He even finds time to play basketball with PTCYB and Crossroads Church, and to work at The Bridge. Recently he was interviewed by Georgia Milesplit.

It’s no surprise to anyone who knows him that Samuel is incredibly organized and self-disciplined, he is the kind of student whose room is always neat and whose goals are clearly set. His journey into running began unexpectedly. When COVID hit and travel soccer came to a pause, Samuel joined his cross-country team in August 2020 “just for fun.” God opened a door and without any formal training, he began winning every race he ran. His talent carried him overseas to Asia, where as a freshman he won both the Far East competition and the KAIAC conference in cross-country.

Samuel Wood serves as President of National Honor Society at TCS.

Image from Bonnie Wood.

This weekend Samuel competed in Sectionals and placed 1st in the Championship 5k and set the course record. This coming weekend, he will compete in the State meet. Samuel gives all glory to God as his strength comes from his faith. Samuel’s next big step is applying to several U.S. service academies, including the Air Force, Naval, and Coast Guard Academies. His family trusts that God already knows exactly where he belongs. “Samuel has big goals and dreams,” Bonnie says, “but we know the Lord has the perfect place for him.” and holds tight to scriptures like Psalm 119:32 “I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free.”

Noah Wood winning the Georgia Middle School XC Championship.

Image by Bonnie Wood.

NOAH WOOD: PASSIONATE AND FAITH-FILLED

Noah was born in Alabama and is the youngest of the family is full of energy, drive, and a fiery love for Jesus. His heart and passion for the Lord is inspiring as he serves as a role model for his classmates and teammates.

Noah runs for the TCS Middle School team, often competing at the same meets as Samuel. Most recently at the Big Peach Mustang Stampede in Acworth, Noah ran JV while Samuel ran Varsity and both brothers finished in first place in their respective races. Even when he isn’t running, Noah is his brother’s biggest fan.

In Korea, Noah played several recreational sports on base, but he couldn’t compete in official races because of his age. Once he had the chance to run at TCS, he poured himself into it with determination and joy. “He’s passionate — there’s a raw hunger when he runs,” Bonnie says. “He’s competitive, but his motivation always comes from his faith.”

Recently, Noah was elected as Chaplain of the Jr. Beta Club which is a role that fits him perfectly. During his first meeting, he opened in prayer, showing that same confidence and love for the Lord that shines through in every area of his life.

Samuel Wood, pictured left, with younger brother Noah after they both won 1st place in The Big Peach Mustang Stampede race.

Image from Bonnie Wood

Both Cross Country Coach Ryan Tipton and Track and Field Coach Roby Ross have played a big role in the Woods brothers’ success here at TCS, not just in developing their athletic talent, but in helping them grow spiritually. Their intentional training programs, encouragement, and Godly influence have guided the boys on and off the course. Coach Ryan Tipton shares, “In all my years of coaching, I’ve never seen anything like these two boys. They have won individually almost very meet they have ever run. If we started to list out the personal best records, school records, and course records, we would be way over our word count for this article, that’s for sure.” Mr. Tipton goes on to share. “Everywhere they go, they medal. But the most important thing about Sam and Noah is that they clearly understand who that praise truly belongs to, and it’s not to them, it’s to the Lord Jesus Christ.” “They are incredible teammates, encouraging their own teammates, both after their own races and while at practice. They understand that their sport isn’t about them or the individual. Lastly, the boys are obviously a fruit of so much of God’s grace in their lives, a grace also clearly seen in their parents honorably raising them to be the young men that God called them to be. I am so grateful for Josh and Bonnie.”

Pictured from left to right: Samuel, Bonnie, Noah, Josh, and Grace Wood on the military base during their time when stationed in Korea before Josh retired.

Image by Bonnie Wood

The Woods family is deeply grateful for the TCS community, a place that continually uplifts, inspires, and points them to Jesus. Whether through races, school leadership, or simple daily faith, Samuel and Noah embody what it means to run with perseverance and purpose. As Bonnie puts it, “We’ve seen our boys grow through this experience, learning to depend on the Lord more and more. Everything we have comes from Him, and we give Him all the glory.”