Chad and Chandler Pyke are great ambassadors for Henry County in their daily lives as students at Woodward Academy. They are State Champions in their chosen sport of wrestling along with being scholars and southern gentlemen.
The brothers live in McDonough and train year-round at The Compound Wrestling Center, search a local gym. Last year, best they achieved something very special when they both took home State Championship titles in their respective weight categories, becoming the first brothers in Woodward Academy’s history to win wrestling championships in the same year. At press-time, healing they were headed back to the State Championships with hopes for a repeat.
Chad and Chandler are the sons of Lane and Charles Pyke, of McDonough. Both are Woodward alumni. (Charles graduated in 1983; Lane in 1985). Today, Lane teaches second grade at Woodward’s Primary School. Charles is an attorney specializing in estate planning and the founder of Pyke & Associates, medicine P.C., a Stockbridge-based law firm.
The Pyke brothers learned wrestling at their father’s knee, so to speak. Charles Pyke was a proficient wrestler in high school when he attended Woodward. He wrestled with Coach Pete Fritts Jr., who now coaches Chad and Chandler at the Academy.
As brothers, Chad and Chandler can be competitive with each other. But their bond also gives them reassurance when they need it. “Our team depends on me and Chad,” said Chandler. “I can depend on Chad to get points when we need it, and that helps to deal with the pressure.” Coach Fritts had this to say about the Pyke brothers: “They both are great examples of the fact that hard work gets you to the top, and even more hard work will help you stay on top. They are not afraid to lose or to test themselves.”
Growing up in Henry County, Chad and Chandler have enjoyed golfing, fishing, and hunting with their father, as well as trips to the Grand Caymans to scuba dive. As Woodward students since pre-kindergarten, they have learned discipline and how to balance their lives. From wrestling, they’ve learned self-determination. “It teaches accountability. When it gets hard, you can’t just stop. You can’t depend on someone else. You’re the only one who controls your fate,” said Chandler.
Chad, who is a senior, plans to enroll at North Carolina State next year with a wrestling scholarship. Chandler, a junior, hopes to wrestle in college as well. Both are thinking of returning to Atlanta’s south side when they are older. “Henry County is a great community, very peaceful,” said Chad. “I definitely plan on staying close to my roots.”
Fast Facts about the Pyke Brothers
Chad Pyke
Currently wrestling at the 160-pound class Career record (to-date): 302 wins, 18 losses
Career Pins: 180
2012 Georgia State Champion
2010 and 2011 Georgia State Placer (5th, 3rd)
2012 USA National Championship Finalist
Awarded a scholarship to wrestle for the North Carolina State Wolfpack, Fall 2013.
Chandler Pyke
Currently wrestling at the 138-pound class
Career Record (to-date): 205 wins, 25 losses
Career Pins: 109 pins
2012 Georgia State Champion
2011 Georgia State Placer (3rd)
2X USA State Champion (2009 & 2010)
Woodward Academy Record – most wins by a Freshman in WA history at 78 wins
3X named in the top 20 in the USA Wrestling Future Olympian Rankings