12-03-2025
Coach by day, tradesman by night: Meet the Urbana dad balancing it all while inspiring the next generation
SAVOY, Ill. (WCIA) — It's not always easy to balance schoolwork with extracurriculars, but one Urbana man is proving it's possible with hard work and determination. Now, he hopes to inspire the next generation of young athletes, while also chasing new career dreams of his own.
Traeton Woods, one of the youth wrestling coaches in Urbana, has always been passionate about the sport. His mom introduced it to him when he was a young boy.
'Growing up wasn't the worst. My mom was there for me, she took care of me and did her part,' he said while describing his childhood.
It has kept him motivated during more difficult times and played an important role while adjusting to new chapters of life. Woods had his first son as a teenager.
Meet the traveling plumber representing Central Illinois in a national competition
Now, his son, Semaj Woods, is five years old and keeps wrestling in the family. He's part of the Urbana team, alongside other family members and friends.
'It's real special for me,' Woods said.
From building and creating bonds on the wrestling mats, to strengthening relationships at Local 149 in Savoy, Woods is also a student in the brand new, statewide program, Hire 360. Through it, he is one of many students learning about the trades in a hands-on environment.
Between spending time in the classroom, breaking down equations on computers, and spending time in a workshop, he's developed a new passion he plans to turn into a career after graduation.
Central Illinois pipefitter launches labor union chapter for women
'I'm stuck between three; the ironworkers, sheet workers, and the plumbers,' Woods said.
Whether it's taking measurements or teaching kids, he is dedicated to bettering the community, chasing his dreams and showing young athletes that anything is possible.
'At the end of the day, you have your own life and what you do with it is yours,' Woods said.
He is set to graduate at the end of March alongside his classmates. Many of them hope to get into a trade union so they can start the next chapter of their careers.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
