The pieces and steps to arrive at a conclusion are more difficult than memorizing the Periodic Table.

It’s a computer, and South Kitsap sophomore Terrill Wilson is the aspiring technician.

He loves watching as the instructors’ hands work, disassembling every intricate piece, only to reconnect its DNA with surgeon-like precision.

Wilson, who maintains a 3.8 grade-point average, proudly refers to himself as a “computer nerd.” He’s been surrounded by technology throughout his life — his father, James, who worked as an electrician in the Navy — and plans to pursue a computer-related career.

It’s a plan that didn’t involve wrestling.

As a freshman at Kansas City’s Sumner Academy last season, Wilson said he was approached by coach Steve Smith. The message was direct: Turn out and become state-level wrestler.

The allure of another challenge was too much for Wilson to resist. He found similarities between the objects he worked with. Even though the new obstacle was a living specimen, he still had to develop techniques to dissect it.

“I love challenges and that’s why wrestling is such a good sport,” Wilson said.

And in a sport that often punishes inexperience with humility, Wilson found early success. As Smith promised, he advanced to state.

Now halfway across the country, Wilson appears poised to accomplish the same, and likely more, in the 103-pound weight class. Wilson, who spent part of his childhood in Bremerton, returned to the area over the summer when his parents decided to retire in Port Orchard.

South coach Chad Nass, who won a state championship at 141 for the Wolves in 1992, recognized his talent early — and so did his peers.

Wilson wasn’t able to drop immediately to 103 and was forced to compete at 112 in the season opener against Gig Harbor. He beat out Joel Miner, a state participant a year ago, for that opportunity.

“He’s really quick and tough,” Miner said. “He can beat me a lot of different ways. I have to keep my edge and try everything.”

Wilson had a 13-3 record through last week and placed second in his class earlier this month at the Pacific Coast Tournament in Vancouver, Wash.

Nass can’t find enough superlatives to describe his wrestler, noting his intelligence, strength and talent.

He eagerly anticipates watching his wrestler at the Feb. 20-21 Mat Classic provided that he advances through sub-regionals and regionals. Nass requires little analysis to reach his conclusion.

“I definitely think he will place,” he said. “Without a doubt.”