Hayden Simpson has been wrestling since he was 4, so his passion and dedication for the past 14 years has been impressive.
“I just thought it was fun; it was something to get out and do, as opposed to sitting at home,” he said.
Now, the two-time All-American and Class 5A state champion at Guthrie High is focusing on extending his career at Oklahoma State University after signing a letter of intent.
“Ever since I was a little kid I’ve wanted and dreamed of going to OSU and I just worked hard to make that hap pen,” Simpson said. “I started practicing there and working with the coaches, and they knew who I was because I had already made some huge accomplishments... and they saw something there.”
Simpson, who graduated from Guthrie High this summer, is coming off of a 34-2 senior season in which he won the 220-pound state title.
While Simpson wrestles in different categories, such as Folk and Freestyle, Greco-Roman is his favorite.
In Greco-Roman wrestling, a competitor cannot hold his opponent below the waist. He can use his torso and body to take down the opponent but cannot use his legs for defensive or attacking purposes. So, the emphasis is more on throws.
“Greco is mainly throws and upper body, and it is the style I prefer,” Simpson said.
Between daily workouts, practice matches and competitions, he maintains a busy schedule.
“I don’t have much free time, but when I do, I like to hang out with friends and have some time away from wrestling and not practice,” he said, laughing.
A Bluejay at heart, Simpson used to play football for Guthrie High in addition to wrestling.
“That kept me especially busy. Between school, wrestling and football, I didn’t have much free time,” he said.
Now, he can concentrate on one thing: pinning down a college championship.
Alt Text for Image
Alt Text for Image