By Trina Walker

Wrestling for Sapulpa High School has taken Alex Cole on a journey stretching from national duals in Pennsylvania to the Fargo tournament in North Dakota. This experience allows him to do what he likes best, wrestle people.

Cole is a sophomore. Wrestling has taught him to be humble and given him the mental strength to handle life’s challenges. Wrestling is instrumental in these lessons as it is more than just a physical sport; it is a mental sport.

“In wrestling, you either win or you learn. Choose to learn if you don’t win,” says Cole, as he recalls the best advice for staying motivated in his sport.

With the help of Coach Evans, Sapulpa wrestling continues to earn more respect. Cole is proud to represent his school and those who came before him. Former teammate Ethan Peterson encouraged Cole and gave pointers to assist in the next match.

“Peterson worked hard even when he was injured and had surgery. He pushed through the pain and practiced every day,” Cole said.

His favorite teacher is Coach Irvine. He gave Cole the name Mr. Three First Names.

“Coach makes geometry fun. I am not a math person but he makes me enjoy being there and I am learning,” he said.

Cole didn’t like wrestling at first but when he was 11, his coaches turned that around. He thanks Coach Bowie, Hunter Skaggs and all the other coaches who taught him wrestling and made him love it. Friends and family who love, support and cheer for him are not forgotten. Ethan, Ryan and Kerry are friends who have been amazing supporters the last three years. 

He is inspired by his mom. She pushes him to work hard and is raising him to be a better man. 

“Thank you, Mom, for always taking me to and from practice and tournaments, buying all my wrestling snacks and for pushing me to do better and showing me how to be strong,” he said. 

Faith plays a role in shaping his future.

“I love Jesus and want to be a missionary!” he exclaims.

The best vacation was traveling to see family in Arizona. Driving Route 66 was an amazing experience. They saw lots of cacti on the way to the Grand Canyon, hiked in caves and saw bears up close. 

Cole wants to continue wrestling in college and become a licensed welder.