Stephen Myers has carved a notable path in the world of wrestling, marked by dedication, perseverance, and significant achievements. From his early successes in high school to his national recognition, Myers' journey is a testament to his hard work and passion for the sport.
Stephen Myers in action during a wrestling match. (Photo by Jay W. Bennett)
Early Success and State Title
Myers' wrestling career began to gain momentum during his time with the Big Reds under head coach Matt Littleton. He finished his first season with an impressive 40-1 record, highlighted by winning the 126-pound state title. This early success set the stage for his future achievements and demonstrated his potential in the sport.
National Achievements
After winning the 120-pound 16U freestyle crown at the NHSCA Nationals in Virginia Beach, Myers continued his ascent by dominating the 126-pound freestyle field in Fargo, ultimately reaching the top of the podium as the No. 1 wrestler. Myers admitted, “I definitely say Fargo is probably my most excited one because it’s just how far it is, just how everyone knows it.”
He gave kudos to Team West Virginia head coach Chris Way and everyone helping him continue to hone his craft. “I think that one is probably the most exciting for me, and I cherish that one a little more than state and NHSCA. States, in West Virginia as a freshman, is pretty good. I just think of it as another tournament."
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The Role of Mentors and Practice Partners
The support and guidance of coaches and practice partners have been crucial in Myers' development. Chris Way, in particular, has played a significant role in helping Myers refine his skills and achieve his goals. “We’re definitely partners through and through,” admitted Way.
Myers also acknowledged the importance of his practice partners, stating, “All the help I got, especially from Chris Way and I’d like to thank him because he’s the one who got me to this point in my career. I’d like to thank all my practice partners, too.”
The Fargo champ added of facing Way “I knew that at the end of the day, I mean we were just going to be practice partners, so we just went out there and we tried to kill each other. I mean like every other match kind of sucks, I’m not going to lie, because I want the best for him.
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Challenges and Perseverance
Like any athlete, Myers has faced his share of challenges. He lost in the blood rounds in 2023 when he was not seeded. “I was definitely hungry for some wins,” he said. “This season wasn’t very good for me. Last year we went out to Fargo and came up short and lost in the blood round. This time we took it a little different."
Despite these setbacks, Myers has consistently demonstrated resilience and a determination to improve. “Me and Stephen, Kayden (McDonald) and Seth (Drennen), even though Kayden and Seth didn’t do as good, they were out there training with us. We worked really hard to get there and once we got there I wasn’t going be denied to not be on the podium."
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State Tournament and Future Aspirations
Myers had the initial takedown in his finals match versus University freshman Nico Maisel, but the Hawk got a reversal before giving one up later in the first. “I wrestled it just like another match,” Myers stressed. “I don’t really think too much of it."
“I don’t want that so I just go out there, have fun and do my own thing. We always got next year. I’d say next year it’s ours - 100% it’s ours.
Team Success and Recognition
Coach Littleton expressed pride in the team's performance, stating, “Very proud of all our boys that went and competed at a high level,” admitted coach Littleton. “I know Drennen and McDonald didn’t place, but they still were willing to accept the challenge to go there.”
“I go back to earlier in the day during the placing rounds. We went 5 for 5 in all of our placing matches,” admitted PHS head man Matt Littleton, who was honored with the triple-A Rod Oldham Coaching Award.
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