Isaiah Simpson’s wrestling career began because a football player was looking to enhance his strength, balance and quickness and a coach for a second-year mat program was looking to build it.
The two have matured. Walker Valley isn’t yet to the point it can seriously challenge Bradley Central and Cleveland — the big brothers of wrestling in Bradley County — but Alan Morris’ team has garnered votes most of the year in the state’s high school wrestling poll. The Mustangs won’t be going to the state duals next week, but they have wins over a handful of the teams that will.
Part of the reason is Simpson, the Mustangs’ 215-pounder.
“He is a good leader, one of those guys who will get your attention,” Morris said. “I can tell him when I need some something done, and the team listens to him and does what he says.”
Simpson presents an imposing figure, but he commands respect rather than demanding it.