I am a -old alumnus of Goose Creek High School, Class of 1997, where I distinguished myself as a multi-sport athlete with a primary focus on wrestling and football.

As a wrestler, I was a four-year State Qualifier and State Runner-Up during my senior year. I captured back-to-back Regional Championships during my junior and senior seasons and was honored as Region 6-AAAA Wrestler of the Year in 1997. Throughout my high school career, I earned team awards every season: Most Promising Wrestler (Freshman), Most Dedicated Wrestler (Sophomore), and Most Valuable Wrestler (Junior and Senior).

In addition, I won the 1997 North–South All-Star Tournament Championship, became a three-time Freestyle State Champion, and placed 12th at the 1997 National High School Wrestling Tournament, competing against the top wrestlers in the nation.