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Thursday, November 1, 2007
Undefeated Eagle
Collin County, TX
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By: Kevin Hageland
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Photo(s) By: Ray Shoaf
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Allen’s Erik Simons watches Mixed Martial Arts while preparing to defend his state title
Walking the hallways of Allen High School, senior Erik Simons doesn’t cast a very intimidating presence.
But on the mat, there is no 103-pound wrestler in the state that is more feared.
That’s because Simons went 42-0 as a junior en route to winning the Class 5A State Championship, which helped lead the Eagles to a fifth place team finish.
But Simons isn’t one to brag about his achievements; when asked how things were different since he won a state championship, Simons gave a succinct answer.
“Pretty much the same,” he said.
While Simons may not talk himself up, Allen head coach Jerry Best had plenty of good things to say about his star 103-pounder. But it is the comments from other coaches in District 17-5A that may be the most telling.
“Erik is a very technically sound wrestler that doesn't make many mistakes and can capitalize on another opponent’s mistakes,” said Al Koebke, Plano East head coach.
A similar type of praise can be found on the opposite side of Plano.
“Erik is a tough kid that is very dedicated,” said Shawn Smith, Plano West head coach. “He is a well-rounded athlete that is always in control; Erik is very mat-savvy.”
Wrestlers in the103-pound class almost had something to cheer about before the 2007-08 season began as Simons was contemplating going up to the 112-pound weight class. But when Allen received a transfer student from Rockwall at that weight class, Simons did what was best for the team and stayed at 103.
That might have an additional benefit for Simons though as he is planning to compete at the 2008 Senior Nationals. Simons is currently ranked No. 10 in the country at his weight class.
During his training to stay in shape for wrestling, Simons has found some other passions; namely Mixed Martial Arts and running.
“I run a lot, and I am planning on competing in a marathon during the Christmas break,” Simons said. “Plus I have been following the [Ultimate Fighting Championship] a lot.”
When asked about Mark Cuban getting involved in MMA, Simons said the Dallas Mavericks owner was, “A smart man.”
Even though his senior year has begun, Simons is still trying to determine what direction his future will take. Despite Simons’ dominant junior season, he has not drawn an overwhelming amount of interest from college wrestling teams.
That could be because while Simons wrestles at 103, the lightest weight class at the college level is 125 pounds. But Simons doesn’t think that will be a problem.
“I cut weight for wrestling, but I am usually around 122 pounds,” he said. “I’m sure I could redshirt my freshman year and work on bulking up.”
Simons said he is hopeful of getting a wrestling scholarship, but would be interested in pursuing a career in the military if that didn’t happen.
After that, Simons wants to get into the medical field, possibly something in the trauma ward.
“I want to be somewhere that I am always moving,” Simons said. “I really do well under pressure.”
Before going to college, the military or the job market, Simons will be getting back to the mat as part of an Eagles team that he believes, “Truly has a chance to win the state championship.”
As for Simons individual fortunes, there are plenty of onlookers that expect a repeat of last year.
“I love to watch him wrestle,” said Al Gallo, Plano Senior head coach. “Coach Best has done an excellent job providing opportunity for him to grow and I would expect another great season from him.”
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