By Ivy Knapp
Collinsville High School senior Hunter Linzy has been wrestling for nearly a decade. Now nine years on the mat, he’s built more than just strength and skill in his high school career. He’s made a wrestling family, good work ethic, and a mindset that he’ll carry with him even after high school.
Hunter’s journey started early from seeing wrestling on the television. “I got into wrestling after watching WWE as a kid,” he said. “Thinking that kind of wrestling was the same thing.”
What began as a childhood hobby turned into a lifelong passion. Over the years, Hunter has found that what really makes wrestling special is the people around him.
“Getting to build friendships with my teammates and coaches and being able to succeed in something I love, that’s the best part.”
When it comes to competing, Hunter keeps things straightforward. “I just stay calm, cool, and collected,” he said. “I have to be confident in myself and all the work I’ve put in.”
That focus paid off big when he and his brother, Hunter McBee, both placed at state back-to-back! A memory he calls one of his proudest moments so far. Through wrestling, Hunter’s learned lessons that go far beyond the mat.
“It’s taught me to have a good attitude about everything, even when you don’t feel like it,” he said. “And to always give maximum effort, no matter how small the job is.”
His biggest influence, Coach Alex Kauffman, has been a big part of that mindset.
“He’s always pushing me to be the best version of myself, even when I don’t want to. He makes me comfortable in uncomfortable situations, and that’s made me better.”
Balancing school, wrestling, and a job isn’t easy, but Hunter’s drive keeps him going. “I just want to be good at everything I do,” he said. “Even if I’m not there yet, I’ll work my tail off to get there.”
His goals this year are great. He wants to win conference, make it to dual state, and graduate with honors. After that, he plans to wrestle in college, earn his degree, and come back as a coach.
