Putting in the extra work is what it’s all about with Fort Gibson junior wrestler Jaiden Johnson.
“Me and his dad played football together in high school, so I’ve known him a long time,” said Tiger wrestling coach Sammy Johnson. “His dad tried wrestling in high school and didn’t like it but Jaiden got into it with some wrestling in Muskogee in elementary school and then I’ve had him here at Fort Gibson since junior high. He’s a smart student with good character and a desire to win.”
And that extra work we mentioned at the start?
“He and Blade Walden, who was a state champ last year at 113 pounds, get together with a few other guys at Blade’s house a few times a week,” Johnson said. “They’ll get over there and work out, and the kids in the program respect that and look up to Blade and Jaiden as role models.”
Johnson, who plays receiver, kicker and cornerback on the Tiger football team and plans to play soccer this spring, says he enjoys wrestling the most.
“I like the individuality of wrestling and knowing that you’re responsible for your own outcome,” he said.
And Johnson has been successful thus far by going to state last year where he finished fourth at 132 pounds and helping the team to a sixth-place finish. He also took home a recent tournament championship in Springdale, Arkansas over the holidays.
“Going to state was cool and getting fourth was a big accomplishment,” Johnson said. “At Springdale, I pinned all four guys in my pool, as well as in the quarterfinals and semifinals, and then won the championship match 8-3.”
Though he didn’t claim to have a wrestling role model that he followed, Johnson did acknowledge the contributions of last year’s seniors that helped him along and as a team leader he wants to pay that help forward.
“I think I set a good example as a leader by working hard and helping teammates that are struggling and encouraging guys if they lose a match,” he said.
Jaiden Johnson has his goals set on making the finals this year at state, and with that extra work he puts in each week, he would seem to be well on his way to achieving that goal.
