True Mat spent some time in Manhattan and this certainly influenced him, but his parents both grew up in Hoxie - so he is not a complete stranger to Hoxie wrestling.

His uncle Mike Gilliland was a 2X undefeated state champion in the early 80's.

And his dad, Doug, was in the running for a state title his too. Can't remember for sure, but I think maybe mono kept him from wrestling at state his senior season.

His Grandmother was my first grade teacher and I remember listening to the state tournament on the radio that year in her classroom.

Ahh.......those were the days - See Spot run and wrestling. Now that's a quality education!