By Derrick Smith

Wrestling is a very physical sport that requires a lot of hard work and preparation in order to be successful. Aaron Frye knows what it takes and he says that it takes more than just showing up to regular practice. You have to be willing to do the extra work if you want to be the best.
“You have to want to be a champion,” he said. “I lift all summer to get strong as I can. I also spend many hours in the gym working out, running, and I also shadow wrestle in my backyard. All of this had helped me become the wrestler that I am today.”

Aaron is a junior at Elk City High School, where he wrestles in the 145-pound weight class. He has wrestled for about five years and said over that time, there are a couple of people that have made a difference in his life.

“One person that I look up to is Spenser Lee, a wrestler at the University of Iowa,” he said. “He is an incredibly good wrestler and a super positive role model. Another person that has been a huge asset to me has been coach Murray. He has taught me to never give up, even if things get tough, they can keep you grinding.”

With all the work that an athlete has put in, the moments when they see their hard work pay off are really great.

“The highlight moment of my career happened this year,” Frye recalled. “I was wrestling at the Blanchard Tournament against Class 5A and 6A schools and I finished in fourth place. I felt really good about where I finished but I know I still have work to do.”

When Aaron gets to the point where he feels like he can do the work, he has a phrase that he reminds himself of. 

“Pain is temporary, but success is forever,” he stated. “So push for your dreams and when you get down or disheartened, remember you accomplishing your goals.”