Takedowns and Tough Lessons: Sully’s Wrestling Story
With four years of experience and a statewide ranking, Sully knows that every win—and loss—teaches you something. This young athlete is just getting started.
Name: Sully Hays
Age: 10 years old
School: St Pius, 4th Grade
What is the sport or activity you participate in, and how long have you been doing it?
I participate in wrestling, and I’ve been wrestling for 4 years.
I participate in wrestling, and I’ve been wrestling for 4 years.
Where do you normally practice or compete?
I practice at Teurlings Catholic High School and STM. We compete all over the state.
I practice at Teurlings Catholic High School and STM. We compete all over the state.
Are you on a team? What’s the name?
Yes, I’m on the Rebel Wrestling Club.
Yes, I’m on the Rebel Wrestling Club.
Have you traveled anywhere because of wrestling?
I’ve traveled all over Louisiana and even to Alabama for meets.
I’ve traveled all over Louisiana and even to Alabama for meets.
What kinds of events have you done?
I’ve competed in lots of wrestling meets, including state meets.
I’ve competed in lots of wrestling meets, including state meets.
Have you won any awards or honors?
I’ve earned many medals over the past 4 years. Right now, I’m ranked 3rd in the state for my age and weight class.
I’ve earned many medals over the past 4 years. Right now, I’m ranked 3rd in the state for my age and weight class.
What have you learned from wrestling?
I’ve learned self-defense, confidence, how to do backflips—and when you lose, you also win- because you learn from your losses.
What’s your favorite part about wrestling?
Kicking butt! That’s the best part.
Kicking butt! That’s the best part.
Do you have a favorite wrestling memory?
Yes, at the 2025 State Meet, during the match for 3rd place. I took down my opponent and earned 3rd. It was awesome.
Yes, at the 2025 State Meet, during the match for 3rd place. I took down my opponent and earned 3rd. It was awesome.
What’s one tip you’d give someone who wants to start wrestling?
You have to be prepared to take a beating, and get back up and fight again.
You have to be prepared to take a beating, and get back up and fight again.
Is there anything else you want to add?
My older brother also wrestled for STM, and he’s ranked 2nd in the state for his weight class. We’re hoping my baby brother will wrestle one day too!
My older brother also wrestled for STM, and he’s ranked 2nd in the state for his weight class. We’re hoping my baby brother will wrestle one day too!