Moore's Tristan Ashford – Character Counts Presented by Oklahoma Educators Credit Union

By John Tranchina

He’s been wrestling since he was four years old, so it’s safe to say that Tristan Ashford loves the sport. The Moore junior doesn’t participate in any other sports, so his attention is 100 percent on the mat and it shows in his dedication and team-first attitude. And even though he’s not yet a senior, Ashford has understandably taken on a leadership role for the Lions.

“I don’t want to be like the lazy kid on the team that the coaches don’t have any faith in or don’t believe in him, so I try to work hard and put the team first,” Ashford said. “It’s not about me, because if I’m not doing good, then I’m letting someone down on the team.”

He’s been involved in wrestling ever since the kids of his dad’s friend wrestled with him at age four, and suggested he try it. Ashford did, loved it, and has been hooked ever since.

Last year, wrestling at 195 pounds, Ashford finished fifth at the Class 6A West Regional, earning a spot in the state tournament, but he lost a tough 5-3 overtime decision in his first match and was eliminated from contention. That experience has fueled his motivation to work harder this season for a better result at state.

“It’s making me push harder because I think I could have done a little bit better last year, so now I’m pushing harder to try to place maybe and be a state champ,” Ashford said. “So I got to push harder than I did last year – going to morning lifts every morning at 7:00, going to practice every day, every once in a while going to even the little league practices.”

Moore coach Robert Washington appreciates Ashford’s determination and leadership.

“Tristan has a team-before-self mentality, he’s a loyal, hard worker, I can always count on him,” Washington said. “Always going to be a practice no-fail, always will make weight, all around pleasure to coach.”

Besides wrestling, Ashford is also dedicated to academic achievement.

“I think it’s very important, because if you’re not doing good in school, you’re not going to be able to wrestle, that’s the main thing,” he said. “And keeping my grades really good, that gives you a better chance at a scholarship, so I always try to keep them up there at As and high Bs.”

 

 

 

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