Norman's Yemi Oyesanya: Driven Athlete of the Month – Presented by Landers Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of Norman

 

By John Tranchina

After severely injuring his ankle in Sept. 2017, Yemi Oyesanya was forced to miss all of last wrestling season, but thanks to a lot of hard work, the Norman senior has come back even better than ever this year.

Oyesanya reports that the rehab process from a severe ankle dislocation suffered while playing football that required surgery (with screws inserted) was difficult, but he is seeing the payoff now, putting forth a 27-6 record this season heading into the Class 6A West Regional tournament.

“I’ve reached limits I never knew I had before,” said Oyesanya. “Just trying to get back to the state where I was, was extremely hard, mentally and physically, just so much hard work had to be put into it. I’m just taking every opportunity I can because you never know when it’s going to be taken away from you, like it did for me, so it’s really helped build my character and made me stronger, and then a drive to get stronger physically as well.

“When I wrestled varsity sophomore year, at the beginning of the season, I didn’t do as well as I should have and I definitely peaked at the end of the season, but it feels like I’ve gone farther than I did then. A lot of boundaries I never knew I could go to and reach.”

Off the mat, Oyesanya also returned to play football in the fall, is involved in Mu Alpha Theta, the math club, and the African Christian Fellowship outside of school. He also tried to start his own club at Norman High, but his application was denied.

“We have a meatball club at the school, so I tried to start a chicken club, but it got denied,” Oyesanya said. “Just to learn about chicken and appreciate it.”

He also attended some Kindness Club meetings but was unable to continue due to his busy schedule.

“It keeps me out of trouble,” said Oyesanya, who will be going to East Central University in Ada next fall to play football. “I’m really just trying to focus on my sports and education and keep myself busy. It helps me stay focused on the goals and not get distracted away from it by other stuff.”

“This young man is outstanding in his academics as well as in the classroom,” added Norman wrestling coach Cory Wilson. “He is very involved in school clubs and organizations, a varsity letterman in football as well as wrestling. He has great potential to be a state qualifier as well as a state placer.”

 

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