By the tender age of eight, Mansfield native Phoenix Hunter has already accomplished more in the world of sports than most athletes achieve in a lifetime. The Eastview Elementary second-grader participates in a variety of athletics, including football, jiu-jitsu, grappling, baseball and soccer, but says wrestling is by far his favorite because on the mats is where Hunter shines brightest.
Phoenix has already collected an incredible number of wrestling awards and championships, even claiming a Division II OH-WAY state title this past season despite being among the younger kids in his age classification. He also made the podium with a sixth-place finish at the prestigious OAC state championships, taking away valuable lessons in defeat he believes can lead to success next season.
One much larger opponent Hunter was able to handle last year that gained the youngster publicity, was a pickup truck he pulled through a neighborhood with a harness. The video went viral on social media and even grabbed the attention of Hollywood where Phoenix recently traveled to be a guest on NBC’s “Little Big Shots” with host Steve Harvey. His episode will air at 8 pm on April 22, and Phoenix will also appear on the Australian edition of the show later this summer.
