Quintraylon "42" Johnson: Rising Star in Wrestling

From Humble Beginnings to Championship Glory

Wrestling is more than just a sport—it’s a test of resilience, discipline, and heart. Few embody this better than Quintraylon "42" Johnson, a 16-year-old junior at Kimball High School, who has quickly made a name for himself on the mat.

Despite having only two years of wrestling experience, Quintraylon has shown remarkable growth and dedication. Under the guidance of Kimball High School coaches Devonte Smith and Andy Harmony, as well as Rick Henry at Future Champs of Texas, he has fully embraced the sport, overcoming challenges both on and off the mat.

Dominating the Competition

Quintraylon recently competed in the DISD 5AA Regional Wrestling Championship in the 165-pound division, where he not only took home the title but also earned the prestigious honor of Most Outstanding Wrestler of the tournament. His hard work and perseverance have paid off, and his victories are just the beginning.

A Champion’s Mindset

Wrestling has done more than bring Quintraylon athletic success—it has reshaped his outlook on life. Recognizing that a strong GPA is essential for competing at the D1 college level, he has become more dedicated to his schoolwork. Wrestling has given him a sense of purpose, motivating him to strive for excellence both in and out of the classroom.

On the Road to State & Olympic-Level Training

With his regional championship win behind him, Quintraylon is now preparing for the State Championships this weekend in Houston. But that’s not all—he and his fellow club member, Darius Grignion, have been invited to an exclusive Developmental Training Camp at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs from March 24-29.

This invitation-only camp will allow them to train under some of the best wrestling coaches in the country, and they may even have the opportunity to learn from Olympic and World Champions. This experience will undoubtedly be a pivotal moment in their young careers.

A Bright Future Ahead

Quintraylon Johnson’s journey is just beginning, and with his dedication and talent, the sky’s the limit. As he steps onto the mat at State and later at the Olympic Training Camp, we wish him and Darius Grignion the best of luck.

Stay tuned for updates on their progress and join us in celebrating these rising stars!

Jarvis Verdell’s (Bullet’s) visit to Jamaica

On August 25th, 2024 Bullet embarked on a journey to Jamaica with coach Rick.

This was Bullet’s first time flying. Like a good wrestler, he did not show his nervousness while in flight although I did see urine running down his leg as he rushed to the bathroom saying, “Coach I gotta go to the bathroom.” Bullet and coach Rick went to coach’s house in the parish of St. Mary, roughly thirty minutes from Ocho Rios, which is one of Jamaica’s tourist meccas. St. Mary is rich in history since  it is the home of James Bond beach and Henry Morgan the pirate also trotted and conquered ocean-bearing vessels and other foes throughout time.

Bullet quickly embraced Jamaican culture as the Jamaican people embraced him. He grooved to the beats of reggae music, consumed curried goat, and swam in the beautiful Caribbean Sea at Pagee beach.He also took the plunge and drank his first serving ever of real Jamaican coconut water at a local fruit stand on the roadside.

Bullet also had his first international scrimmage at a wrestling camp that Future champs of Texas and Ocho Rios wrestling club hosted at Jacks River primary school in St Mary. He scrimmaged with Theron Green-Rose from Jamaica and  managed to score a few points on Theron Green-Rose.

Coach Rick’s former teammates from Toronto, Coach John Cho and Coach Marlon Sherlane also gave Bullet some valuable wrestling mat techniques.

Bullet loves Jamaica, and Jamaica loves Bullet!

Basics of wrestling

At Southside, we believe wrestling offers numerous benefits:

• Physical Fitness: Builds strength, agility, and endurance.

• Mental Toughness: Teaches resilience, focus, and strategic thinking.

• Discipline: Emphasizes hard work and commitment.

• Practical Self-Defense: Techniques can effectively neutralize threats.

Getting Started

1. Join Southside Boxing & Wrestling Gym: Our local gym offers beginner wrestling classes for all ages.

2. Essential Gear: You’ll need wrestling shoes, headgear, athletic clothing, and a water bottle.

Basic Techniques for Self-Defense

1. Stance: Stay balanced and ready to move.

2. Penetration Step: Get close to an opponent while maintaining control.

3. Double Leg Takedown: Quickly neutralize a threat by taking them to the ground.

4. Escape: Break free from holds and regain control.

Tips for Parents and Kids For Parents:

• Encourage Participation: Support your child through the learning phase.

• Create a Positive Environment: Celebrate progress and effort.

• Stay Involved: Attend matches and practices. For Kids: • Have Fun: Enjoy learning and making friends.

• Stay Positive: Use mistakes as learning opportunities.

• Practice Regularly: Consistency leads to improvement.

Wrestling at Southside Boxing & Wrestling Gym offers physical fitness, mental toughness, and practical self-defense skills. We hope this guide inspires you to give wrestling a try. Contact us today to learn more about our programs. See you on the mat at Southside in Dallas!