A Journey Well Worth It

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t's been a long journey to Norman for Yoanse Mejias.

The No. 10-ranked 174-pound wrestler in the country, Mejias has traveled over 2,500 miles to reach the University of Oklahoma. Now a senior, Mejias is aiming to add one more leg to his journey and tack on a few more miles.

ejias was born and raised in Havana, Cuba, where he began wrestling in elementary school. In June 2008 – when Mejias was 13 years old – his family moved to Miami, Fla.

“My family moved to the United States I think for a better future, a better education, and for more comfortable living in all areas and aspects,” Mejias explains. “The transition for me was very difficult at the beginning because of the language barrier, but once I got involved and going to class with a schedule and actually started learning the language, stuff got a lot easier for me.”

In addition to wrestling, Mejias also played baseball. He spent a season in left field at Miami Jackson High School, but upon transferring to Southwest Miami High School, Mejias turned his attention to wrestling.

Mejias said that after moving schools, he started to develop as a strong, smart wrestler. Soon, he realized his improvements would be able to get him to the college level.

“I think I figured out that I was getting better when I was around the summer of my sophomore year,” Mejias says. “I started lifting more weights, training with more guys who were older than me and that really gave me a confidence boost with my strength, ability and knowledge about different positions. I knew I was improving and at that point I knew that I was on to something special. I knew that I could've wrestled in college. I just didn't know how far at that point.”

After graduating high school, Mejias made the long trip to Mason City, Iowa, where he attended Northern Iowa Area Community College, an NJCAA program. Although he hated the cold weather, Mejias found he was able to thrive in school and improve his academics.

"I knew I was improving and at that point I knew that I was on to something special. I knew that I could've wrestled in college. I just didn't know how far at that point."
– Senior Yoanse Mejias

Additionally, Mejias found beneficial athletic opportunities at Northern Iowa Area. In his two years as a Trojan, Mejias said his wrestling continued to develop against strong competition.

“Back then, in 2013-14, it was really tough because we had some Division I dropouts and kids that were Division I caliber, but they didn't meet the requirements and the grades – just like me – to wrestle at a higher level and a better university,” Mejias explains. “For those conditions, I think at the NJCAA level, it is really high and not a lot of people are aware of that. That is something that I really appreciate and that is an experience that I will take with me for the rest of my life – (there were) some very tough tournaments.”

Despite the stout competition, Mejias shone on the national stage. In 2014, Mejias finished as the NJCAA individual national champion at 157 pounds, and in 2015, he did it again.

“A lot of things changed, but the game plan, the routine and how I wrestled didn't change,” Mejias said about his two titles. “I went out there and got the job done.”

As Mejias continued to improve academically and athletically, he began to receive attention from Division I programs. For him, moving to Norman was the natural next step in his journey.

“I decided to transfer to Oklahoma because of the coaching staff situation, and I really appreciated my coaches and what they can bring to the table,” he shares. “I knew that they knew my background and what type of wrestler I am. They understood my style, and I think that is something that I really respected from the get-go. Those guys that recruited me, I am very thankful, and I think that style-wise, that's what made me choose this place.

“And, it is not as cold over here,” Mejias deadpanned.

ejias says he has enjoyed life in Norman, and not just for the warmer weather. Academically, he is able to enroll in small-sized classes and sees consistent success. Athletically, he says he works well with the OU wrestling staff, from coaches to trainers to doctors.

After graduating, Mejias hopes to stay in the area and give back to the community.

“I want to apply for the fire department either here, in Norman, or in Oklahoma City or Edmond, or wherever the opportunity opens,” he says. “I am really focused on helping people, also on staying fit and pushing those people up and making sure that I am doing anything that I can in the community.”

Still, Mejias doesn't see his journey ending in Norman. With just a few weeks left in his collegiate wrestling career, Mejias is looking to add 900 more miles with a trip to Columbus, Ohio, for the NCAA Wrestling Championships.

“My goal is to be an All-American, and I think that I have the capability to place top five at nationals,” he says. “I believe that if I stay healthy and disciplined, then I have a big chance as my ability and skill sets just keep improving. If I do those things, when nationals and the Big 12 Tournament come around, then I will be a really tough guy to beat.”

Mejias and the Sooners are back in action on Saturday and Sunday at the Big 12 Wrestling Championship at the BOK Center in Tulsa, Okla.