Get to Know the Sooners: DJ Parker

At Oklahoma, we want our fans to connect with our student-athletes on and off the mat. As a result, we'll be doing a "Get to Know Our Sooner Wrestlers" segment in our newsletters. In this edition, you'll get to know DJ Parker.

Question: How did you get into wrestling?

A: When I was in 5th grade, I wanted to start boxing because I had never done a sport before. I had watched a lot of Rocky movies, so this was where I got the idea. My Mother was opposed to this idea. Then she suggested I find something less harmful I stumbled upon the idea of wrestling. Not the kind I do now which is amateur wrestling, but I thought I would become a WWE wrestler.

Q: What about wrestling makes you love the sport?

A: The adversity that comes with both the highs and lows within the sport. I haven't experienced anything that comes close to the raw emotions that come from winning and losing. There is no better feeling than seeing all the work you put in propel you forward. The thrill of relentlessly pursuing perfection and greatness never knowing if it will come. Something else that makes me love the sport is the journey and the people I have met along the way.

Q: What are some of your biggest accomplishments on the mat?

A: IL 3A State Champ, 2x Fargo All-American, Fargo National Champion, 2x U20 All-American, 2x Big 12 Place Winner, Amateur Wrestling News 2022 All-Rookie Team, and 2023 NCAA National Qualifier. My favorite currently is winning state my senior year of high school after experiencing a tough freshman year ending with a losing record it lit a fire under me. I just knew I had to be on the wall in my high school room after looking up every day at those before me I would always envision myself next to the few pictures up there.

Q: What made you want to transfer to Oklahoma after spending two seasons at North Dakota State?

A: The reason I had committed to NDSU in the first place became my reason for transferring and coming to OU with my coaches. This is the belief I have in my coaching staff and the path they are leading me on which is achieving the highest spot on the podium at the NCAA tournament. I now have the opportunity to attain this twice this is the pinnacle of college athletics. The investment OU puts into its athletes is amazing providing everything someone needs to be successful not only during their athletics career but also later in life.

Q: What are you enjoying the most so far about wrestling for Coach Kish and his staff?

A:. The level of excellence they expect and push us to compete at. Also, the amount of time they invest in us is more than anyone could ask for. These are some of the many things I have enjoyed about this coaching staff. They are constantly pushing us to be the best in wrestling and every aspect of life.

Q: What can OU fans expect when they see you on the mat?

A: Someone who will put it all on the line to win every match and reach the pinnacle of the sport. Battling to win every point scored in any match while constantly chasing self-perfection.

Q: Why should fans be excited about this new era of OU Wrestling?

A: The athletes and coaching staff are constantly working to make this era one that will not be forgotten. Chasing the standard of National Championships both individually and as a team set by those before us here at OU. We are determined to achieve the highest level within the sport.

Q: Alright DJ, now for some rapid-fire fun questions. Favorite Norman restaurant?

A: Pickleman's

Q: What's your favorite sport other than wrestling?

A: MMA

Q: What are your hobbies outside of wrestling?

A: Traveling

Q: Favorite movie?

A: The Pursuit of Happyness

Q: Favorite athlete?

A: Eric Juergens

Players Mentioned

DJ Parker

Sponsors

University of Oklahoma Athletics