Vinita’s Ty Purcell
By Mike Moguin
The first year he ever wrestled is one season upcoming freshman Ty Purcell of Vinita is proud of.
“I went undefeated and won Novice State Championship,” said Purcell, who is also known by the nickname “TyTy” by his teammates. “Another one was when I won third place at Junior High State.”
Purcell appreciates how tough the sport is.
“Wrestling has pushed me to never give up no matter how hard it gets,” he said.
There are two different types of wrestling, folkstyle, which is mandated nationally in high school competition, and freestyle, which most varsity wrestlers participate in during the offseason as a way to stay active year-round. Purcell says he prefers folkstyle. And there are those in his life that prompt him to thrive on the mat.
“My dad inspires me by pushing me to perform at my best ability, always supporting me, showing me that hard work and dedication pays off,” Purcell said. “My teammate Luke Prince is always working hard and taking apart seriously. “He is always willing to put in the extra practice or work on technique.”
When Purcell puts on the blue singlet to represent the Vinita Hornets, he likes “showing where I come from and proving that we have a good wrestling program,” he said.
The best he has ever received, Purcell said, is to “Keep working hard. Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.”
His favorite wrestling team is the OSU Cowboys.
“John Smith is my wrestling role model,” Purcell said.
Smith was the head wrestling coach at Oklahoma State for 33 seasons before he retired in 2024. As a wrestler, he was a two-time state champion at Del City, a two-time NCAA Division-I champion at OSU in the 1980s and a two-time Olympic Gold Medalist (1988, 1992).
Looking back at all his instructors, “Mrs. Lien was my favorite teacher,” he said. “I had her for second and fifth grade. She was laid back and made learning fun.”
Outside of the mat, Purcell is involved in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. His hobbies are fishing, hunting, riding side by sides, snowboarding and hanging out with friends.
“I want to thank my family, coaches and friends for all the support that they give me,” Purcell said.
