Missouri wrestling redshirt senior Allan Hart has achieved many accolades in his five years as a Missouri wrestler. After a successful college career, he now looks toward his future after his collegiate wrestling days are over.

And it all started in third grade.

From then on, Hart could be found on the mat, supported by his dad, who now drives from Ohio to watch him compete.

“He was always in my ear, pushing and motivating me,” Hart said. “He’s always checking in on me. He’s definitely my No. 1 fan.”

Hart had always prided himself on being the first wrestler in his family, but his wrestling campaign went to the next level when he made his decision to join Missouri after receiving a handwritten letter from head coach Brian Smith, signed by NCAA National Champion Drake Houdashelt.

“I remember just looking at that letter in high school and thinking it was the coolest thing ever,” Hart said. “I came down here on junior day and the environment, the coaches fit right. I [could] picture myself with the Mizzou program and campus.”

When Hart officially joined Missouri in 2017, he weighed in at 133 pounds. He struggled to maintain the weight and successfully wrestle as he mentally kept going back and forth with himself.

After that realization and loss, Hart found himself ready to work toward being better on the mat, beginning with becoming confident in his abilities to wrestle his opponents effectively.

“I [faced that same wrestler in] the semi-finals, and I ended up beating him,” Hart said. “I started believing in myself and knew all the hard work was paying off.”

Hart attributes his growth to the coaching staff on and off the mat. Despite coming in as wrestlers, the coaches try to prepare them for the real world — stressing the fact that wrestling does not last forever.

“[Coach Smith] teaches us how to be a man,” Hart said. “He cares for you more than just as a wrestler and wants to see you succeed. It transfers over into the classroom and work ethic in general.”

Missouri wrestling joined the Big 12 Conference in 2021 after being in the Mid-American Conference for nine years. Hart has had the opportunity to see how both conferences have shaped him and the team and believes that since joining the Big 12, fans can see the program at its full potential and have more fun with how matches are organized.

“I personally love being at a Big 12 wrestling school,” Hart said. “We’re getting on a bigger stage and our crowds are more packed. It’s been awesome.”

Under Smith, Hart has been an NCAA Qualifier three times and was a 2022 Big 12 Championship runner-up. He has not won an individual championship at Missouri but has learned to bounce back and continue working toward those goals.

Hart keeps up that integrity in all facets of his life, through his life motto of “effort.” As he has continued wrestling for Missouri, he has found a love for the crowd and putting on a show for them.

“I want to walk off the mat and [have them say], ‘That dude really hustled,'” Hart said. “Every match, I [give] 110% effort and leave it on the mat.”

After he graduates with his master’s degree in positive coaching and athletic leadership, Hart hopes to become a coach and open his own wrestling club and teach others the same passion he found for the sport.

But Hart also wants to say that he became an All-American and make his debut on the podium during his career.

He believes he can and will achieve that goal this year.

Edited by Matt Guzman | mguzman@themaneater.com
Copy edited by Mary Philip