Nick Boykin wins prestigious wrestling award

Life is good - and busy - for former Riverdale wrestling standout Nick Boykin these days.

Boykin is currently in Colorado Springs, Colo., at the United States Olympic Training Center preparing for what he hopes is a future run at an Olympic medal.

He has garnered some more prestigious awards along the way.

Boykin was recently named the Dave Schultz High School Excellence Award for 2017, representing Tennessee.

"I hadn't heard of (the award) before, but it's a national award, so It's a big accomplishment," said Boykin, who finished his Riverdale career with 140 consecutive victories.

Boykin's name will also be displayed in the Youth Zone portion of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame because of the award.

"That's a big honor," he said.

The Dave Schultz award is "Presented for excellence in wrestling, scholastic achievement, citizenship and community service."

"I've always tried to go out of my way to help people," said Boykin, who was named wrestler of the year by both The Daily News Journal's all-area team and The Tennessean Sports Awards. He was active in helping with Special Olympics.

The DSHSEA was established in 1996 to honor Olympic and World champion Dave Schultz, whose career was cut short when he was murdered in January 1996. Schultz was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame as a Distinguished Member in 1997 and as a member of the United World Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2016.

Boykin went 50-0 during his senior season, capturing his third consecutive Class AAA state title in the 285-pound division.

Following the season he headed to Colorado Springs to begin training for the Olympics.

"I hope to compete (in the Olympics) in 2020 or 2024," Boykin said.

Boykin's days have generally consisted of morning practices at 9 a.m. and afternoon weightlifting, except on Wednesdays when the grapplers are allowed to play other games such as soccer, basketball, etc.

"They just want to make sure we are having fun," said Boykin, who has no timetable on how long he will train there.

"Colorado has been great. I could be here a year, four years or eight years."

He feels good, however, about the pace he's on during his quest to wrestle in the Olympics.

He's been training with partner and Olympian Robby Smith.

"I've been getting my butt kicked every day," Boykin said with a laugh.

Reach Cecil Joyce at cjoyce@dnj.com or 615-278-5168 and on Twitter @Cecil_Joyce.