Carrier Mills youth plans to become a professional wrestler

Josh Walker, 17, a junior at the Carrier Mills-Stonefort High School, plans to be performing for the crowds in the professional wrestling circuit after his 18th birthday. Walker is a Carrier Mills native and has been a fan of wrestling much of his life.

His mother Amanda has encouraged him in his enjoyment of wrestling and in his plans for a wrestling career.

"I used to record Saturday Night Wrestling every week and we would watch it all the next week," Amanda Hamlin said. "I've been a big fan of wrestling all my life and I'm thrilled to see Josh wanting to do this."

In the last several years, Walker has been seriously considering this move. At several of the recent area wrestling events, Walker has talked to the wrestlers and local wrestling promoter Bert Prentice about this choice. Prentice and the wrestlers have been supportive and helpful with information about the career and training. One wrestler who is a local favorite, Steve O, has taken a special interest in Walker's plans and has exchanged e-mail addresses with Walkers parents, promising his help in getting Josh started in his career.

Walker plans to travel this summer to Lebanon, Tenn., where a professional wrestling camp is held in the old National Guard Armory building. The classes are free, an aspect which makes Walker's mom and dad happy.

"We just have to pay for the round trip bus ticket and room and board," said Terry Hamlin, Josh's father. "Free training is a real plus for Josh." Hamlin added with a grin, "Of course, I suppose we will buy him a round trip ticket."

While Walkers parents are supportive of his plans, his father has some serious concerns about his choice.

"I really would like him to finish high school before he begins training," Terry said. "He could get hurt during training and not be able to continue with wrestling or any career. Of course, at his age he doesn't believe he could possibly be hurt but I know it's a real possibility and I worry. I would feel better if he had some other options."

Walkers mother Amanda is unreservedly in favor of her son's plans.

"I want him to be able to get out of Carrier Mills, have a career that he enjoys and get to travel," Amanda said. "Of course I worry about him getting hurt, but he is such a big guy and with the training he will get, I feel he will be fine."

Walker himself has no doubt about his choice, and is happy to finish high school before embarking on his career.

"I really look forward to this," Walker said. "It actually does look like it's pretty fun and I want to really give the fans something to cheer and yell about, I want to give the fans a good show. Anyway, I have to be 18 before I can wrestle professionally so I'm gonna finish school. But I am going to train this summer."

Walker feels that this career offers the real potential for a good, steady income and he is particularly interested in the travel aspect of the work. Walker also feels that the regular exercise and strength training is a real plus in this profession.

Josh has several ideas for his "Wrestling Name" and persona, but plans to finish training and seek advice from other wrestlers and promoters before he reaches a final choice. For now, Josh is eagerly waiting for summer break and his 17th birthday in July to board the Greyhound bus and head towards Tennessee and his future.