In this episode of Spearhead Conversations, host Xavier Mercado sits down with Brown Deer’s Wrestling Coach Sedrick Hay, a wrestling coach whose journey through adversity, service, and mentorship is deeply inspiring. His story reflects resilience, growth, and a commitment to shaping young lives through sport.

Raised in Milwaukee, Coach Hay was drawn to athletics early on, eventually finding his path in wrestling after being introduced to the sport in high school by Coach Tomes. Despite limited support and financial challenges, wrestling provided him with discipline and structure that helped shape his character.

After high school, Coach Hay faced early fatherhood, financial hardship, and difficult personal choices. He openly shares how his decision to join the Marine Corps became a turning point, instilling accountability and direction that changed the course of his life.

Today, Coach Hay channels those lessons into coaching, building the Brown Deer wrestling program from just three athletes into a diverse, competitive team. Grounded in mentorship and character development, his mission extends beyond winning, focusing on impact, community, and guiding both athletes and families on and off the mat.