Phillip Simpson became the second wrestler in history to win four Tennessee state wrestling championships.

He is the oldest son of Frank Simpson, who received the Lifetime Service to Wrestling award from the Tennessee Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2006.

Phillip wrestled for his father at Montgomery Bell Academy in Nashville.

He was a three-time All-American at the United States Military Academy, including a second-place finish in 2005 and a third-place finish in 2003. He is Army's only three-time All-American and three-time Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association champion.

Phillip finished his career at West Point ranked second in career wins with 134 and career pins with 54. He also holds the record for second-most pins in a single season with 20.

Following his senior year he received the Army's prestigious Athletic Association Award, awarded annually to the male and female cadet who who displays the "most valuable service to intercollegiate athletics during a career as a cadet."

Phillip went on to serve his country in the United States Army while also completing a successful international freestyle career that included a Pan-American championship.