Billy Simpson set the Cushing High School record for most takedowns and finished third at the Oklahoma state wrestling tournament to end his junior season with a 42-2 record. He had a bright future in wrestling entering his senior season, including a scholarship to wrestle for Campbell University in North Carolina.

Simpson’s goal of ending his high school career with a state title was halted by a freak accident on December 22, 2017 while participating in two-a-day practices during winter break. During live wrestling, Simpson was lifted in the air and landed square on the crown of his head. He never felt the impact, going limp and face down as he lost feeling from his C3 and C4 vertebrae down the length of his spine.

Simpson endured a grueling two-hour ambulance ride to OU Medical Center in Oklahoma City. Surgery was performed the next morning. Doctors originally predicted that Simpson would be a quadriplegic, but that devastating news changed after feeling came back in all four of his limbs. Due to scar tissue in his esophagus, doctors had to install a feeding tube. When doctors put a feeding tube through his nose, it was discovered that his right lung had collapsed requiring another immediate operation. Following successful completion of that operation, Simpson was moved to Craig Hospital in Denver, Colorado, which specialized in spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries.

When he arrived, he could limp around, but remained in a wheelchair. Doctors, at first, tried preparing Simpson for life in a wheelchair. Simpson’s faith, determination and will to get better led to miraculous improvement, including some that wasn’t supposed to happen.

Time after time, Simpson faced rehabilitation tests he could not initially complete, but through grit and determination, he fought through the pain until he was able to complete the tasks. Surrounded by others also recovering from spinal or traumatic brain surgery, Simpson found himself once again in a leadership position, displaying a positive attitude and encouraging others through their rehab and recovery efforts.

Simpson defied his doctor’s projections and returned home to Cushing after 42 days.

One of the first things he did was head to Oklahoma City to help coach his younger brother, Kaiser, to a third-place place finish at the Junior High All-State Tournament. After the tournament, head coach Ladd Rupp offered Simpson an opportunity to sit in the corner at the regional and state tournaments. He was part of the team again.

At the state tournament finals, Simpson received a standing ovation when presenting medals to the 160-pound place-winners, including teammate Gage Hockett.

Following graduation, Simpson continued his remarkable recovery and earned a degree in finance from Oral Roberts University and a master’s degree in Christian Ministry from Liberty University. Simpson also returned to wrestling and continued to give back to the sport as an official. Since beginning in 2018 he has worked five regional tournaments and two state tournaments.

Simpson regularly shares his faith and the story of his amazing recovery at churches, Fellowship of Christian Athletes events and more across the nation.