In a remarkable demonstration ofdeterminationand grit, Peter Hammer, Head CoachofFreestyleandGreco-Roman wrestling at the Madill Takedown Club, placed 5th at the 2025 Senior Pan American Championships (61kg Freestyle), representing Costa Rica in Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico.
Balancing daily teaching and coaching duties with his elite-level training, Hammer showcased why he is becoming one of the fiercest competitors on the mat. His topfive finish on the continental stage adds international credibility to the Oklahomabased wrestling club and to the Madill school system. His strong performance also offers inspiration to K-12 athletes throughout the region.
A native of Costa Rica who was adopted out of extreme poverty from an orphanage into the Dallas/Fort Worth area,Hammerhasdeeproots in both Texas and Oklahoma wrestling. Hammer has been coached by some of the finest in the sport: Roger Frizzell, John Smith, Andre Metzger, Zach Esposito, Jamill Kelly, and Kenny Monday. His continued success not just in wrestling, but also in the academic and corporate verticals prove that excellence doesn’t stop at the whistle.
“Being at Pan-Ams wasn’t justaboutme,”saidHammer. “Making it to the Bronze Medal round with injuries and still finishing 5th, was always about showing our youthwhatcommitmentand discipline looks like—on and off the mat. That goes for fitness, training, and especially diet on top of managing all of one’s other responsibilities.”
He adds with a beaming smile, “Ultimately for me, all glory goes to God the Father, and Jesus Christ is King.”
Assummertrainingramps up, the Madill Takedown Club coaching staff hopes to channel this momentum into preparing the next generation of champions. They are currentlyrunningaFreestyle & Greco practice through July 31, 2025.