2014 Wrestling team named to NEO Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2025
MIAMI, Okla. – Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College (NEO) is thrilled to announce the 2014 Golden Norsemen Wrestling Team as a member of the NEO Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2025.
Under the leadership of Head Coach Joe Renfro, the 2014 squad made history by capturing NEO’s first-ever NJCAA Wrestling National Championship. The team dominated the national tournament in Spokane, Washington, scoring 169 points to top the podium over Northwest College (Wyo.) and Clackamas (Ore.).
The Golden Norsemen posted a perfect 13-0 dual record and produced an incredible nine All-Americans out of ten weight classes — one of the most dominant performances in NJCAA wrestling history.
Highlighting the roster was Payne Hatter, who won the individual national title at 174 lbs., while Josh Walker (125 lbs.), Michael Williams (141 lbs.), and Zack Dobbins (149 lbs.) earned national runner-up honors. Mark Hobson (157 lbs.) and Evan McGee (285 lbs.) each placed third, with Shelby Krout (197 lbs.), Josh Ailey (133 lbs.), and Caleb Cotter (184 lbs.) also earning All-American status.
Coach Renfro was named NJCAA National Coach of the Year, becoming just the second coach in NJCAA history to win national titles at two different schools and the first to do so in back-to-back seasons.
They will be formally inducted during NEO’s Hall of Fame Weekend, September 12–13, 2025.
For event details and to RSVP, visit: https://neo.edu/athletics/neo-hall-of-fame/