The life and legacy of Greg Hatcher, a man who has made significant contributions to the world of wrestling in Arkansas, are a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact of a well-planned vision. Early Life and Education
Hatcher’s journey to Arkansas began in 1984, a year after graduating from Alma College with a degree in public relations. He moved to Central Arkansas, where his family had settled in 1981, with his father, Joe, who had become the president of Hendrix College. Initially, Hatcher enjoyed life in the South, but he missed the sports he grew accustomed to in Michigan, where he had lettered in wrestling, soccer, and baseball. A Vision for Wrestling in Arkansas
Hatcher’s love for wrestling was sparked in Michigan, where he had witnessed the sport’s popularity firsthand. He often found himself thinking, “Boy, that’s sad, we ought to start that one day.” This sentiment eventually led him to make a bold move, one that would change the landscape of wrestling in Arkansas forever. The Mighty Bluebirds and Beyond
The Mighty Bluebirds, a non-profit sports program for kids, was Hatcher’s first venture into sports. The program began with a group of 5-year-old girls using the name and has since grown into a multi-sport complex on Pinnacle Valley Road that includes soccer fields, baseball fields, a gym, and various other opportunities, such as wrestling, tennis, and equestrian. A Legacy of Excellence
Hatcher’s contributions to wrestling in Arkansas do not stop at the Mighty Bluebirds. He has also founded the Arkansas Wrestling Association in 2005, partnering with businessman Don Schuler to secure the sport’s sanctioning with the Arkansas Activities Association. Together, they have worked tirelessly to promote wrestling in the state, and their efforts have paid off in a big way. Awards and Accolades
Hatcher’s dedication to wrestling in Arkansas has not gone unnoticed. In 2025, he will be inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame, a testament to his hard work and commitment to the sport. His induction is not just a personal achievement but also a tribute to the countless individuals who have supported him along the way. Impact on Arkansas Colleges and Universities
Hatcher has also made significant contributions to the world of collegiate wrestling in Arkansas. He has helped secure funding for 14 Arkansas colleges and universities, including the establishment of the state’s first Division I program at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. The Trojans have since achieved a top 20 national ranking, multiple All-American finishers, and their coach, Neil Erisman, was named the national Coach of the Year in 2024. Words of Wisdom
When asked about his journey, Hatcher reflected on the words of his friend, Arkansas businessman Rush Harding, who once said, “Hey, if you donate money and you actually have it, that’s nothing. What means something’s when you can donate money you don’t have.” Hatcher’s response was, “He used to say, ‘Hey, if you donate money and you actually have it, that’s nothing. What means something’s when you can donate money you don’t have,’ ” with a laugh. A Lasting Legacy
Hatcher’s legacy in Arkansas wrestling is one that will continue to inspire and motivate future generations. As he looks back on his accomplishments, he is reminded of the importance of hard work, perseverance, and staying true to one’s vision. His story serves as a testament to the power of a well-planned vision and the impact it can have on the world. Quote
“Most of the good things that have happened in my life, I did not plan them out. I just was in the fray, working on things and they just kind of happened.”
Awards and Recognition
* 2025: Inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame
* 2009: Arkansas Activities Association sanctions high school wrestling in the state for the first time
* 2005: Founding of the Arkansas Wrestling Association
* 2018: Establishment of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s Division I wrestling program
* 2024: Neil Erisman, coach of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock wrestling team, is named the national Coach of the Year
Timeline
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1984 | Hatcher moves to Arkansas with his family. |
| 1981 | Hatcher’s father, Joe, becomes the president of Hendrix College. |
| 2005 | Founding of the Arkansas Wrestling Association. |
| 2009 | Arkansas Activities Association sanctions high school wrestling in the state for the first time. |
| 2018 | Establishment of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s Division I wrestling program. |
| 2024 | Neil Erisman, coach of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock wrestling team, is named the national Coach of the Year. |
| 2025 | Hatcher is inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame. |
Dedication to Excellence
Throughout his journey, Hatcher has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to excellence in all aspects of his life. His dedication to wrestling in Arkansas has been unwavering, and his passion for the sport has inspired countless individuals to follow in his footsteps. A Final Message
As Hatcher looks to the future, he is filled with a sense of pride and accomplishment. His legacy in Arkansas wrestling is one that will continue to inspire future generations. As he reflects on his journey, he is reminded of the importance of hard work, perseverance, and staying true to one’s vision. Quote
“When we started wrestling, I just thought Arkansas needed it. It just kept getting bigger and bigger and bigger, and then colleges (got started) and then Division I programs and then national coaches of the year and nationally ranked teams.