Southeast's football signee earns wrestling state championship title

Living life day-by-day and focusing on studies before pursuing a state championship in wrestling is how Southeast Missouri State University football commit Detarrion Richardson has claimed his success in athletics.

Richardson is a native of Kansas City, Missouri, where he grew up with his mother and three brothers. In the spring, he will graduate from Liberty North High School. He is in high spirits for Southeast football.

"I toured the campus and enjoyed myself. I plan to come back for the spring game or practice to see the team," Richardson said.

He has always aspired to be a collegiate football athlete.

"I have always wanted to play football. I was unsure of where I would be playing, but when Southeast called and I toured the school I felt this was the place for me," Richardson said.

Although Richardson will be pursuing a football career at Southeast, he is a state champion wrestler. He has never wanted to be a wrestler in college; it was more of an activity to get him through the rest of the school year.

Richardson is a first-generation college student and dedicates his ability to play football to his mother, Milikea Simpson. Simpson is his biggest supporter and the motivation behind his success.

Between his three brothers, nephew and niece, "My mom has her hands full with all of us, but she never complains. I do this for her to make her life easier. She inspires me to do better," Richardson said.

She loves to do what she can to support her family.

"I may have to move to Cape Girardeau to attend his games and keep up with him," Simpson said.

She said she is extremely proud of him and hopes the best for his upcoming adventure in life.

In preparation for his college experience, Richardson his begun to work on his note-taking and writing skills for the classes he plans to take at Southeast. He plans to major in criminology, and he aspires to become an FBI agent or a United States Marshall. Richardson prides himself in completing academics first and participating in community service and athletics. Aside from his conference titles and state championship title for wrestling, he was awarded the Hope Award which is granted to students maintaining a good grade point average, from his high school.

His game day preparations usually begin with him doing homework, so he can get it out of the way and focus on the game the second he has completed it. Following his studies, he listens to music and prepares to defeat his opponent. To do so, he strategizes with his coaches and teammates.

Among other things, Richardson enjoys spending time with his pit bull, DJ. They hang out at the dog park often. He also mentors at Lewis and Clark Elementary School in Kansas City, Missouri, where he is a student-teacher.