Corey Clayton wrestled at Norman High School in the late 1980s and competed for two years at Oklahoma State University before entering the coaching ranks. He spent 22 years as an assistant and head coach at Enid High School and Tulsa Union High School. Clayton compiled more than 150 dual wins and his teams captured four district crowns, two regional championships and a pair of state titles. He had 15 USA Wrestling All-Americans and three USA Wrestling national champions. Clayton has also served as tournament director of more than 45 tournaments during his career, including dual state, regionals and Olympic Trials. For his dedication to the sport, Corey Clayton is honored with the 2017 Lifetime Service to Wrestling Award by the Oklahoma Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.