With a background in folkstyle wrestling - Locsei attended Willoughby South preparatory highschool, competing in many wrestling bouts for the school, and would achieve a 3rd place at the 'OAC' state wrestling tournament. 

 
After a successful highschool career he would go on to attend John Carroll University ( JCU ), studying to attain a major in Exercise science - but later switching to Sociology / Criminology.  

 
He compiled an impressive 15 - 8 record in his freshman year,  only wrestling one semester ( in  spring ) for the 'JCU Blue Streaks', before deciding to take a different life path. Upon dropping out of university, he established his own landscaping business, and focused in on attaining success in a mixed martial arts, inspired by fellow Ohio-MMA stand outs. Joining the renowned 'Strong Style Fight Team' he completed Ohio's mandatory 5 amateur bout ( minimum ) rule - and would decide to turn pro following this success.