When not hitting the books, Furman University senior Austin Creed has been known to hit his co-workers.

Mr. Creed, who will graduate in May with a dual degree in philosophy and psychology, recently signed a contract with TNA (Total Nonstop Action) Wrestling. Battling under the name Consequences Creed, he dons a distinctive red-white-and-blue ensemble that borrows from the iconography of fictional film boxer Apollo Creed.

Although a serious student, he said professional wrestling has been something he had wanted to do; signing a contract was a goal even before he enrolled at Furman.

"It was just something I was always interested in," he said in a recent telephone interview. "When I graduated from high school, my goal was to go to college, and when I graduated from college, to do it with a wrestling contract."

Mr. Creed, who also works at a day-care center, said that right now the challenge is scheduling classes, homework, conditioning and bouts. Though balancing his numerous obligations is difficult, it makes him a better wrestler.

"I think a lot of wrestlers get a bad rap," he said. "It's hard physically, but it's hard mentally as well. My brain is as engaged when I'm wrestling as when I'm in class. In fact, I would say wrestling has actually sharpened my senses."

School is his priority. He knows that the specter of injury looms over every wrestler and that his two degrees could become invaluable should something happen.

"Besides, Furman is a very expensive private school," he said with a laugh. "So you need to get as much out of those four years as you can."

The TNA brand is relatively new in the world of wrestling. Still, the organization has managed to attract some of the sport's stars, including Sting and Kurt Angle. Mr. Creed said being able to work with and seek advice from the vets has proved invaluable.

"These are the guys that inspired me," he said. "I've looked up to them and now have the opportunity to learn from them. I'm so lucky to be in this position."

Mr. Creed said he's still learning the craft and often asks others on the TNA roster for ways he can improve. He said that for him, improvement is the gauge of success.

"It's all about being better than the day before and being able to listen," he said. "That's the biggest thing to me. I mean, it's great being where I am, but if I can't do those things, then I'm not succeeding."

Mr. Creed is also intent on giving advice to young fans who, as he once did, might watch a TNA bout and dream of stepping into the ring.

"It's simple," he said. "Stay in school."

He should know.

Reach Steven Uhles at (706) 823-3626 or steven.uhles@augustachronicle.com.