Before USMMA: Kohout  took part in varsity wrestling, football, and track at John H. Glenn High School.  He was an all-league selection in wrestling and was a team captain as well as an all-conference performer for the football team.  Kohout was a member of the 2010 New York State Dual Meet Championship team under head coach T.J. Brocking.  Kohout was also named a New York State Scholar-Athlete all four years of high school.