 While attending St. Stephens High School in Hickory, North Carolina, Huffman was a three-year starter for the well respected high school wrestling team (1989–1990, 1990–1991, 1991–1992).He was instrumental in helping with the success of the team; posting a career record of 59–27 at the 112 lb and 119 lb weight classes, as the team won the Big-6 3A conference championship 2 out of the 3 years he started.He also served as one of the team captains during his senior year.