When Wesley's grandparents entered him into gymnastics in 1993, they didn't know what would come out of their sons classes. Who knew, that 10 years after entering gymnastics, Wes would become the number one junior gymnast in the country.

Wesley Morgan Haagensen Jr. was born on December 21st, 1985. He began gymnastics at age seven under Jason Pearson in Oklahoma. In 1998, at his first Junior Olympic Nationals, Wes placed 4th in the all around. From there, his gymnastics career took off. In 2000 Wes moved from that 4th place finish to first.

2002 brought many changes to Wes in his gymnastics career. When Jason decided to move to St. Louis Wes was right behind, training at the St. Louis Gymnastics Centre. Then Wes was asked to represent the United States in the 2002 Junior Pan American Championships. With a second place finish in the all around, his international career began.