Volume 1.1 May 2021

By Al Fontes

Life is a journey! It’s one experience after another coupled by the many challenges it presents us. When knocked down, get right back up and move forward…always move forward. One common denominator that the sport of has with life is all good things come with vision, hard work, and commitment. We only achieve in life what we truly earn. If one were to tell me five years ago that I would be living and coaching wrestling in , I would not have believed them. As stated, life is a journey and during the initial stages of the COVID pandemic shutdowns my wife and I decided it was time to retire from our careers of 30 years at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and leave the state of California for Idaho (we had traveled to Idaho on many occasions and loved it). This was a bitter sweet decision because we were leaving family, friends, and my lifetime experience as a coach, mentor, and state editor for the California Wrestler Newsletter (TCW).

The sport of wrestling has been an integral part of my life for forty-three years now. This includes being a competitor, coach, historian, promoter, and writer. First taking to the mat in the late 1970s, I learned first-hand on day one that wrestling was not for everyone. Unlike many other sports I had participated in, the rigor and intensity that goes with the day-to-day physical training, coupled with the mental fortitude required to set foot on the mat to do battle, is beyond comparison. As a coach, I have had the honor and privilege to coach hundreds of kids at all skill levels. Each and every one of them is a true warrior and a member of a small club of athletes in the world’s toughest and most demanding sport. Among the many life lessons and traits, I had learned from my coaches and mentors, there is one in particular that resonates with me and has been my blue print for action for a greater part of my coaching tenure, which is being totally committed to those I coach and mentor throughout the duration of their mat career and beyond.

Many of my lifelong friends and colleagues asked me what my extracurricular plans were going to be during my retirement. Very simple, I want to continue to coach, mentor, and give back to society via the sport of wrestling. I just didn’t know where, when, or whether I would also continue my writing and promotion of the sport on the state and national scale (TCW/contributing editor for Wrestling USA Magazine, WIN, Amateur Wrestling News, etc.). I was in new territory and wanted to take it one step at a time…slowly integrating myself into the Idaho wrestling scene. Luckily, it didn’t take long and in short order I made contact with Rocky Mountain’s Head Coach Guy Bullock about joining his coaching staff. I quickly realized I was in the midst of many accomplished coaches and knew this was going to be a great fit for me. Ironically, Coach Bullock’s best friend’s father, Tim Vargas, was an accomplished wrestler for my alma mater Livermore High School in California during the late 1960s. Small world!

Now that I have had the opportunity to coach at Rocky Mountain and Heritage Middle School for the 2020 – ’21 season, my initial experience was very rewarding. In short order, I was able to build strong bonds with the kids and truly look forward to the years to come. I am honored to be part of each program. Not having a process knowledge of the competition landscape in Idaho, my first impression was very positive, especially at the Rollie Lane invitational, which featured Idaho’s elite in one setting. The level of wrestling in Idaho is solid, and in my humble opinion, does not get the recognition it deserves at the national level. Idaho wrestling is definitely a hidden gem. That being said, there are many great things happening at the grassroots levels. The quality of coaching is very impressive with several coaches having collegiate, national, and international experience. For example, Idaho native Chris Owens, a 2x NCAA All-American/finalist for Oklahoma State is leading the Freestyle/Greco-Roman National Team program, as well as several other collegiate level wrestlers that either competed for Boise State or other programs (e.g., Stanford grad Spence Patrick is at Mountain View HS in Meridian) elevating the level of wrestling in their respective programs. In addition, Bulgaria’s world silver medalist, Ivan Ivanov of Suples, Inc. (including accomplished international wrestler for Bulgaria, Mitko Georgiev) runs a training center in Boise, which has produced several cadet/junior All-Americans, including U15 World Greco-Roman Champion, Jadon Skellenger. Moreover, I had the opportunity to talk with former Olympic Coach Bruce Burnett at the State Championships this year. Coach Burnett was an integral part of Idaho’s history when he led Meridian High School to several state team championships in the early to mid-1980s.

Earlier this year, my friend and wrestling colleague, Mike Finn of WIN Magazine interviewed me about my recent move to Idaho and what my plans were moving forward. At the time, I really didn’t know. My initial goal was to focus on my family, find a coaching position, and through time, I would figure it out. Fast forward to this writing and I have come to the conclusion that in addition to coaching and mentoring, my skills can also be served well promoting wrestling in the great state of Idaho, both at the state and national levels. Thus, I am generating my first newsletter, The Idaho Elite Report (aka, TIER 1 WRESTLING), which will be published several times a year and distributed to wrestlers, coaches, and families in Idaho and abroad, along with my contacts representing several of the national publications and wrestling websites.

During my years involved in wrestling, I have never experienced a season anywhere close to the one we had in 2020-’21. It will definitely be one to remember for many years to come. Simply put, the COVID- 19 pandemic was a shock to our nation and the world, causing a rippling affect that has altered our normal way of life, coaching sports, and our future outlook moving forward. Unlike a large percentage of the country, the state of Idaho made the decision to allow youth sports to continue, but with some caveats that required all programs to implement newly established COVID protocols to practice and compete (e.g., minimum number of kids in the room at a given time). This was a small price to pay to ensure our kids were provided the opportunity to have a semi-normal season…the means definitely justified the end. To be honest, in the wake of the COVID pandemic, I did not have a great deal of optimism at the beginning of our season (in November) that we would navigate our way to the Idaho State Championships in late February with a full team. There were so many unknown factors that it was very difficult to know week by week whether our season would continue or not. Regardless, our coaching staff, as well as many throughout the state, pressed forward and to our fortune, we made it through districts and to the state championships held at the Ford Center in Nampa. I can spend a great deal of time focusing on the negative impacts (e.g., additional logistical burdens) of coaching in the midst of COVID protocols, but one “positive” worth noting was the greater emphasis on personal hygiene, as well as the requirement to clean mats at a greater frequency at practice, dual meets, and tournaments. Not only did we experience a very small percentage of positive COVID cases, the number of skin related diseases significantly dropped as well, not to mention the regular flu and sickness was almost non-existent.

2021 Idaho State Wrestling Championships – Ford Center, Nampa (Photo: TIER 1)

5A DIVISION

With the exception of the minimum fan attendance, which was based solely on COVID protocol requirements (greatly changed the atmosphere in the arena), the overall competition (2A, 3A, 4A, and 5A) was very competitive, featuring many noteworthy wrestlers that made their mark among the elite of Idaho wrestling history. The 5A division produced a large contingent of talented wrestlers with multiple state titles and All-American honors this season. They include Kuna’s Michael Mitchell, who won his fourth individual title in a highly contested bout at 132s (Nineth wrestler to achieve this feat in 5A). Winning his third title at 170s, Coeur d’ Alene’s Gunner Giulio is in position to join the 4x State Champion club in 2022. A total of five wrestlers earned their second state title. They include 2x All- American Tanner Frothinger (Eagle, 120s), Cade White (Meridian, 138s), Lane Reardon (Post Falls, 145s), Drew Roberts (Coeur d’ Alene, 152s), Matthew Whitcomb (Lake City, 182s), and Charlie Hastriter (Capital, 285s). The incoming freshmen class was represented well with Talen Eck (Thunder Ridge, 98s), Tyson Barnhart (Post Falls, 106s), and Folkstyle National Champion, Jason Mara (Meridian, 126s), each earning titles in their respective weight groups. Ranked among the nation’s elite, former Blair Academy standout Rylan Rogers (Coeur d’ Alene) won the 195 pound title with four straight pins. Prior to competing for Coeur d’ Alene, Rogers was a National Prep Champion and All-American. Other noteworthy wrestlers joining the 4x State Placer Club include 2x All-American Kaden Ramos (Thunder Ridge, 126s), 2x All-American Preston Owen (Kuna, 152s), Dante Roggio (Kuna, 138s), and Roddy Romero (Post Falls, 120s).

In the team competition, Meridian utilized its great depth to outscore state runner-up, Kuna (2020 4A State Champions) by 74 points to win their fourth 5A team title in just over 30 years, the last three being under the leadership of Olympic Coach Bruce Burnett in the mid-1980s. The Warriors of Meridian produced a total of 16 state medalists with sophomore Cade White (138s) winning his second title and frosh standout, Jason Mara earning a hard fought title at 126s. Since the start of the 5A division in 1978, Pocatello High School leads the state with 8 team titles overall (3 titles in the 5A – 1990, ’91, ‘92/5 titles in Class A, 1968, ’72, ’73, ’74, ’76).

220 – 5A State Champion – Logan George (Highland HS)/State Medalists (Photo: TIER 1)

5A DIVISION STATE CHAMPIONS 98 – Talen Eck (Thunder Ridge, Fr.) 106 – Tyson Barnhart (Post Falls, Fr.) 113 – Josh Mendoza (Timberline, Jr.), 3x State Medalist 120 – Tanner Frothinger (Eagle, So.), 2x State Champion/2x ALL-AMERICAN 126 – Jason Mara (Meridian, Fr.), Folkstyle National Champion/ALL-AMERICAN 132 – Michael Mitchell (Kuna, Sr.), 4x State Champion 138 – Cade White (Meridian, So.), 2x State Champion 145 – Lane Reardon (Post Falls, Sr.), 2x State Champion/3x Finalist 152 – Drew Roberts (Coeur d’ Alene, Sr.), 2x State Champion 160 – Cael Palmer (Kuna, Sr.) 170 – Gunner Giulio (Coeur d’ Alene, Jr.), 3x State Champion 182 – Matthew Whitcomb (Lake City, Sr.), 2x State Champion/3x State Medalist 195 – Rylan Rogers (Coeur d’ Alene, Jr.), National Prep Champ (Blair)/ALL-AMERICAN 220 – Logan George (Highland, Sr.), 3x State Medalist 285 – Charley Hastriter (Capital, Sr.), 2x State Champion

4X STATE PLACERS (5A) 126 – Kaden Ramos – Thunder Ridge (3, 1, 2, 3), National Champion/2x ALL-AMERICAN 132 – Kayson Kenney – Idaho Falls (5, 4, 5, 3) 132 – Michael Mitchell – Kuna (1, 1, 1, 1) 138 – Dante Roggio – Kuna (2, 2, 1, 2) 145 – Kael Cordingley – Highland (5, 5, 2, 5) 145 – Lane Reardon – Post Falls (6, 1, 2, 1) 145 – Nolan Randles – Coeur d’ Alene (5, 2, 4, 2) 152 – Preston Owen – Kuna (2, 3, 1, 2), 2x ALL-AMERICAN 120 – Roddy Romero – Post Falls (1, 2, 2, 2)

3X STATE PLACERS (5A) 113 – Ryan Graves – Post Falls (3, 3, 5) 113 – Josh Mendoza – Timberline (4, 4, 1) 126 – Tristian Bremer – Lewiston (3, 1, 2) 132 – Isaac Jessen – Post Falls (2, 1, 2) 152 – Ethan Miller – Post Falls (3, 1, 2) 170 – Gunner Giulio – Coeur d’ Alene (1, 1, 1) 170 – Kaleb Smith – Meridian (3, 1, 2), ALL-AMERICAN 182 – Mathew Whitcomb – Lake City (5, 1, 1) 220 – Isaiah Laguna – Post Falls (6, 3, 2) 220 – Logan George – Highland (5, 2, 1) 285 – Charlie Hastiter – Capital (3, 1, 1)

TOP 10 TEAM SCORES (5A) 1 – Meridian: 324.0 (2 Champions/16 medalists) 2 – Kuna: 250.0 (2 Champions/12 medalists) 3 – Post Falls: 201.5 (2 Champions/11 medalists) 4 – Coeur d’ Alene: 198.0 (3 Champions/9 medalists) 5 – Highland: 169.0 (1 Champion/8 medalists) 6 – Thunder Ridge: 115.5 (1 Champion/4 medalists) 7 – Rocky Mountain: 114.5 (5 medalists) 8 – Lake City: 84.0 (1 Champion/3 medalists) 9 – Eagle: 77.0 (1 Champion/4 medalists) 10 – Capital: 74.0 (1 Champion/3 medalists)

4A DIVISION

This season marked the 21st year that the 4A division has been conducted in the state of Idaho. Mirroring the 5A division, the 4A featured several highly decorated wrestlers with multiple state and national credentials. Leading this talented group is Bishop Kelly’s Christopher Martino. Only a junior, Martino is a 5x All-American and is in position to win a fourth state title in 2022. Following Martino is a group of 2x State Champions, which includes 3x finalist Kolton Stacey (Shelly, 120s), Gabriel Taboa (Jerome, 132s), Tazyn Twiss (Minico, 170s), and All-American Nico Rodriguez of Columbia. Among the talented group of incoming frosh to win a state title is Folkstyle National Champion Mack Mauger of Blackfoot and Nampa’s Carson Exferd at 106s. Others joining the list of State Champions include Simon Alberto Luna (Nampa, 113s), Dawson Osterhout (Minico, 138s), Lorenzo Luis (Hillcrest, 152s), Layne Dalton (Emmett, 182s), Joseph Stevenson (Jerome, 195s), Dylan Summers (Middleton, 285s), and Riley Siegford (145s) of Lakeland, earning his third state medal this season. Overall, the 4A produced a total of twelve wrestlers that joined the 3x State Placer Club.

It has been close to fifty years since Jerome last won a state team title, the last being in 1975 when they competed in the Class A division. With two state champions and nine medalists overall, the Tigers outscored state runner-up Nampa by the slimmest of margins of four team points. Nampa also produced two state champions and had 11 medalists. Placing third was Minico (2 Champions/8 Medalists). To date, Minico High School holds the state team title record with six (earned first title in 1962 when the state was a single class system).

4A DIVISION STATE CHAMPIONS 98 – Mack Mauger (Blackfoot, Fr.), Folkstyle National Champion/3x ALL-AMERICAN 106 – Carson Exferd (Nampa, Fr.) 113 – Simon Alberto Luna (Nampa, So.) 120 – Kolton Stacey (Shelley, Sr.), 2x State Champion/3x Finalist 126 – Christopher Martino (Bishop Kelly, Jr.), 3x State Champion/5x ALL-AMERICAN 132 – Gabriel Taboa (Jerome, Sr.), 2x State Champion 138 – Dawson Osterhout (Minico, Sr.) 145 – Riley Siegford (Lakeland, Sr.), 3x State Medalist 152 – Lorenzo Luis (Hillcrest, Sr.) 160 – Canyon Mansfield (Century, Sr.) 170 – Tazyn Twiss (Minico, Sr.), 2x State Champion/3x Finalist 182 – Layne Dalton (Emmett, Sr.) 195 – Joseph Stevenson (Jerome, Sr.) 220 – Nico Rodriguez (Columbia, Jr.), 2x State Champion/ALL-AMERICAN 285 – Dylan Summers (Middleton, Sr.)

3X STATE PLACERS (4A) 120 – Simon Graeber – Columbia, Jr. (2, 3, 2) 120 – Kolton Stacey – Shelley, Sr. (1, 2, 1) 120 – Gabe Blessinger – Pocatello, Sr. (6, 5, 4) 126 – Christopher Martino – Bishop Kelley, Jr. (1, 1, 1) 126 – Luke Moore – Blackfoot, Jr. (5, 4, 4) 132 – Gabriel Taboa – Jerome, Sr. (3, 1, 1) 138 – Dawson Osterhot – Minico, Sr. (4, 5, 1) 145 – Riley Siegford – Lakeland, Sr. (5, 3, 1) 170 – Easton Millward – Century, Sr. (4, 1, 2) 170 – Tazyn Twiss – Minico, Sr. (1, 2, 1) 182 – Adrian Martinez – Columbia, Sr. (6, 4, 3) 220 – Nico Rodriguez – Columbia, Jr. (3, 1, 1)

TOP 10 TEAM SCORES (4A) 1 – Jerome: 197.0 (2 Champions/9 medalists) 2 – Nampa: 193.0 (2 Champions/11 medalists) 3 – Minico: 171.5 (2 Champions/8 medalists) 4 – Lakeland: 155.5 (1 Champion/9 medalists) 5 – Columbia: 148.0 (1 Champion/7 medalists) 6 – Century: 146.0 (1 Champion/8 medalists) 7 – Blackfoot: 139.5 (1 Champion/6 medalists) 8 – Caldwell: 108.0 (6 medalists) 9 – Middleton: 74.5 (1 Champion/4 medalists) 10 – Twin Falls: 71.5 (3 medalists)

3A DIVISION

Joining Kuna’s Michael Mitchell of the 5A division, Buhl’s Kade Orr also capped off his prep career with a fourth state title, the thirteenth wrestler to achieve this great feat in the 3A division since the first tournament in 1978. Following Orr is a pair of underclassmen winning their second state title. They include junior Eli Richards of Bonners Ferry (170s) and South Fremont’s sophomore standout, Hunter Hobbs (152s), who is on trajectory to possibly join the 4x State Champion Club in the next couple of years. Other underclassmen making their mark on the scene is a group of exceptional frosh/soph wrestlers, which include All-American trio Kolter Burton (American Falls, 98s), Hudson Rogers (132s) and Kayd Craig (138s) of Gooding, as well as Grayson Williams (American Falls, 106s), and the Brunson Brothers, Bowen (113s) and Riley (126s) of Buhl High School. Other notable wrestlers include Homedale’s state champion/3x finalist Joseph Equsquiza (152s), Brock Young (Marsh Valley, 126s), Evan Barajas (Bonners Ferry, 132s), and Cooper Evens (American Falls, 113s), each earning a state title and three medals overall. After a thirty-six year gap, South Fremont secured its second team title over Buhl, crowning one state champion and 11 medalists overall. Snake River (3rd place) leads the 3A division with 14 team championships, winning their first in 1969 while competing in the Class A division.

3A DIVISION STATE CHAMPIONS 98 - Kolter Burton (American Falls, Fr.), ALL-AMERICAN 106 - Grayson Williams (American Falls, So.) 113 - Bowen Brunson (Buhl, Fr.) 120 - Kade Orr (Buhl, Sr.), 4x State Champion 126 - Riley Brunson (Buhl, Fr.) 132 - Hudson Rogers (Gooding, Fr.), ALL-AMERICAN 138 - Kayd Craig (Gooding, So.), ALL-AMERICAN 145 - Tayten Gillette (Gooding, Jr.) 152 - Hunter Hobbs (South Fremont, So.), 2x State Champion 160 - Kyle Richardson (Snake River, Sr.) 170 - Eli Richards (Bonners Ferry, Jr.), 2x State Champion 182 - Cody Tillery (Sugar-Salem, Sr.) 195 - MaHonri Rushton (McCall-Donnelly, Sr.) 220 - Elijah Carter (Weiser, Sr.) 285 - Nicholas Parris (Snake River, Sr.)

4X STATE PLACERS (3A) 120 – Kade Orr – Buhl, Sr. (1, 1, 1, 1) 113 – Dakota Eixenberger – Kellogg, Sr. (6, 4, 4, 4) 120 – Brayden Anderson – Snake River, Sr. (6, 3, 5) 152 – Joseph Equsquiza – Homedale, Sr. (4, 1, 2, 2)

3X STATE PLACERS (3A) 113 – Cooper Evans – American Falls, Sr. (1, 1, 3) 126 – Brock Young – Marsh Valley, Jr. (3, 1, 2) 126 – Brady Dahlke – Marsh Valley, Jr. (2, 6, 4) 126 – Tristen Brown – Sugar-Salem, Jr. (3, 3, 5) 132 – Jake Summerfield – Bonners Ferry, Jr. (5, 4, 6) 132 – Evan Barajas – Bonners Ferry, Sr. (2, 1, 3) 132 – Chance Bennett – Buhl, Sr. (5, 4, 4) 138 – Kooper Von Brethorst – Weiser, Sr. (6, 2, 3) 152 – Ryker Permann – American Falls, Jr. (5, 4, 4) 170 – Eli Richards – Bonners Ferry, Jr. (4, 6, 1) 220 – Rylee Willet – Weiser, Jr. (5, 2, 5)

TOP 10 TEAM SCORES (3A) 1 – South Fremont: 228.0 (1 Champion/11 medalists) 2 – Buhl: 214.0 (3 Champions/9 medalists) 3 – Snake River: 172.0 (2 Champions/8 medalists) 4 – Weiser: 164.0 (1 Champion/6 medalists) 5 – American Falls: 138.0 (2 Champions/8 medalists) 6 – Marsh Valley: 134.0 (6 medalists) 7 – Gooding: 117.0 (3 Champions/4 medalists) 8 – Bonners Ferry: 115.5 (1 Champion/7 medalists) 9 – Sugar-Salem: 115.0 (1 Champion/4 medalists) 10 – Teton: 105.5 (6 medalist)

2A DIVISION

The 2A is the small school division with traditional enrollments ranging from 160 – 319 students (according to the IHSAA). Despite small enrollment numbers, the quality of wrestling coming out the programs representing the 2A division is exceptional. For instance, the 2A produced (5) four-time medalists, (18) three-time medalists, and (7) winning either their second or third state title. Among the top seven, three juniors are in position of earning a rare fourth state medal in 2022 (only 5 wrestlers have won the 2A four times since the first 2A state tournament in 1978). They include All- American Kyle Rice (126s) and Joel Campbell (145s), each from state power New Plymouth, and 2x All-American Derek Matthews of Declo (170s). Winning their second respective state title is Grace High School’s Hans Newby (106s) and Clayton Lunt (132s), New Plymouth’s Trent Myers (152s), along with 3x finalist Gabe Sommers of Ririe (220s). Other notable wrestlers include State Champion and All-American, Remington Winmill (Wendell, 195s), Dylan Sotin (St. Maries, 120s), Dax Blackman (Declo, 120s), and Teegan Dunn (Wendell, 152s), each earning four state medals and one state title prior to 2021. Producing four individual champions with ten medalists overall, New Plymouth won its first state team championship in the school’s history. To date, Teton leads the 2A division with the most state team titles at fourteen, their first being won in the Class B in 1964 under Coach Alvin Dalley.

2A DIVISION STATE CHAMPIONS 98 - Jake Castagneto (Glenns Ferry, Fr.) 106 - Hans Newby (Grace, So.), 2x State Champion 113 - Caleb Shaw (New Plymouth, So.) 120 - Dylan Sotin (St. Maries, Sr.) 126 - Kyle Rice (New Plymouth, Jr.), 3x State Champion/ALL-AMERICAN 132 - Clayton Lunt (Grace, Sr.), 2x State Champion 138 - Rhet Jorgensen (Grace, Sr.) 145 - Joel Campbell (New Plymouth, Jr.), 3x State Champion 152 - Trent Myers (New Plymouth, Jr.), 2x State Champion/3x Medalist 160 - Gabe Prather (Potlatch, Sr.) 170 - Derek Matthews (Declo, Jr.), 3x State Champion/2x ALL-AMERICAN 182 - Isai Arriaga (Marsing, Sr.) 195 - Remington Winmill (Wendell, Sr.), 3x Finalist/ALL-AMERICAN 220 - Gabe Sommers (Ririe, Sr.), 2x State Champion/3x Finalist 285 - Nick Gundersen (Ririe, Sr.)

4x STATE PLACERS (2A) 120 – Dylan Sotin – St. Maries, Sr. (5, 2, 4, 1) 120 – Dax Blackman – Declo, Sr. (4, 1, 2, 3) 132 – Clayton Lunt – Grace, Sr. (1, 3, 2, 1) 145 – Wes Shaw – Dietrich, Sr. (6, 6, 3, 3) 152 – Teegan Dunn – Wendell, Sr. (5, 2, 1, 2)

3x STATE PLACERS (2A) 106 – Jared Rindisbaker – North Gem, Jr. (6, 3, 2) 113 – Connor Parkinson – Ririe, Sr. (3, 1, 2) 120 – Tayson Davis – Malad, Jr. (4, 2, 4) 120 – Ben Wray – Malad, Sr. (2, 3, 2) 126 – Kyle Rice – New Plymouth, Jr. (1, 1, 1) 126 – Bray Skinner – Grace, Sr. (6, 1, 2) 132 – Teagan Whitaker – Raft River, Jr. (5, 3, 2) 132 – Kohl Nielson – North Fremont, Sr. (2, 1, 1)* 138 – Sam Martin – St. Maries, Sr. (4, 3, 4) 145 – Joel Campbell – New Plymouth, Jr. (1, 1, 1) 152 – Trent Myers – New Plymouth, Jr. (4, 1, 1) 160 – Gabe Prather – Potlach, Sr. (4, 2, 1) 160 – Dan Schwendiman, Ririe, Sr. (6, 5, 4) 170 – Derek Mathews – Declo, Jr. (1, 1, 1) 170 – Hayden Maupin – North Fremont, Sr. (5, 2, 2) 182 – Isai Arriaga – Marsing, Sr. (5, 3, 1) 195 – Remington Winmill – Wendell, Sr. (2, 2, 1) 220 – Gabe Sommers – Ririe, Sr. (2, 1, 1)

*Did not compete at 2021 State Championships.

TOP 10 TEAM SCORES (2A) 1 – New Plymouth: 236.0 (4 Champions/10 medalists) 2 – Ririe: 182.0 (2 Champions/11 medalists) 3 – Declo: 177.5 (1 Champion/8 medalists) 4 – Malad: 143.0 (7 medalists) 5 – Grace: 137.0 (3 Champions/5 medalists) 6 – Wendell: 111.0 (1 Champion/4 medalists) 7 – Potlatch: 74.0 (1 Champion/4 medalists) 8 – Firth: 71.0 (3 medalists) 9 – St. Maries: 68.0 (1 Champion/3 medalists) 10 – North Fremont: 67.0 (3 medalists)

GIRLS DIVISION

The first unofficial girls state wrestling championships was conducted in 2019 at Pocatello High School with approximately 60 wrestlers. The numbers nearly doubled in 2020 and this season the trend continued upward with around 130 wrestlers. Unbeknownst to many outside the wrestling circles, girls wrestling at all levels has been exponentially growing across the , and for the last several years, has been the fastest-growing high school sport. On September 29, 2020, the Idaho School Activities Association (IHSAA) approved girls to conduct its first official state high school wrestling championships, beginning during the 2021-’22, making Idaho the 29th state to add girls wrestling (with the exception of Wyoming, the other twelve western states sponsor girls wrestling in the high school division). Individually, the talent pool continues to grow each year with 2021 featuring several wrestlers with multiple state and national level accolades. Leading this exceptional group is 3x State Champion and All-American, Lita Cruz of Minico. Only a junior, Cruz is in position to challenge for a fourth individual title. On the same trajectory is sophomore standout Alyssa Randles of Coeur d’ Alene, earning her second state title along with All-American honors at the Cadet Nationals. Four others earning their first state title this year and second trip to the finals include Kandence Beck (Grangeville, 106s), Alexandra Crow (Centennial, 120s), and All-Americans Marissa Jimenez (Caldwell, 138s) and Mia Furman of Rocky Mountain (129s). Crowning two individual state champions and six medalists overall, Eagle High School won the team title over 2020 champion, Columbia, who also crowned two champions with four medalists.

129 – State Champion – Mia Furman (Rocky Mountain HS)/Idaho State Medalists (Photo: Rocky Mountain HS)

GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL STATE CHAMPIONS 100 – Allister Dillow (Snake River, Fr.) 106 – Kandence Beck (Grangeville, So.), 2x State Finalist 112 – Lita Cruz (Minico, Jr.), 3x State Champion/ALL-AMERICAN 120 – Alexandra Crow (Centennial, Sr.), 2x State Finalist 125 – Alyssa Randles (Coeur d’ Alene, So.), 2x State Champion/ALL-AMERICAN 129 – Mia Furman (Rocky Mountain, So.), 2x State Finalist/ALL-AMERICAN 138 – Marissa Jimenez (Caldwell, Jr.), 2x State Finalist/2x ALL-AMERICAN 148 – Kayli Acosta (Eagle, Sr.), 3x State Medalist 159 – Brooke Boyle (Thunder Ridge, Jr.) 170 – Kyra Richards (Columbia, Fr.) 191 – Destiny Edgecomb (Columbia, Sr.) 235/285 – Olivia Woods (Eagle, Sr.)

TOP 10 TEAM SCORES 1 – Eagle: 91.0 (2 Champions/6 Medalists) 2 – Columbia: 74.0 (2 Champions/4 Medalists) 3 – Minico: 55.5 (1 Champion/3 Medalists) 4 – Grace: 53.5 (4 Medalists) 5 – Thunder Ridge: 40.5 (1 Champion/2 Medalists) 6 – Bonneville: 38.0 (2 Medalists) 7 – Homedale: 37.0 (2 Medalists) 8 – Rocky Mountain: 36.5 (1 Champion/2 Medalists) 9 – American Falls: 36.0 (2 Medalists) 10 – Caldwell: 35.0 (1 Champion/2 Medalists)

FREESTYLE/GRECO-ROMAN/FOLKSTYLE ALL-AMERICANS

Since 2010, Team Idaho has averaged approximately 13 All-Americans each year at the National Championships in Fargo. This includes Cadet, Junior, and Women’s divisions in both Olympic styles of wrestling (Freestyle/Greco-Roman). Prior to the new millennium, Team Idaho averaged approximately 3 All-Americans each year with Zane Jones earning the state’s first All-American honor in 1980, placing 5th in the Junior Greco-Roman division at 114.5 pounds. During the post season of 2020, a large percentage of national level competitions were cancelled due to the COVID pandemic. As of this writing, the 2021 Fargo Nationals are scheduled for July 16 – 23rd. More recently, the state of Idaho was represented well at the USAW Folkstyle Nationals, United World Wrestling (UWW) world team qualifiers, and the National High School Coaches Association (NHSCA) competition held each year in Virginia Beach, Virginia. In the Cadet/U15 World Team trials, Idaho represented well with eight finalists and thirteen All-Americans overall in both freestyle and Greco-Roman. In the U15, Mathew Martino and Hudson Rogers each won individual titles. ’s Mack Mauger reached the finals in both styles, but came up short of making the World Team. Earning a world title at 62kg at the U15 World Championships in 2019, Jadon Skellenger (Suples WC) will represent the US again at the Cadet Greco-Roman World Championships in Budapest, Hungary in June. Team Idaho also did very well at the USAW Folkstyle Nationals by producing three National Champions, five finalists, and eleven All-Americans overall. Winning titles in the Cadet (U16) division were Mack Mauger (Blackfoot HS), Matthew Martino (8th grader), and Jason Mara (Meridian HS). In the Junior division, Kolter Burton (American Falls HS), Christopher Martino (Bishop Kelly HS), and Kayd Craig (Gooding HS) each earned All-American honors. Marissa Jimenez (Caldwell HS) earned All- American honors in both the Cadet and NHSCA women’s nationals and will represent the United States at the Pan-American Games in Mexico on June 8th.

2021 Cadet Greco World Team – Jaden Skellenger (top left)/Photo credit Sam Janicki (SJanickiPhoto.com)

UWW U15 FREESTYLE WORLD TEAM TRIALS 48 KG – Mathew Martino (8th Grade ‘21), 2nd Place 68 KG – Hudson Rogers (Gooding HS), 8th Place

UWW U15 GRECO-ROMAN WORLD TEAM TRIALS 44 KG – Jaxton Packer (South Fremont HS), 4th Place 48 KG – Mathew Martino (8th Grade ’21), Champion 68 KG – Hudson Rogers (Gooding HS), Champion

UWW CADET FREESTYLE WORLD TEAM TRIALS 45 KG – Mack Mauger (Blackfoot HS), 2nd Place 65 KG – Jadon Skellenger (Suples WC), 2nd Place 110 KG – Aden Attao (Suples WC), 4th Place

UWW CADET GRECO-ROMAN WORLD TEAM TRIALS 45 KG – Mack Mauger (Blackfoot HS), 2nd Place 51 KG – Treygen Morin (Ridgevue HS/Suples WC), 2nd Place 55 KG – Tanner Frotinger (Eagle HS), 8th Place 65 KG – Jadon Skellenger (Suples WC), Champion (World Team) 110 KG – Aden Attao (Suples WC), 2nd Place

USAW FOLKSTYLE ALL-AMERICANS (JUNIORS) 100 – Kolter Burton (American Falls HS), 2nd Place 120 – Sefton Douglass, 7th Place 126 – Christopher Martino (Bishop Kelly HS), 4th Place 126 – Hunter Biddelman (Caldwell HS), 5th Place 138 – Kayd Craig (Gooding HS), 2nd Place

USAW FOLKSTYLE ALL-AMERICANS (16U) 94 – Mack Mauger (Blackfoot HS), NATIONAL CHAMPION 94 – Jaxton Packer (South Fremont HS), 2nd Place 94 – Koy Orr (8th Grade ’21), 4th Place 100 – Dedrick Navarro (Nampa HS), 5th Place 106 – Mathew Martino (8th Grade ‘21), NATIONAL CHAMPION 120 – Tanner Frothinger (Eagle HS), 4th Place 126 – Jason Mara (Meridian HS), NATIONAL CHAMPION 138 – Hudson Rogers (Gooding HS), 4th Place 220 – Shilo Jones (Mountain View HS), 6th Place

NHSCA ALL-AMERICANS 182 – Remington Winmill (Wendell HS), 8th Place (SR) 160 – Derek Mathews (Declo HS), 4th Place (JR) 220 – Nico Rodriguez (Columbia HS), 6th Place (JR)

NHSCA GIRLS ALL-AMERICANS 112 – Lita Cruz (Minico HS), 6th Place 136 – Marissa Jimenez (Caldwell HS), 3rd Place

WOMEN’S CADET NATIONALS 61 kg – Marissa Jimenez (Caldwell HS), 2nd Place 57 kg – Alyssa Randles (Coer d’ Alene HS), 7th Place

COLLEGIATE WRESTLING

After a one year hiatus due to the COVID pandemic, the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships were held this year at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis. Representing the Gem State of Idaho were three wrestlers with outstanding prep careers. They include Casey Cobb, Ridge Lovett, and Demetrius Romero. Beginning his collegiate career at Boise State before the program was discontinued in 2017, redshirt senior Demetrius Romero of Utah Valley University lead the Idaho trio by winning the Big 12 Championships and finishing in 6th Place at the NCAAs, earning him All-American honors. While attending Mountain View High School in Meridian, Romero won the Idaho 5A State Championships his senior season, earning three state medals overall. Also, a senior, Casey Cobb (Kuna HS) qualified for the NCAA for the second year in a row representing the United States Naval Academy. While at Kuna High School, Cobb won three 4A Idaho State titles, two All-American honors in freestyle and Greco-Roman, and was an honorable mention All-American with Wrestling USA Magazine. Only a sophomore, and among the top prep stars to ever come out of Idaho, sophomore Ridge Lovett (University of Nebraska) earned his first trip to the NCAAs by placing second at the tough Big 10 Championships, but fell short of placing despite being seeded #5. During his first season at Nebraska, he made the Amateur Wrestling News All-Rookie team. While attending Post Falls High School, Lovett finished his prep career undefeated (169-0) with four 5A state titles. In addition, he is the state’s leader with the most freestyle and Greco-Roman All-American honors (Cadet and Junior divisions) with ten, winning two national titles in the process. As a result of his outstanding prep career, Lovett was a recipient of the Dave Schultz Award for the top prep wrestler in his region.

174 – Demetrius Romero – BIG 12 Championships (Photo credit/Brett Rojo)

NCAA DIVISION I COLLEGE WRESTLING (QUALIFIERS)

174 – Demetrius Romero (Utah Valley/Mountain View HS), SENIOR ▪ NCAA All-American (6th Place), 2021 ▪ Big 12 Champion, 2021 ▪ Idaho State Champion (5A)/3x State Placer (3, 3, 1)

149 – Ridge Lovett (University of Nebraska/Post Falls HS), SOPH. ▪ 2nd Big 10 Championships ▪ Amateur Wrestling News Rookie Team, 2020 ▪ 4x 5A Idaho State Champion (169-0 Record) ▪ Dave Schultz Award recipient, 2019 ▪ Cadet World Team member, 2017 ▪ 3x National Champion (FS/GR) ▪ 10x Cadet/Junior All-American (FS/GR) ▪ Wrestling USA Magazine All-American Team, 2019

149 – Casey Cobb (Naval Academy/Kuna HS), SENIOR ▪ 2x NCAA Qualifier (EIWA Alt.) ▪ NWCA Scholar All-American, 2020 ▪ EIWA Academic Achievement Award, 2019, ‘20 ▪ 3x 4A Idaho State Champion ▪ WUSA honorable mention AA 2014 ▪ 2x Junior All-Americans (FS/GR), 2012 – ’13

In summary, my first experience with wrestling in Idaho has been very positive and I truly look forward to the years to come. My recent transition from being a full-time writer and promoter of wrestling in California to coaching full-time at Rocky Mountain High School and Heritage Middle School, exceeded my expectations. Simply put, I feel very welcome in Idaho and am impressed with the high caliber of wrestling in my home area of the Treasure Valley and throughout the state. In my humble opinion, the state of Idaho is underrepresented at the national level and many talented kids are not being ranked nationally among the top tier in the country. It is my goal to utilize The Idaho Elite Report (TIER 1 Wrestling) to not only highlight and promote the state’s elite talent, but also the many great things that are happening in the Gem State, as well as promoting its history. A special thank you to my wrestling colleague Jason Bryant (Mat Talk Online) for providing me the historical data on Idaho’s performance at the Cadet, Junior, and Women’s Nationals in Fargo since the early 1980s. This information helped me a great deal in my pursuit to learn about the rich history in Idaho. Also, many thanks to my good friend Joe Iacono (Iacono Designs) for helping me with the graphic design of the TIER 1 logo. Until I write my next TIER 1 wrestling report, I want to wish world team member Jadon Skellenger and all wrestlers representing Team Idaho at the Cadet & Junior Nationals in Fargo, Good Luck!!!!