Explore every episode of the podcast The Caution Stalling Podcast

Hocker and Daniel recap The Bracket Project, looking back at both the boys’ and girls’ brackets and giving their opinions on everything that went down along the way.

They break down the biggest surprises, toughest matchups, controversial decisions, questionable seeds, Cinderella runs, and the wrestlers whose résumés stood out the most.

After weeks of debating some of the greatest high school wrestling résumés Nevada has ever produced, Hocker and Daniel reflect on what they got right, what they might change, and what the entire project taught them about the history of Nevada wrestling.

Montana-born wrestling phenom Valyen Rauser, now living in Las Vegas, joins The Caution Stalling Podcast to tell the story of his journey—and what it was like growing up as one half of the Rauser twins.

Val takes us back to his start in wrestling, joking that once he realized he was too small for the NFL, wrestling gave him a chance to beat people up besides his twin brother. After dominating in Montana, a trip to Tulsa introduced him to national competition. He got whooped, had to watch from the sidelines, and made a decision: next time, he'd be the one still wrestling.

Val and his twin Jade traveled everywhere searching for better competition, camps, and training partners. That dedication eventually led to college recruitment and an unforgettable visit to Utah Valley—a school Val didn't even know existed before the trip. By the end of it, both brothers committed in the hotel lobby.

Val also opens up about the difficult decision to walk away from wrestling and choose his health. After surgery finally allowed him to feel healthy and functional again, he realized that feeling wasn't something he was willing to gamble away.

From Montana to the national stage, the Rauser twins, Utah Valley, and ultimately knowing when to walk away—this is Valyen Rauser's story.

Another Saldate joins the Caution Stalling Podcast! This time, Alyssa Saldate steps into the spotlight and continues making a name for herself.

After receiving a ton of support in our Dark Horse poll, Alyssa joins us to talk about her journey so far. Still young in her career, she becomes our youngest high school journeyman to join the podcast — and spoiler alert: she’ll be back to cap off her high school career!

Alyssa takes us through her Dark Horse run and breaks down the growth she’s experienced from her youth wrestling days to the wrestler she is today. She discusses some of the critical adjustments she’s made along the way and, of course, what comes with carrying the Saldate name in Nevada wrestling.

But how did it all start? Alyssa tells us what finally got her onto the mat. With people in the wrestling community constantly asking when she was going to wrestle, Alyssa became determined to show everyone just how good she could be. Before long, she was the one bugging her parents, asking when she could finally get started.

Now, the rest is history — and Alyssa Saldate’s story is only getting started. Tune in!

Jenavi Alejandro, one of Nevada’s very best ever, joins the Caution Stalling Podcast!

We all see the accomplishments, but this episode goes beyond the accolades as Jenavi takes us through the journey that made her one of the best wrestlers the Battle Born State has produced. She talks about the training environment that helped shape her, having the perfect training partner in her own sister, and the experiences that prepared her for the next level.

Jenavi takes us through her decision to attend Tiffin University and the road that eventually led her to becoming a National Finalist. She also opens up about coming up short in the finals, how she processed the loss, and why she was still able to walk away proud of what she accomplished. Her perspective on handling both success and disappointment is something every young athlete can learn from.

Finally, Jenavi talks about what comes next. She discusses entering the transfer portal, the conversations and opportunities that followed, and ultimately where she decided to spend the final chapter of her college wrestling career.

From Nevada standout to National Finalist, Jenavi Alejandro’s journey is far from finished. Tune in and hear her story!

Billie Bonwell, one of Nevada's first 4-time State Champions, joins The Caution Stalling Podcast today.

Billie brings one of the most unique stories in Nevada wrestling. While many see an aggressive competitor on the mat, Billie simply loves to compete. Often quiet and reserved, she opens up on the podcast and gives listeners a look at the person behind the wrestler—proving there's much more to her than meets the eye.

Billie's journey didn't begin in wrestling. She started in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and initially had no interest in joining the wrestling circuit. Over time, though, that mindset changed. She credits her freshman-year state championship run with helping her realize she had the potential to become much more than just another good wrestler.

Throughout high school, Billie faced several eye-opening moments that shaped her career. Rather than letting setbacks define her, she used every challenge as fuel, learning what it meant to be the hunted instead of the hunter. Every loss became motivation to chase her next goal: wrestling in college.

That journey wasn't without adversity. Being hundreds of miles away from her support system tested her mentally and emotionally, but Billie persevered through it all.

In the end, she accomplished the ultimate goal—becoming a National Champion at the collegiate level.

Don't miss this conversation with one of Nevada wrestling's all-time greats.

Daniel and Hocker come together to discuss the brackets! Also, the girls have a surprise addition to match the boys!

The 32 men and women wrestlers for the brackets have been released. Daniel and Zach reveal the wrestlers who made it and shoutout some of those who just missed out.

Next, the seed reveals!

Sabino, a catcher from the Las Vegas valley who was in need of a fresh start, switched schools to strengthen his vision for his dream. In hindsight, the decision became the blessing he needed and now, Sabino is a collegiate catcher!

Sabino, a young man who trained baseball with his uncle tirelessly, did even know there was a world passed the foul lines in baseball. Baseball was all he knew, it was all he did! Training to be like his cousin, was the normal for young Sabino. Some may remember the frequent visits to the ice cream truck that circled the park, some may even recall Sabino's love for snack time...depends on who you ask but one thing was for certain, between the lines Sabino found purpose.

In high school Sabino was struggling on the student side his freshman year. That led to not many times between the lines. His sophomore year showed a different face, a switch of scenery. While Sabino opted to transfer, he made sure he did it with purpose, switching to a magnet school to be apart of a magnet program. While attending Eldorado, Sabino found his stride both in the classroom and on the field. Sabino became a 2x All Conference Catcher, 2x All State Catcher and recreated his GPA to graduate with over a 3.0. While his on the field feats are impressive, the GPA rebuild was his most impressive accomplishment.

Bino, a young man who needed a second chance, cashed it in when he got it! How does the saying go? Sometimes all we need is a second chance. Sabino understood what was on the line and decided he would live the way collegiate athletes live.

And we got a LIVE Commitment!!!!

Adrian begins Season 3 'Black and White' for the Caution Stalling Podcast. As a college commit to CIU, Adrian brings his story of playing at a non baseball high school in Las Vegas to the podcast. Daniel and Adrian both relate by coming from North Las Vegas schools known for other sports than baseball.

Adrian, a hyper young man who shows a ton of character on the field, discusses the fun and joy he gets from those interactions. Sometimes, he is misunderstood and he just is very competitive. Adrian is extremely outgoing and has made many friends in baseball. He even takes it as a compliment when players from strong schools recognize him although he plays at lesser baseball talented high school.

Adrian also dives into his college commitment. Adrian discussed some of the opportunities he had and what ultimately made him choose CIU. He discusses how his process went and educates Daniel and the podcast for any of those that may have similar opportunities. Adrian is excited to be a two-way player but he knows, pitching has his heart!

Abe “The Hammer” Coronado joins the Caution Stalling Podcast, giving the show an opportunity to show some much-deserved love to Northern Nevada. With most previous guests coming from Southern Nevada, there was no better person to help bridge that gap than one of Northern Nevada’s brightest wrestling stars.

Abe is a young man who moves with purpose. He enjoys solving puzzles, thinking through challenges, and playing strategy-based games—traits that have become a major part of his success on the wrestling mat. Every great wrestler has something that separates them from the pack, and for Abe, it’s his ability to think ahead and approach competition like a mental chess match. He is a true strategist whose wrestling IQ is just as dangerous as his physical skills.

During the conversation, Daniel and Abe dive into the ever-popular pound-for-pound debate. Abe has no problem making the case for himself as the best, and honestly, what elite competitor wouldn't? The discussion also takes an interesting turn when Abe shares his plans for life after wrestling. While many athletes dream of continuing to compete beyond college, Abe reveals that once his collegiate career is over, he's finished with the sport. It's a unique and refreshing perspective that offers insight into how he views wrestling, competition, and the next chapter of his life.

Arturo, a Las Vegas native and former Eldorado High School standout, joins the podcast with Daniel to reflect on his baseball journey—a path filled with success, adversity, and ultimately betting on himself.

From the moment Arturo stepped into the program at Eldorado, he became a focal point of the team. Between his freshman and senior years, he consistently performed at a high level and experienced the kind of success many athletes dream about. Arturo earned All-Conference honors, was named Eldorado’s Male Athlete of the Year, and received over 20 college offers.

Eventually, he chose Chestnut Hill College in Pennsylvania.

But for the first time in his baseball career, things became difficult.

College brought challenges Arturo had never truly faced before. Being far from his family weighed heavily on him mentally, and it began affecting his performance on the field. Sitting third on the depth chart only added to the frustration. For someone used to success, adversity hit hard.

After reflecting on what he wanted for himself and his future, Arturo decided he needed a fresh start. He transferred to California Miramar University, believing it was the right opportunity to rebuild his confidence and rediscover his love for the game.

And he did.

Through growth, maturity, and learning how to handle difficult circumstances, Arturo regained belief in himself. After two years, he made another bold decision—to leave college baseball behind and chase his dream of playing professional baseball in Mexico.

Arturo recently completed his first season playing in Mexico. While the journey was far from perfect, it reflected something deeper: resilience. The willingness to keep fighting, adapting, and refusing to quit.

His story is a reminder that challenges don’t have to define the ending. There is always another route, another opportunity, another answer—if you are willing to keep searching for it.

Cole Faircloth, an Minot State University commit, joins the podcast with a story that proves there is far more to him than meets the eye. Cole is the definition of someone willing to pay whatever price greatness demanded. A young man who separated himself from normalcy in pursuit of purpose.

A two-time State Champion and four-time State finalist, Cole built an impressive athletic career through relentless dedication. But more than the accolades, Cole became known for his relentless mentality. While many watched him build that mindset brick by brick, not everyone understood it—or liked it. For Cole, wrestling was deeply personal. There were no excuses, no one else to blame. Just him.

That mentality became his version of “Mamba Mentality”—the pursuit of perfection, even knowing perfection doesn’t truly exist.

Cole opens up about one of the toughest conversations in wrestling: weight cutting. He speaks honestly about some of the poor decisions he made, the consequences that followed, and the lessons those experiences taught him. At the same time, he reflects on how overcoming those obstacles deepened his love for the sport and strengthened his discipline.

Now, with maturity and experience, Cole understands the importance of doing things the right way.

It’s not an easy subject to talk about, but it’s a necessary one for the wrestling community. Cole’s willingness to speak openly about those experiences may help younger athletes avoid the same mistakes and better understand the balance between discipline and health.

And for that, his story carries weight far beyond wrestling.

Ky, an accomplished dual-sport athlete, walks us through his journey as a faith-driven competitor. A three-time State runner-up at heavyweight and a varsity offensive lineman, you might expect an aggressive personality—but Ky is the opposite. While his presence is big, his heart is even bigger. He prides himself on kindness, humility, and living through his faith, saving his aggression strictly for competition.

Ky shares how his love for wrestling wasn’t immediate—it was built. Early on, he wanted to quit, but his father stepped in with a simple standard: you don’t quit what you start. Through that, wrestling became more than a sport. It became a bond between father and son—one that shaped Ky into who he is today. Along the way, he learned a powerful truth: once you’ve endured wrestling, everything else in life feels manageable.

The podcast also touches on an emotional and meaningful moment from his senior year banquet. After the passing of his father, Kelly Brinkeroff, light was still found in honoring his legacy. An award representing excellence and character was created—one that Ky now helps present each year. Additionally, the Las Vegas High School wrestling room was renamed the K. Brinkeroff Wrestling Room, a lasting tribute to both Ky and his father.

Ky is still navigating life after loss, leaning heavily on his faith to guide him forward. His next step after graduation is to serve a two-year mission, spreading the word of Jesus Christ. After that, he plans to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a firefighter.

Ky may not claim to have everything figured out, but one thing is clear—he brings light, purpose, and strength to everything he’s a part of.

A wrestler for Cheyenne High School, Walter’s story is one of adversity—one that was headed toward something special before everything took an unexpected turn during his senior year.

Walter didn’t grow up in wrestling. He found it almost by accident, sparked by interest from a school assembly. At first, it wasn’t love—it was hard, uncomfortable, and nearly pushed him to quit. But his coach saw something in him and didn’t give him an easy way out. Looking back now, that moment changed everything.

Once it clicked, Walter committed.

He dedicated himself year-round, pouring time and energy into becoming the best version of himself. After a heartbreaking loss in the blood round at State his junior year, he made a promise—to never feel that moment again. That loss didn’t break him; it sharpened him.

His senior year was supposed to be the payoff.

And in many ways, it was—Walter began to see the results of his work, finding success and building momentum. But just as things were lining up, his season—and his path—was disrupted by circumstances outside of competition.

He didn’t get the chance to finish it the way he envisioned. He didn’t get to compete for a State title.

But that’s not where his story ends.

Through it all, Walter discovered something bigger than wins and losses—he found his purpose. Wrestling became more than a sport; it became his future. His goal now is to continue competing at the collegiate level and keep building on everything he’s learned.

Walter’s story isn’t defined by what was taken from him—it’s defined by how he responded.

Resilient. Driven. Unfinished.

A true product of the Battle Born state.

An Missouri Valley College commit, Madison opens up about her beginnings in wrestling, the path that shaped her career, and the family dynamic that made the sport such a central part of her life.

While wrestling has surrounded her with teammates, coaches, and constant competition, Madison shares that she has always carried a bit of a lone-wolf mentality. It’s part of what has helped shape her identity as both a person and a competitor.

Wrestling, she explains, was her family’s sport—and she was the second sibling to take it on. But by staying with it the longest, Madison helped pave the way for her younger siblings to follow. In many ways, she helped build the standard.

The podcast also gives us a glimpse into the competitiveness that runs through her family, especially with her sister. Whether it was wrestling for the bigger room or doing push-up challenges to earn the better seat on an airplane, competition didn’t stop when practice ended.

But beyond the rivalry, there’s admiration.

Madison talks about how rewarding it is to watch her younger sister continue doing what she loves—wrestling—and how much pride she takes in seeing her siblings chase their own goals.

She also takes us through her recruiting process, narrowing her decision down to two schools before ultimately signing with Missouri Valley College at Women’s Nationals—a moment that brought clarity to the next chapter of her career.

All in all, Madison reflects on her wrestling journey, her family, and the joy she finds not only in her own accomplishments, but in watching the people closest to her achieve great things in their own lives.

Brodee, a junior, is coming off the most successful season of his career—capturing a State Championship at 157 pounds. But his path isn’t one of instant success. It’s a story defined by persistence… by showing up every day without seeing the results right away.

It’s a story of being built in the dark.

Early on, Brodee found his interest through the UFC. Drawn to fighting, he saw wrestling as the first step toward that path. Once he committed, the journey wasn’t easy. Wins didn’t come quickly. In fact, success was slow to follow.

There were moments of doubt.

But Brodee kept showing up.

Through the struggles, he stayed consistent—refusing to walk away, even when progress felt invisible.

Then, his junior year, everything began to shift.

He started winning. He started beating quality opponents. And even against top competition, he proved he belonged. Brodee kept “hitting the stone,” and eventually, it cracked—his breakthrough came with a Regional Championship.

From there, his focus shifted to State.

The nerves were real early on, but by the time he reached the State Finals, something deeper took over. All those unseen hours… all that time spent being built in the dark… it showed.

That moment belonged to him.

And he took it.

Now, heading into the upcoming season, Brodee faces a new challenge. For the first time, he’s no longer the hunter—he’s the hunted.

But he welcomes it.

With new goals, a stronger sense of purpose, and the opportunity to defend his title, Brodee is ready to embrace what comes next—and prove that his story is far from finished.

Bella, a wrestler for Rancho High School, joins the Caution Stalling Podcast. What started as a way to stay involved while recovering from an injury turned into something much bigger—Bella picked up a camera and began capturing moments at tournaments, and the rest is history.

Through that lens, Bella didn’t just stay connected to the sport—she found another way to be part of it. While wrestling runs deep in her family, Bella is focused on carving out her own identity, both on the mat and behind the camera. She continues to develop her skills as a competitor, with the goal of becoming a force in her own right.

Her photography page, @b66pix_, quickly gained attention in the wrestling community. What started as simply taking pictures has evolved into capturing the shot—the moment that tells the story, the emotion, the grind.

Beyond that, Bella is balancing it all. As a multi-sport athlete, she manages her academics, social life, and training, all while scheduling shoots and building connections with athletes through social media.

At first, Bella was just taking pictures.

Now—she’s capturing moments that matter.

While Bella is pursuing her own wrestling future, the pictures might have to take a pause.

Jaeden, a young man who first stepped into combat sports simply to protect himself from bullying, eventually discovered something much deeper—a true love for wrestling. His early career was filled with struggles, but it was at his lowest point that everything changed. Hitting rock bottom forced Jaeden to look inward, and through that process, he found passion, discipline, and a commitment to becoming better—not just as an athlete, but as a person.

Wrestling became the vehicle that taught Jaeden how to fully invest in himself. It demanded accountability, consistency, and grit—qualities that shaped him into the hardworking competitor he is today.

One of the most interesting aspects of Jaeden’s journey is the persona he developed along the way. Known for what we might see as arrogance in training and competition, Jaeden reveals in the podcast that this “alter ego” was built out of fear—specifically, the fear of failure. Instead of letting that fear break him, he transformed it into fuel. That edge, that intensity, became his armor. It pushed him to train multiple times a day, chasing improvement and refusing to settle.

Through that grind, Jaeden didn’t just become better physically—he discovered a new version of himself as a competitor.

Despite the outward persona, there’s another side to Jaeden that stands out even more. He genuinely cares about the people he trains with. After tough rounds, he’s the one who stays behind to help—breaking down positions, showing adjustments, and pushing his partners to grow. His goal isn’t just to win; it’s to elevate everyone around him.

That mindset translated into real results. Jaeden fought his way to becoming a regional finalist and earned a 3rd place finish at State. While a critical mistake kept him out of the state finals, the bigger victory was internal. Earlier in his career, setbacks like that might have caused him to shut down or walk away. This time, he didn’t. He stayed in the fight, regrouped, and finished strong.

Because in the end, the most important match wasn’t on the bracket—it was the one against himself.

And this time, Jaeden won.

Manny “The Comeback Kid” Saldate, an Oregon State Beavers wrestling standout, finally joins the podcast. Manny gives us the rundown on what it’s like to be one of the best—if not the best—to ever come out of Nevada. He dives into a journey built on relentless work ethic and fully embracing the grind that wrestling demands.

Manny takes us back to where it all started. He began with the infamous Team GV wrestling club at just 4 years old. Even as a little kid, Manny was putting in extra work on the side during practice. That dedication caught attention early—until one day, a coach told his parents it was time to get him a pair of wrestling shoes. That moment marked the beginning of something special, making Manny the youngest member in GV history.

After his time at GV, Manny transitioned to SLAM Wrestling Club for a short stint before his family found their home at Pistol Petes Wrestling Club—which would soon evolve into Gold Rush Wrestling Club under Chase Pami. Under Pami’s guidance, Manny continued leveling up, chasing bigger goals and capitalizing on every opportunity in front of him. Gold Rush became the perfect environment for his growth, and Manny took full advantage.

During his high school career alongside his time with Gold Rush, Manny stacked an elite resume. Just a few highlights include: Fargo Champion, U20 U.S. Open Champion, Doc B finalist, multi-time Fargo All-American, and a consistent top-10 national ranking. And that’s only scratching the surface.

While the list goes on, these accomplishments alone make a powerful case—Manny Saldate is arguably the greatest high school wrestler Nevada has ever produced.

Omaree, a young and inspiring coach with a big personality, joins Daniel on the Caution Stalling Podcast. Sharing a strong relationship with the host, Omaree reflects on his journey into the coaching world and how that connection helped shape his path. While he has done an excellent job creating opportunities for himself, he also opens up about the challenges he’s faced—especially the internal battles with feeling ready for those moments.

Throughout the episode, Omaree takes listeners through his development as a coach, diving into the origins of his personality and how it translates into his work. He speaks in detail about what he’s learned along the way, while also being honest about the areas he knows he still needs to improve. His mindset as a go-getter stands out, as he shares how he actively seeks growth opportunities—reaching out to programs, attending walkthroughs, and participating in coach-alongs whenever possible.

Omaree also emphasizes the importance of every sport he’s involved in, including flag football, football, and baseball. His passion for coaching goes beyond just one game—it’s about impacting athletes across different environments and continuing to grow through each experience.

Toward the end of the conversation, Omaree opens up about his bigger aspirations. He and Daniel reflect on his high school days, where he was known for his outgoing personality—often spending more time at school than at home. He shares stories about creating a short film and how much he enjoyed the process, showing another side of his creativity. With that same energy and charisma, Omaree even hints at the possibility of one day stepping into the world of WWE, where his personality could truly shine.

James Zuniga, a multi-sport athlete and the younger brother of Mark Zuniga—a previous guest on the show—joins Daniel on the Caution Stalling Podcast. James reflects on his experiences competing in both soccer and wrestling. While he makes it clear that soccer is his true passion, he also opens up about the grind of wrestling and some of the personal disconnect he has felt with the sport over the years.

James has spent a significant amount of time competing in wrestling. Although it has never fully captured his heart, he openly shares that the sport has given him many things to be grateful for. One of the biggest connections he has to wrestling is his brother Mark. That relationship helped keep James tied to the sport and shaped much of his journey on the mat. He reflects on the long road he has traveled in wrestling and how the experience has helped mold him both as an athlete and as a person.

When the conversation shifts to soccer, James’ passion immediately becomes clear. He loves the team dynamic and the fact that the sport is played outdoors. James talks about how he first got started with soccer and explains the difference between high school soccer and the club level. Club soccer, in particular, has opened his eyes to the game in a new way—allowing him to learn new positions, grow as a player, and experience the travel that comes with competing at a higher level.

By the end of the conversation, James’ story highlights an important reality many athletes face: being talented in multiple sports doesn’t always mean loving them equally. His journey shows the internal battles athletes can experience when balancing family traditions with personal passions. While James isn’t forced to wrestle, he admits that it can be difficult to fully commit when his heart is drawn so strongly toward the game of soccer (which is okay). His story is an example of following your heart.

Kainoa, a multi-sport athlete from Las Vegas High School, joins the podcast to reflect on his athletic journey. A three-year varsity football letterman and four-year varsity wrestler, Kainoa balanced two demanding sports while becoming a key contributor to a strong Las Vegas football program and building an impressive wrestling résumé.

The youngest of his siblings, Kainoa often speaks about the importance of family. Coming from a strong foundation, he credits his support system for helping him pursue his goals and become the person he set out to be. His faith has also played a major role in shaping both him and his family, serving as a constant source of guidance and motivation throughout his journey.

On the wrestling side, Kainoa is a two-time State Finalist and capped off his senior year by winning the 4A State Championship at 150 pounds. Over time, he developed a deep love for the sport, which led him to focus more heavily on wrestling as his career progressed. While he continued to give everything he had to football, he made sacrifices in the offseason to put himself in better positions on the mat.

After practices and during the offseason, Kainoa consistently sought extra work, frequently attending club practices and continuing to train whenever possible. That dedication ultimately paid off, helping him reach the top of the podium in his final high school season.

Ryder, a sophomore in high school, has built himself into a State Champion — not through flash or hype, but through discipline and a willingness to embrace what’s difficult. For much of his early journey, he was simply trying to find his way in the sport. What separated him wasn’t immediate dominance, but his commitment to doing the hard things over and over again. Now, as a State Champion, Ryder speaks with gratitude about the lessons in accountability, toughness, and resilience that wrestling has given him as a young man.

Ryder is quick to joke about being a “staller,” embracing the comments with a smile. While the label doesn’t truly define his style, it doesn’t bother him either. In high-level matches, many elite wrestlers become calculated and protective of position. Ryder understands that strategy. Though he confidently expresses his ability to score, he admits he often feels more comfortable shutting down opponents’ attacks than initiating them. It’s a self-awareness that reflects his growth — from youth wrestling, to his freshman season, to now capturing a State Title as a sophomore.

He also opens up about early struggles in his career. Without going into deep detail, Ryder shares two pivotal challenges he faced as a child: weight cutting and the pressure to win. At just 11 years old, he experienced a 16-pound weight cut — something that shaped his perspective on the sport. He also put immense pressure on himself to win, driven by his admiration for his coaches and his desire to make them proud.

The turning point came in high school under Coach Pineda. Coach Pineda removed the burden of outcome and asked Ryder to focus on one thing — wrestling hard. That shift changed everything. By emphasizing effort over results, Ryder was freed to compete without fear. He learned how to process losses, how to grow from them, and how to separate his identity from the scoreboard. That period became one of the most critical stages of his development.

Today, Ryder stands not just as a State Champion, but as an athlete shaped by adversity, perspective, and the right guidance at the right time. His story is a reminder that growth doesn’t always come from winning — it often comes from learning how to handle everything that comes with it.

On this episode of the Caution Stalling Podcast, Daniel is joined by newly crowned State Champion Tylene Tran. They open the show by breaking down Tylene’s championship performance and what it meant to finally get the job done. As a four-time State Finalist, Tylene reflects on the differences between her previous finals appearances and this year’s title run. She shares insight into her strengths, the struggles she’s faced along the way, and why she feels ready to transition into freestyle competition.

The conversation then shifts to a full recap of the Girls State Tournament. Daniel lists the State Champions and placers at every weight, followed by a fun segment where he and Tylene hand out superlatives from the girls’ side of the bracket. They explain the reasoning behind each selection and close out the segment by naming their top three pound-for-pound wrestlers to watch moving forward.

To wrap up the episode, they turn their attention to the boys’ tournament. Since Tylene wasn’t able to thoroughly watch the boys’ matches, they take a broader approach — giving an overall assessment of the tournament, handing out a few superlatives, and highlighting key storylines. Daniel then runs through the State Champions and placers to round out a complete State recap.

Daniel and Adrian, Eldorado's 120 lb State Champ reflect on 4A's State tournament. The host Daniel opens the show with Adrian and his performance ultimately defending his junior year's State Title his senior year at 4A. Adrian puts down a great performance to lock in becoming a 2 time Nevada State Champion.

Secondly, Daniel and Adrian breakdown the brackets and discuss some of the outcomes. While some brackets had top performers, some did not. They discuss some of the day's big performances.

Lastly, Daniel and Adrian use some questions sent in to end the recap of State. They discuss the top performers, some of the upsets, the biggest surprises and key in on somebody they were most happy for.

Eduardo never imagined himself on a wrestling mat. Soccer was where he believed his athletic future belonged. Having just moved to Las Vegas, he was quiet, reserved, and unsure of himself. Wrestling wasn’t even on his radar—until a single move he learned in PE class unexpectedly changed the next several years of his life.

Though he started wrestling later than most, Eduardo made the absolute most of his opportunity through relentless dedication. He joined a club and showed up every single day. That first summer wasn’t filled with victories. In fact, success came slowly—but he kept showing up.

Working with Coach Frank, Eduardo embraced his creativity and developed a unique “funk” wrestling style. While that scrambling, risk-taking approach sometimes led to shortcomings, he refused to abandon it. Instead of backing away from the positions that exposed him, he leaned into them. After practice, he stayed behind, asking questions and drilling situations over and over again until they became strengths.

By senior year, everything changed.

At the Nevada 5A State Championships, competing at 150 pounds, Eduardo stood on the podium as a 4th-place finisher. Just one year earlier, he had been a junior varsity wrestler in his first season ever. He hadn’t won JV Zones. He went 0–2 at Regionals as an alternate.

But none of that defined him.

That 0–2 performance didn’t discourage him—it fueled him. He took it personally. He made a promise to himself that he would never feel that helpless again. Through discipline, consistency, and belief in his own style, Eduardo transformed from a timid newcomer into a state placer.

His journey wasn’t built on early success. It was built on resilience.

Kaija joins the podcast and brings an incredible amount of energy to her story. What began as wrestling in high school simply to be around the boys quickly turned into something much deeper. Kaija found a true connection to the sport and developed a genuine love for wrestling. While she’s achieved significant success, much of her journey—and daily athletic life—has been a battle. Kaija is truly inspiring.

A top wrestler in Nevada, Kaija battles more than just opponents on the mat. Alongside the grind and hardships every wrestler faces, she also manages diabetes—something that changes everything in a sport built around making weight. While she has done an incredible job competing even five pounds under, it’s a challenge far greater than most understand. At times, she has to step off the mat to prioritize her health. Monitoring weight alone is exhausting for wrestlers; balancing that while needing to intake sugar adds another layer of difficulty few ever experience.

Kaija is more than just a wrestler. She’s a retired high-level gymnast, a track athlete, and a powerlifting competitor. Her pursuit of excellence shows up in every phase of her life, not just when she’s wearing a Green Valley singlet. Her dedication, resilience, and daily battles are what truly make Kaija extraordinary.

Daniel and Frank get together to recap Nevada's Southern Women's Regionals and make their predictions for 4A Desert and Mountain Regionals for State Qualifications.

Khy’ree, a young man chasing his dreams through the grind of wrestling, joins the podcast. Coming from a non-traditional wrestling school in North Las Vegas, Khy’ree is determined to represent himself on the highest podiums. Where many might fold under the pressure, Khy’ree thrives in discomfort.

His wrestling journey began in New Jersey with his grandpa, who served as his first coach. After moving back, Khy’ree committed himself to honoring the path his grandparents helped pave—his grandpa guiding him on the mat, and his grandma serving as his loudest and proudest supporter. When things get tough, Khy’ree leans on the memory of his grandparents to keep pushing forward.

Today, wrestling is more than a sport—it’s a lifestyle. His support system shows up, makes themselves heard, and ensures you know exactly what mat he’s on. While many chase accolades, Khy’ree is chasing a legacy. His goals aren’t shaken by circumstance because his mind is made up.

Tune in as Khy’ree shares his wrestling journey and the road ahead. No matter the obstacle, Khy’ree and his support system are ready to knock it down and get the job done.

Coach Fiorito joins the Caution Stalling Podcast in a truly unique way. Joshua isn’t a coach tied to a specific sport—he specializes in the mental side of athletics and competition. Through his own experiences as a competitor, Joshua fought personal battles that ultimately shaped his desire to help others navigate theirs. At the end of the day, he reminds us of something important: this is still just a game.

Joshua shares glimpses of his wrestling career—just enough to give us insight into who he was becoming. Though he found success, he always felt there was more to pursue. It wasn’t until he lost wrestling that he truly realized how deeply he loved the sport.

Coach Josh also dives into the mission behind his business, The Centered Athlete. Rather than explaining it outright, we challenge you to listen and experience it for yourself. Using host Daniel as a live example, Josh walks both Daniel and the audience through part of his process—offering a real-time look into how he helps athletes dial in mentally and compete with clarity.

Unique, a born combat athlete, steps into the wrestling world. Though she competed in judo and jiu-jitsu, neither captured her heart the way wrestling did. Through wrestling, Unique discovered her true gift—the scrap.

In a short amount of time, Unique built an impressive résumé. While she never claimed a state championship title, her career is nothing to overlook. Rather than avoiding challenges or shifting weight classes, Unique sought out the toughest competition Nevada had to offer. She embraced the more physical, gritty side of the sport, giving her an edge over most competitors. Her willingness to wrestle boys also played a major role in her development and toughness as an athlete.

Today, Unique continues to make an impact on the wrestling community. She is a coach at her alma mater, Sierra Vista, where she gives back to the program that helped shape her. Beyond coaching, she’s also the eye behind the lens—capturing wrestling moments as the program’s photographer. All of this while balancing work and continuing her own training in jiu-jitsu.

Unique is living proof that it’s never too late to step into wrestling—and that embracing the scrap can shape who you become, both on and off the mat.

Emilio, a third generation wrestler joins The Caution Stalling Podcast. While wrestling has taken over his family, Emilio found peace on the mat. Even today he often refers to it as, "it's all I know." While some people look at wrestling as job, Emilio significantly benefitted from a wrestler. Today, Emilio has left the mat but the mat never left Emilio.

Emilio while credentialed in his own right in wrestling, continued the family success as the 3rd generation wrestlers in the Garcia family. He speaks on the aid and guidance he received as well as the moment of being apart of the induction to the Hall of Fame. While his journey has come to an end, he discusses missing wrestling and the grind that has built him to what he is, a success story.

While wrestling has changed his life through the grind, Emilio has now taken that same grind into his new profession of tattooing. He has worked none stop as an apprentice to make it. Practice makes perfect and through every rep, he continues to imply his wrestling mindset in his craft.

Nathan, an inspiring young player idolizing Jackie Robinson, walked into the Eldorado High School baseball program. A young man, with no club experience, no high level ball minus the zoned little league, was inspired to become the absolute best player he could be. While struggling in little league, Minton just put his down and was willing to outwork everybody.

During his high school career, Minton was arguably the worst player on the roster. While conquering his own development battles, Minton showed up everyday. Minton volunteered as tribute to workout with the best players in hopes they would fast track him. Many days, Minton got outplayed BUT, only the strong survive. After two years of partnering with the best players, Minton started to impact the team. Minton became the beacon of hope for many players in our program. This grind and dedication pushed Minton into his biggest baseball role ever, Captain.

Senior year, Minton changed into arguably one of the most impactful players in Coach O's coaching career. Nathan maintained the status of the 'Face of the Program' and our absolute best defensive player on the field. his willingness to make high level diving plays allowed his leadership to flourish; he always put it on the line for the team. Now, Minton gets to reap his own fruits by signing to play in College. A dream that seemed so farfetched to many but Minton met somebody who believed in him just as much as his own dream.

Cash, a young wrestler striving toward success, joins the podcast to discuss his journey so far. At such a young age, Cash is already a highly regarded athlete, and this episode offers insight into what separates him from the rest. Through adversity, Cash has developed a strong mindset—one that has become his greatest weapon.

Now in his sophomore year, Cash reflects on the path that brought him to this point. Through relentless hard work and dedication, he continues to push forward regardless of results. His commitment to becoming the best goes beyond technical development on the mat; Cash has embraced the process of getting bigger, faster, and stronger. That same mentality carried him to Bishop Gorman, where he’s learned that excelling as an athlete also means meeting the demands of academics.

Mature beyond his years, Cash embodies the meaning of “Chop Wood, Carry Water.” He doesn’t chase outcomes—he focuses on the next battle, the next test. While the power of the “G” can intimidate some, Cash embraces it, understanding that representing the “G” is weightless when your focus is on honoring your school, your family, and yourself.

Antonio Saldate, a Nevada native, chose a different path. Rather than joining a powerhouse program like Green Valley, Antonio attended Las Vegas High School—where he helped write his own legacy. During his time there, he reached four State Finals and captured three State Championships. While those accomplishments speak for themselves, Antonio is most proud of helping his coach turn the program around and build a truly competitive team.

After high school, Antonio continued his wrestling journey at the Division I level. Today, he’s transitioned from competing on the mat to standing in the corner for athletes chasing their own dreams.

Highly respected as a wrestler, Antonio now brings that same drive and work ethic into coaching. He is the head coach of Gold Rush Reno, where his goal is to shift the mentality in the north and build a competitive counterpart to the South—instilling the same discipline and grit that defined his own career.

Antonio has also paved the way for his family in wrestling. He shares stories about his competitive relationship with his brother, as well as his excitement and pride for his sister and younger brother as they continue to grow in the sport. Family is everything to Antonio, and throughout the podcast, we get a deeper look at how central that bond is to who he is—both on and off the mat.

Sterling, arguably Nevada’s most decorated wrestler, joins the Caution Stalling Podcast. A multi-time Fargo champion, multi-time Nevada State champion, and now an Iowa Hawkeye, Sterling walks us through the journey of her wrestling career.

While many know her for what she’s accomplished on the mat, Sterling opens up about what defines her off the mat. For her, success isn’t only measured by world teams or medals—it’s about building a meaningful career and one day having a big family.

She also shares what’s closest to her heart, including her #thinkingofyou initiative and what it means to be a superhero for a young kid named Yadier. Though many see her as the GOAT, Sterling describes herself simply as Sterling.

One of a kind—a great wrestler, a strong family-oriented person, and an even better role model.

Zyon, a kid driven by combat, was led into the wrestling room by mentors who saw something in him. At first, he wanted to quit. Instead, he stayed — and fell in love with the sport. While his long-term dream has always been to fight, Zyon committed to mastering wrestling first, setting his sights on becoming a Division I All-American. What once seemed far-fetched became reality when UVU believed in him.

Zyon began his athletic journey in jiu-jitsu before shifting his focus fully to wrestling. That background paid off immediately, helping him find success early. Since then, Zyon has captured three state titles and earned his spot as a Division I wrestler. Now in the starting lineup at Utah Valley University as a true freshman, he remains locked in on constant improvement. Before his wrestling career is finished, his goal is clear: become an All-American. After that, his path leads to the UFC.

While Zyon thrives in combat, there’s more to him than the grind. He’s a Sour Patch Kid addict, a Lego enthusiast, and a fan of campaign-style video games. Zyon is more than just his ambitions — but in the wrestling world, he’s a fighter determined to prove every doubter wrong.

The 10-year dynasty built by Coach Jon Ferry at Green Valley High School is arguably the greatest decade-long run in Nevada wrestling history. During that span, Coach Ferry led the program to seven state championships and three state runner-up finishes. While debates can always be made about eras and programs, Coach Ferry has unquestionably earned his seat at the table as one of Nevada wrestling’s all-time greats.

Wrestling was never just a sport for Jon Ferry — it was part of his bloodline. In the Ferry family, wrestling and coaching were simply what you did. Although his own competitive career came to an early close once he reached college, that ending opened the door to something even more impactful.

Coach Ferry’s coaching journey began when an old friend recognized his potential and invited him to help with the wrestling program at Las Vegas High School. There, he learned the ropes and developed his coaching philosophy before making the move to Green Valley High School. Over time, he became the head coach, and with that role came a vision.

One of Coach Ferry’s greatest contributions was his commitment to building from the ground up. By heavily investing in the youth program, he laid the foundation for what would become a powerhouse — Team GV. That pipeline fueled Green Valley’s dominance and reshaped wrestling in the area.

Eventually, Coach Ferry made the selfless decision to step away from the mat to focus on his son. Determined to be present, he dedicated himself to becoming the best baseball coach he could so he could coach and support his son’s journey. Now, with his son thriving and off to college, Coach Ferry has returned to where it all began — back on the mat at Green Valley, serving once again as an assistant coach.

A dynasty builder. A mentor. A father. Coach Jon Ferry’s impact on Nevada wrestling is undeniable.

Morris Wolfley is a small-town wrestler chasing greatness against the odds. A 3A athlete with no high school club and 30-plus-minute drives in any direction just to find training partners, Morris has built his success on an unshakable mindset and relentless work ethic. Despite the disadvantages, he refuses to let circumstance define his ceiling.

In this episode, Morris walks us through the moment everything changed — the loss that forced him to take wrestling seriously and the conversation with his father that followed. That defeat hurt, but it also gave birth to the competitor we see today.

Since committing himself to excellence, Morris has stacked an impressive résumé: multi-time state champion, regional champion, and one of the top 3A wrestlers in Nevada. While his goal is to wrestle in college, Morris is equally committed to honoring his faith. His plan includes stepping away for a two-year mission before returning to the mat to continue his wrestling journey.

Morris represents 3A wrestling with pride, humility, and grit. With unmatched discipline and an unbreakable mindset, he’s chasing another mountaintop finish to his high school career. After that, he’ll serve his faith — and when the time is right, find his way back to wrestling.

Morris Wolfley is the definition of an underdog you can’t help but root for.

Tatiana, once a dominant runner on the track, found herself searching for direction beyond the lanes. Though she qualified for state every year in high school, she wanted something different — something that would push her to become the absolute best version of herself. That search led her to the wrestling room.

From the moment she stepped onto the mat, Tatiana fell in love with the environment. The grind, the accountability, and the reality that everything had to be earned fueled her competitive fire. Early on, she was gifted something priceless — a lifelong friend and training partner in Kaylynn, who pushed her to improve faster, work harder, and believe deeper. Just as important, Tatiana found a family in the wrestling room. The friendships, bonds, and shared grind with her fellow wrestlers became what she loves most about the sport.

In this episode, Tatiana opens up about the possibility of walking away from athletics instead of chasing the dream of competing at the collegiate level. But one thing is clear — because of wrestling, she knows she’s prepared for whatever path she chooses. Sports don’t end when competition does; they become part of who you are.

Tatiana is Tatiana because of sports — and they will always live within her.

Ray, a proud and devoted father, sits down to share the journey of raising two wrestlers — and the life lessons that came with it. He opens up about the challenges of supporting each of his sons differently, while still giving both the same unwavering foundation of love, structure, and belief. Through the highs and lows, Ray reflects on what it truly means to walk the path of “Dad.”

Ray learned early that he couldn’t treat both boys the same. Wrestling helped him understand that each son is his own individual, with his own personality, mindset, and way of approaching adversity. Through both wrestling and MMA, Ray watched his sons express themselves uniquely, using their own styles and identities to grow into the young men they are destined to be. From the front row, he witnessed their evolution — fueled by exposure, creativity, and the confidence to be themselves.

Ray also shares what it was like watching Saoul and Nat’aani Prado use their talents in completely different ways. The process wasn’t always easy, but his philosophy remained steady: support them fully, let them “sink or swim” on their own merits, and trust that they would rise. Even with the weight of not wanting to let his boys down, he always believed in their ability to accomplish whatever they set their hearts on.

While the Prado Brothers became the first brother state champions in SLAM history, Ray knows their greatest accomplishment isn’t found on a podium — it’s in the men they are becoming.

The Prado Brothers — Saoul and Nat’aani — join the Caution Stalling Podcast together, stepping into the studio as the tight-knit unit they’ve always been. In this episode, they talk about their bond as brothers, their shared love for wrestling, and the different paths the sport is carving for each of them. Though their styles and mindsets overlap in many ways, they are two very different competitors with two very different journeys.

Saoul, now in his senior year at Baker University, is chasing the dream of becoming an All-American. His journey hasn’t always been smooth, but every challenge has shaped him into the man and athlete he is today. With one season left, he’s pushing harder than ever to reach that AA podium.

Nat’aani had a slower start to his wrestling career, but he has found his own rhythm and identity on the mat. Inspired by his older brother yet determined to be his own person, Nat’aani captured a state title and now wrestles alongside Saoul at Baker. His focus: continue growing, continue learning, and become the best version of himself.

The Prado Brothers have faced their share of battles — both on and off the mat. But instead of breaking under adversity, they’ve turned every setback into a lesson. No matter what challenges come their way, one thing remains constant: they’ll always have home within each other.

Oliver is a young man who wandered into a wrestling room hoping to build skills for MMA — but instead, he fell in love with the sport itself. Drawn to combat sports and searching for the right fit, wrestling lit a spark in him. What began as training for the octagon quickly became a passion of its own.

Though only a two-year wrestler, Oliver has fully committed himself to the pursuit of greatness. He trains year-round with his club, pushes himself through extra workouts to sharpen his cardio and mindset, and uses every spare moment to get better. And when he’s not grinding in the room, Oliver unwinds as a gamer — balancing intensity with something that keeps him grounded.

In this episode, Oliver shares his goals, his aspirations, and the roadmap he’s building to reach them. He talks about chasing new levels, embracing the hard work, and relying on his never-say-die attitude and blue-collar mentality.

Oliver is one of a kind — driven, humble, and incredibly easy to root for.

Billy Sullivan is one of Nevada’s true wrestling phenoms. His résumé speaks for itself: Fargo Champion, World Team Trials Champion, 5th at the World Championships, multi-time All-American, Fargo Outstanding Wrestler, and of course, Nevada State Champion. Billy stands among the very best to ever come out of the Silver State — and this is his story.

Billy opens up about a pivotal turning point in his journey: leaving home to train under Coach Pack. He walks us through what daily life looked like — three practices a day, a strict training system, and a culture built for greatness. Yet even in that grind, he still had space to be a kid and enjoy life. The Sullivan family credits Coach Pack with transforming Billy from a blood-round wrestler into an elite competitor. His time there was the spark that ignited the monster we now see on the mat.

In this episode, Billy takes us deeper into his wrestling path. Through Bonus Points and honest storytelling, he breaks down key moments, lessons, and growth. He also shares the lighter side of life — playing handball in the W-CAP room, grinding Apex and Call of Duty at home, and even competing as a dedicated Kendama player. The competitiveness doesn’t turn off. It just shifts forms.

While Billy has earned everything on the mat, what makes him special is how relatable he remains to the kids who look up to him. He works hard, he enjoys life, and he represents Team USA in Greco with pride — proving that greatness doesn’t require giving up who you are.

Harrison Smith is a young man who found himself in the only circle that truly matters — the wrestling circle. Competitive soccer was his world until he stepped onto the mat and discovered the passion that would redefine his life. His journey is compelling, thoughtful, and absolutely worth the listen. In this episode, Harrison sits down with Daniel and walks us through the story of how he became the Fargo National Champion he is today.

Harrison is committed to becoming the best athlete possible. He trains year-round in club and with his high school coach, and even when he’s “on vacation,” he’s not really on vacation. During his annual trips to Japan, Harrison still finds mats to train on, soaking up technique and discipline from Japanese wrestlers.

His dedication is paying off. Harrison is one of the few Nevada Fargo Champions, earning his title in Greco with a massive throw and a statement-making pin. He’s also a state champion, and his list of accolades continues to grow as he enters his junior season.

But Harrison’s excellence goes far beyond wrestling. He’s an equally strong student and an exceptional young man. With his academics solid and his discipline unmatched, he’s opening doors to countless opportunities. Harrison credits his success to a strong support system — his parents, his sister, and his coaches — who continue to fuel his drive.

Rigo, a 106-pound warrior and true lifer in the wrestling room, reflects on his four years on the mat. Wrestling was never part of his plan — in fact, he only stepped into the sport because his P.E. teacher encouraged him to try out. That simple moment changed everything, leading us to meet one of Eldorado’s most battle-tested wrestlers.

Across his career, Rigo built an impressive résumé:

• 4× State Qualifier
• 4× Regional Placer
• 1× Regional Champion
• 2× Regional Finalist
• 2× State Placer (3rd as a freshman, 3rd as a junior)
• 100+ career wins

His sophomore year took a tough turn when a false impetigo claim cost him his chance to compete at state.

During his senior year, life hit even harder. A death in the family forced Rigo away from the mat, and the fear of failure started to creep in. For a moment, he walked away from wrestling entirely. But eventually, he found his way back home — to the Eldorado wrestling room — and rediscovered his purpose: to finish what he started.

Rigo credits wrestling for shaping who he is today and giving him lifelong friendships. His story isn’t the fairytale of chasing a state title — because most athletes never reach that top step. Instead, his journey is about resilience, consistency, and becoming a cornerstone of a program. He embraced being one of the faces of the room, pushing others to commit, work hard, and believe.

Rigo returned, finished strong, and cemented himself as one of the most decorated wrestlers in one of Las Vegas’ most iconic high school programs.

Bill, an Illinois native, walks us through his journey of relocating to Las Vegas and becoming a driving force in the growth of wrestling across Nevada. From elevating the international wrestling scene to igniting momentum in women’s wrestling, Bill has played a major role in shaping the sport’s evolution here.

He opened Legends of Gold Las Vegas, inspired by the training center his son once attended. L.O.G. was built during the pandemic to give wrestlers a safe place to train, stay focused, and stay out of trouble. Since then, Bill has developed a powerhouse of Olympic–style wrestling, producing multiple world team members and elite athletes.

Bill also made his mark in the high school arena, building a dynasty in pink — the SLAM girls program. Under his leadership, they earned multiple state champions, team state titles, national rankings, individually ranked athletes, and a long list of girls continuing their careers in college.

To Bill, the mat is home. He has coached both USA men’s and women’s teams, and now he has reached his highest honor yet: becoming the head coach of an entire country’s national team. Alongside this, he continues to learn, grow, and evolve — driven in part by the remarkable career of his son Billy.

Bill remains committed to providing opportunities for every athlete seeking the sport, continuing his mission through Legends of Gold Las Vegas, where wrestlers of all levels find direction, discipline, and a path forward.

Skyler Woods was a time-bomb on the mat during his wrestling days — and not much has changed now that he’s in the coach’s corner. His passion runs deep, and that same fire now fuels the athletes who wrestle for him.

Well-accomplished and highly respected in Nevada’s wrestling scene, Skyler’s story began with a twist of fate — being too small for basketball opened the door to the wrestling room. Once he stepped inside, the Woods family found their calling. Since then, their bloodline has become synonymous with success: state champions, a Fargo champion, All-Americans, a women’s state champion, and college wrestlers — even Division I athletes. Truly, a Nevada wrestling family.

In this episode, Skyler opens up about his journey — from his very first match against the host Daniel’s older brother, Ricardo, to competing for the University of Oregon, and ultimately returning home to lead the Virgin Valley High School wrestling program. Now, Skyler has transformed his passion from the mat into mentorship, guiding young athletes across every sport he touches. His story is one of fire, faith, and full-circle purpose.

Dylan kicks off the podcast by sharing his early experiences in motocross — racing dirt bikes for miles on end, through every kind of weather, from a young age. His childhood was filled with sports, each shaping his athletic foundation, but football and wrestling stood out most.

Even as a kid, Dylan dreamed of being a multi-collegiate athlete — a goal he ultimately achieved at Arizona Christian University. Though wrestling has always been his first love, the thrill and adrenaline of football remain a passion he can’t quite shake.

With impressive accomplishments in both sports, Dylan has truly found a way to live out his dream — balancing his two greatest athletic loves and proving that dedication can make even the wildest goals possible.

David Mackey — a dad first and foremost — only stepped onto the mat for one reason: his kids. His coaching journey began simply as a way to help out during practices, using his strengths to support the team. But his natural organization skills and drive to lead quickly took shape. A self-proclaimed control freak, Coach Mackey found his place — thriving in the Robin role to Batman.

When his son Jaxen entered high school, a need arose. The program at Basic High School needed a coach, and Jaxen needed his father to step up. Though he’d only been an assistant coach and had mainly worked with the girls, Coach Mackey took on the challenge. Under his leadership, Basic’s wrestling program grew into a successful and respected team.

Now, having stepped away from the high school spotlight, Coach Mackey continues to contribute behind the scenes — exactly where he shines most. Being Batman isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay — because Robin is just as important.