Pahrump Valley has always been known for producing well-coached, tough wrestlers. Winning State in both 2005 and 2015, as well as back-to-back Academic State championships in the 2022 and 2023 seasons, one could say that they simply have it all together. Pahrump Valley teaches wrestlers strong core values and teaches them how to be tough, both mentally and physically, and to succeed. They subject themselves to exhausting practices, testing both conditioning and mentality and teaching them to be ready for when they step out onto the mat. This article will show you what a wrestler’s mentality is through the words of two seasoned vets, both of whom placed at this year’s State tournament.

The first wrestler is Ty Hanks, the varsity senior heavyweight. Ty placed fourth in his weight class at the State tournament. He has wrestled throughout all four years at high school, although he only counts three active years, due to the COVID year. Some of his accomplishments are placing third in regionals in both his Junior and Senior year, as well as placing fourth in the State for the 2022-2023 season. He ended his season with an overall record of 15-11 and has had many great matches, such as the duel-winning match against Moapa Valley at home on January 10th. To prepare for the State, he kept his body healthy with lots of sleep and lots of food, as well as mentally preparing himself at every practice, and now that it’s over he feels relieved that he isn’t so sore and tired anymore and that he has more free time. Ge feels his legacy was fun, and says, “I had a good run, I had fun. Made some memories.”

The next wrestler is Brennen Benedict. Brennen is the varsity 152-pounder and is currently in his junior year. Brennen has wrestled for 11 years, and has won State 10 times for youth wrestling, placed second at State his Sophomore year, and placed first in State this year. He ended his season with an overall record of 33-1. Brennen’s biggest struggle last year was his mentality, he wasn’t as confident and wasn’t in his right mind, so this year when he came back to State he showed up with confidence and readiness, prepared to win this year in his revenge tour. He has much love for wrestling, especially the feeling of winning, and he loves the travel opportunity it gives him. He believes the biggest threats to him are injury, and believes the strength that lies in our wrestling team is dedication and hard work.

Even though these wrestlers are always getting recognition, which is rightfully so being as they put in all of this work, the coaches are always overlooked for all the work they do. So, we say thank you to the head coach of Pahrump Valley Wrestling, Craig Rieger, for teaching these young men how to succeed in life, and after 20 years of coaching, we wish you a happy retirement.

With this season gone and over with, the final duty is up to the people of Pahrump Valley. How will you support your Trojan wrestlers for the upcoming 2023-2024 season?