The irony is not lost on Wesley VanMatre when he climbs atop the medal stand.
On Saturday night, the John Mall High School wrestler became a four-time state champion. As a young kid, VanMatre was a self-described reluctant grappler.
“It seemed like I hated it forever,” VanMatre said of wrestling. “I just stuck with it, kept working, and here I am now.”
VanMatre received a storybook ending to his illustrious high school wrestling career Saturday night, which began years ago in rural Walsenburg, and wrapped up inside the Pepsi Center. He met Lyons’ David Gardner in the Class 2A 145-pound final with VanMatre’s arm raised in victory after a 10-3 decision.
But was there really ever a doubt?
Not for John Mall coach Josh Vialpando. He witnessed all of VanMatre’s championships, each more impressive than the last, and what strikes Vialpando most is VanMatre’s attitude about the historic feat. Vialpando said: “He doesn’t talk about that stuff. He’s not that kind of personality.”
So, VanMatre will simply let his state championship trophies do the talking — all four of them.
“I was looking to come out here this weekend and give it everything I have,” VanMatre said. “Leave it all on the mat.”
His wrestling journey began at age 4, and as VanMatre mentioned, the love wasn’t instant. Winning four state titles didn’t seem possible even when ascending through the competitive ranks.
“He overcame a pretty significant injury, a broken wrist, as a freshman,” Vialpando said. “He ended up having only 12 matches under his belt. We knew he had the potential to win it, but with not a lot of experience. That’s what got the ball rolling.”
VanMatre never set out to be defined by his wrestling, despite dominance that began in eighth grade (a 30-match winning streak). A wider range of VanMatre’s athletic prowess can be found on the football field, where he rushed for more than 1,700 yards and 20-plus touchdowns as a senior last fall.
“I think I’m the most athletic kid in this whole tournament — all classes,” VanMatre said. “Itap something God gave me, I guess.”
When it comes to wrestling, though, VanMatre’s motivation for success goes beyond chasing glory. It speaks to a humble nature his coach has witnessed on countless occasions, like when VanMatre regularly volunteered his time to help the JV team. VanMatre’s inspiration to wrestle these past few seasons is especially personal.
“I dedicated these last two titles to my grandparents,” VanMatre said. “They passed away my sophomore year, and ever since I was little, they were at every tournament I had been to. I do it all for them.”
That emotion was evident Saturday night when VanMarte after he claimed a fourth state championship. He is currently undecided on a college wrestling destination, but then again, Pepsi Center has always felt like home.
“The toughest part is that some days you feel like wrestling, and on some random ones, you really don’t,” VanMatre said. “Itap hard to stay into it. But once you think about this place, itap worth it. Thatap what drives me.”
