The Pahrump Valley High School wrestling team closed out its season with an impressive showing at the NIAA 3A State Wrestling Championships, held February 13–14, 2026 in Winnemucca, highlighted by an individual state champion, multiple podium finishes and a sixth-place overall team finish that underscored the continued strength of the Trojan program.
Against a field filled with the state’s top talent, the Trojans battled through two intense days of competition, proving they belonged among Nevada’s best. Head Coach Antonio Sandoval, completing his first season leading the program, praised both the team’s performance at state and the collective effort shown throughout the year.
“I am really proud of how we wrestled this weekend,” Sandoval said. “That being said, I know a lot of the guys wish the outcome had been different. I am really proud of how our seniors went out and handled themselves in what may be the last time they ever step out on the mat, and really excited to see how our junior class and our lone freshman can build off of this weekend for next year.”
Leading the way for Pahrump Valley was Junior Iyan Bosket, who delivered a dominant performance at 215 pounds to claim the 3A State Championship, capping a season defined by growth and consistency.
Bosket said the year included both strong stretches and challenges he had to work through along the way. Early in the season, Bosket faced adversity when illness sidelined him and led to a pair of losses during a Reno tournament. Rather than derailing his momentum, the setback became a turning point.
“I hit a little rough patch. I was sick for a while and lost weight,” he said. “But I came back, started feeling better, got my body weight back up just in time for regionals, and then finished the season and won out.”
A key difference this season came from moving up in weight. After previously cutting significant weight, Bosket wrestled at his natural size this year.
“Last year I was cutting about 20 pounds,” he explained. “This year I just wrestled whatever weight class my body wanted to wrestle. It was actually really nice not having to cut at all — being able to eat and even enjoy Thanksgiving for once.”
Along with physical preparation, Bosket also leaned on mental and personal motivation throughout the season. Written on his wrist tape during competition was the Bible verse Romans 8:18, a reminder he carried with him onto the mat each time he competed.
“It’s one of those verses I really believe in and live by,” Bosket said. “A lot of my time and hours are spent training, and it’s hard. The pain you’re feeling is nothing compared to the joy that’s coming. I just remind myself not to worry about the pain because it’ll all be worth it in due time.”
That mindset translated into confidence at the state tournament.
“I didn’t really think about it as the state championship,” he said. “I just went in thinking I was 0–0. No favorites, no records — just another tournament with guys trying to wrestle and win. I just went out there and did what I practice every day.”
Bosket powered through the bracket with authority, earning first-period pins in both the quarterfinals and semifinals before securing the title with a 10–4 decision over Lowry’s Terrance Mattson in the championship match.
When the final whistle sounded, the moment carried both relief and fulfillment.
“It was great. I was just happy,” Bosket said. “Winning a state championship has always been one of those things on my checklist. I was glad I was able to go out, take care of business and get it done.”
The victory also marked a special family milestone, as Bosket followed his brother Oscar’s championship from the previous year, creating back-to-back state titles for the family — a moment made even more meaningful by his father’s emotional reaction.
“He told me only two of his kids ever made him cry,” Bosket said with a smile. “My sister during the Miss Pahrump pageant and then me. That really made me proud.”
Sandoval emphasized how meaningful accomplishments like Bosket’s title — combined with the team’s top-six finish — are at the state level.
“Top six in the state is not an easy thing to accomplish,” he said. “Add in an individual state title and three more placers and it is a really impressive weekend.”
The Trojans saw strong performances from several wrestlers who battled their way onto the podium. At 120 pounds, Zachary Hulderson rebounded from an early loss to put together an outstanding consolation run, earning victories over opponents from Virgin Valley, Elko and Churchill County to secure third place in the state. His ability to regroup and wrestle through the backside of the bracket demonstrated both mental toughness and endurance.
At 106 pounds, Timothy Stutzman finished fourth overall after opening with a first-round pin over South Tahoe’s Aidan Domaoan and later earning a commanding 10–1 major decision against Moapa Valley’s King Walker in the consolation semifinals.
Fellow Trojan William “Billy” Sparks added another podium finish at 190 pounds, earning fourth place after a 12–7 quarterfinal victory and a strong consolation semifinal win that secured his spot among the state’s best.
Across the remainder of the lineup, Trojan wrestlers battled through deep brackets and difficult draws, repeatedly showing resilience against top-tier competition. At 113 pounds, Ethan Rouse bounced back from an opening loss with a high-scoring 19–12 decision over Virgin Valley’s Tucker Boatright. Jayden Crisler earned a pin over Moapa Valley’s Trenton Bunch at 150 pounds after a sudden-victory quarterfinal battle, while Austin Alvarez secured a quick 52-second pin in consolations at 157 pounds.
Heavyweight Julio Ackerman pushed his quarterfinal match into sudden victory before narrowly falling, highlighting one of the tournament’s tightest contests for Pahrump Valley. At 126 pounds, Zelin Kamanu opened strong with a 19–8 major decision to reach the semifinals, and Paul Walker advanced to the semifinal round at 165 pounds after earning a quarterfinal pin over Lowry’s Giovanni Monroy.
Jacob Stepp extended his tournament with a first-round consolation pin at 190 pounds before facing teammate Billy Sparks in an all-Trojan matchup. Wesley Cruff, Benjamin De Santiago, Mason Whitney, Marlon Garcia and Jacob McLaughlin each encountered tough early-round draws against top northern Nevada competition and battled through their matches with determination. Joaquin Flores added a consolation-round major decision victory at 132 pounds, while Joseph Scheer competed hard in a deep 120-pound bracket, both contributing to the Trojans’ overall performance at the state tournament.
The state tournament served as a fitting conclusion to a season filled with growth, challenges and defining moments. After early ups and downs — including a difficult dual loss to Moapa Valley — the Trojans responded by regrouping and capturing a regional championship, bringing the title back to Pahrump Valley where it belongs.
“As a whole this season had a lot of ups and downs, a lot of learning experiences and was a lot of fun,” Sandoval said. “This being my first year as the head coach, I feel like I might have come in a little over ambitious, but the boys definitely were up to the challenge.”
Sandoval credited the senior class for setting the tone and helping guide the team through adversity.
“Our seniors really did a fantastic job this season,” he said. “They stepped up everywhere we needed them and were more than willing to do the hard things that were going to benefit the team.”
With a strong junior class ready to step into leadership roles and younger wrestlers gaining valuable postseason experience, the future of Trojan wrestling appears bright.
“Our junior class really stepped up this season and are definitely ready to take over the leadership roles that our seniors are going to leave behind,” Sandoval added. “Wrestling is the hardest sport there is, and I think they are plenty tough enough to keep the tradition of Trojan Wrestling alive.”
Sandoval also noted the depth of the team. “We definitely have some guys that were in the room just to practice that could have qualified for the tournament and done really well,” Sandoval said. “I’m excited for them to have the opportunity to show out next year.”
With a state champion crowned, podium finishes secured and a sixth-place team finish achieved, the Trojans left Winnemucca with both pride in their accomplishments and momentum building toward next season.
*Photos from all season, including the Regional and State tournament, are available at pvcnphotos.com
