Frank Lopez, head coach of the Pahrump Valley High School (PVHS) wrestling program, embodies the spirit of dedication and transformation that defines the sport. His introduction to wrestling came in eighth grade, inspired by his older cousin, Jeremy Moon. By the time he moved to Pahrump as a freshman, Lopez was eager to join the team, attending his first practice even before officially starting school. Despite early struggles, his commitment to the sport and the camaraderie of the team kept him coming back, shaping the foundation for his future in wrestling and coaching. When discussing the impact Jeremy had on him, he shares, “I’ll admit it’s tough to talk about in terms of what he did for me. Growing up, he was a stud California football player and state placer in high school wrestling.” Lopez went on to share, “He was killed by a drunk driver in Pahrump on Thanksgiving morning during our Thanksgiving practice. His last words to me the night before the accident were, ‘You have to do the extra… everyone goes to practice… what you do outside of that makes you great.’” The words and Jeremy’s influence have had a lasting impact and have driven Lopez to be the best and to lead his wrestlers in a similar manner.
After graduating from PVHS, Lopez eventually returned to his alma mater to join the coaching staff. Starting as an assistant, he took over as head coach last season, driven by a desire to give back to the community that played such a significant role in his own development. Lopez sees wrestling as more than a sport; it’s a vehicle for personal growth and character building. “In a small town like this, it’s important to come back and give back,” he says. “Coaches have as much impact on a kid’s life as teachers or parents. I want to make that same positive impression.” Lopez emphasizes respect and work ethic as the cornerstones of the program. “To be successful, you have to be respectful and have a strong work ethic. Those are the two big things we instill in every wrestler.”
Lopez describes his coaching style as “motivating, aggressive, and invested.” His staff shares his commitment to the program’s success and includes a mix of experienced alumni and dedicated volunteers. Antonio Sandoval serves as the varsity assistant, while Mike Colucci leads the JV and varsity girls’ teams. Assistants Elliott Owens and Samuel Tucsnak bring additional support, along with several volunteers, including Haley Benz, a former manager now helping to mentor new team managers, Benji De Santiago, Lynn Evans and Joey Colucci. “My coaching staff is a dream staff,” Lopez said. “We are heavily invested because almost all of us come from this program. We carry the legacy of Coach Craig Rieger.” Lopez added, “We’re building on a tradition that was started decades ago by Coach Rieger. They are big shoes to fill and none of us what to do anything negative to the program he created.”
While athletic success is important, Lopez’s primary goal is preparing his athletes for life. He aims to instill discipline, resilience, and accountability in his wrestlers, preparing them to navigate the challenges of adulthood. “Our goal is to take kids who are still children when they enter as freshmen and, over four years, prepare them to be responsible adults,” he explains. “Wrestling teaches toughness and discipline, which are essential for success beyond high school.”
This year’s team features a strong mix of experienced juniors and sophomores, promising freshmen, and standout seniors. Senior Oscar Bosket, returning in an upper weight class, took third in the state last year and is the team’s highest returning state placer. Another key senior, Ethen Hutchinson, is back after a knee injury sidelined him last year, and is expected to serve as a leader for the upper-weight wrestlers. Junior Ethan Rouse is poised for success in the lighter weight classes as well as a mix of other returning wrestlers that Lopez expects to have a lot of success this season. Lopez is also eager to see how the incoming freshmen adapt to the team’s rigorous culture. “The first few weeks are daunting,” he admits. “We tell them, just show up every day. Eventually, it gets better, and they grow stronger—both physically and mentally.”
The girls’ team, now in its second year as a sanctioned varsity program, is also thriving. Senior Payton Weaver, who narrowly missed qualifying for state last year, exemplifies the growth and potential of the program. Her dedication and performance have already attracted the attention of college recruiters, reflecting the rapid growth of women’s wrestling nationwide. “Women’s wrestling is the fastest-growing sport in the nation,” Lopez notes. “Right now, you don’t have to be a state champion to get a college scholarship. If you’re a hardworking, proficient wrestler, someone will give you an opportunity.”
Tradition plays a central role in the PVHS wrestling program, with one of the most cherished events being the Thanksgiving practice. Alumni and community members join current wrestlers for a live practice session, creating a powerful connection between generations of athletes. “It’s standing room only,” Lopez says. “The alumni come back to support the kids and share their experiences. It’s a testament to the lasting impact of this program.” Beyond the holiday tradition, the program’s core philosophy emphasizes toughness and relentless effort. “We’re not flashy,” Lopez says. “We’re going to be in your face for six minutes, and when you get tired, we won’t.”
While challenges like maintaining athlete health and motivation persist, Lopez sees these as opportunities for growth. Wrestling, he explains, is a uniquely demanding sport that pushes athletes to their limits, especially during the holiday season when maintaining weight and training discipline becomes even more challenging. “If you can survive four years in our program, you’ll be ready for anything life throws at you,” he asserts. Last season, the boys’ team finished second in the league, second in the region, and fifth at state—a testament to their hard work and improvement. “What I’m most proud of is the mentality shift in our room,” Lopez says. “Our kids became tougher, more confident, and more supportive of one another. That means we did our job.”
The community’s support has been vital to the program’s success. From alumni returning to mentor current wrestlers to families donating equipment and resources, the program thrives on collective effort. Fundraisers, such as a popular seven-day store that provides a portion of sales back to the team, have also been instrumental. “People love to support us,” Lopez says. “We appreciate every bit of it, whether it’s monetary or just showing up to encourage the kids.”
As the team prepares for its first meet on November 30 at Rancho High School, Lopez is optimistic about the season ahead. His advice to new wrestlers is straightforward: “Show up every day and work as hard as you can. It’s going to be the toughest thing you’ve ever done, but the growth you’ll experience is unmatched.” With a strong foundation of tradition, dedication, and community support, the PVHS wrestling program continues to thrive under Lopez’s leadership. Through a relentless focus on character development and athletic excellence, the program is shaping not just champions on the mat but resilient, disciplined individuals ready to succeed in life.
