Rock Canyon Wrestling 2025 Season Recap: Small in Numbers, Mighty in Spirit
This year’s wrestling season at Rock Canyon High School was less about size and more about heart. Under the guidance of Head Coach Patric McGowan—who shares the helm with his twin brother in their third year—the Jaguars continued building a program that doesn’t just chase wins, but develops wrestlers into warriors both on and off the mat.
Despite fielding a small and lightweight team—only 21 athletes, with no wrestlers over 180 pounds and just one senior—the 2025 season was marked by growth, grit, and meaningful milestones. From state tournament triumphs to life-changing comebacks, Rock Canyon's story this year was one of resilience, brotherhood, and relentless improvement.
Leading by Example: The Core Contributors
A handful of wrestlers were instrumental in shaping the team's identity and driving its success. At the center of it all was Noah Jadd, the team’s MVP for the second consecutive year. “He is the wrestler everyone on the team aspires to be,” Coach McGowan shared. Jadd brings unmatched intensity to both practice and competition, setting the standard for effort and focus. Even off the mat, teammates model their style and mindset after his.
Then there’s Jake Brown, the team’s “quiet inspiration.” Not one for big speeches, Jake’s leadership comes from an impeccable work ethic—arriving early, staying late, drilling technical moves with laser focus. In just a few years, Jake evolved from a nervous freshman with a 5-19 record into a 39-21 state qualifier.
Rounding out the core group was freshman Michael Valdez, a rising star whose youthful energy and team-first mentality quickly made him a standout. “He brings joy and focus,” said Coach McGowan. “Even as a freshman, he encouraged and pushed his teammates constantly. His desire to be great is infectious.”
More Than a Team: A Brotherhood
Despite challenges, the 2025 season was filled with highlights. The Jaguars won more duals than they lost, sent two wrestlers to the state tournament, and celebrated a state podium finish. But more than the numbers, it was the team’s bond that stood out.
“Our wrestlers became more than just teammates,” McGowan reflected. “They became brothers in arms.”
This brotherhood formed the heartbeat of the program, turning post-practice hangouts into team-building sessions and creating an atmosphere where every athlete pulled for each other’s success.
Overcoming Setbacks: Injuries and Identity
One of the season’s most poignant moments came during the state tournament, where Noah Jadd suffered an opening-match loss. “You would have thought his world had ended,” McGowan said. For a wrestler who had poured everything into the season, the loss shook his sense of self.
But in that moment of heartbreak, McGowan offered words that changed everything: “Wrestling is not your identity. Winning is not your identity. Your identity is in Christ.”
With the weight lifted, Jadd bounced back, winning his next three matches and placing at state—both a personal triumph and a powerful reminder of the team’s deeper values.
Another incredible story came from Devin Bigley, who dislocated his elbow early in the season. Most would have seen it as a season-ending injury, but not Devin. He stayed involved as a team manager—filming matches, doing physical therapy at practice, helping wherever he could. Miraculously, he returned to competition late in the season.
At the team banquet, Devin received the “Always Keep Pushing” Award, the team’s core motto. “He embodied everything we teach,” said McGowan. “Determination, selflessness, and the will to keep going—no matter the odds.”
Developing Into Warriors
Growth was a season-long theme for the Jaguars. One of the most notable transformations was Jake Brown’s evolution. Once gripped by fear before matches, Jake now competes with joy. His success and newfound confidence have become contagious, inspiring others to match his energy.
The team also faced mental and physical challenges. Some athletes battled concussions; others faced personal hardships that affected their training. Still, most pushed through, showing up daily and giving their all. “We have kids who will do whatever it takes to stay on the mat,” McGowan noted.
A Lone Senior and a Lasting Legacy
This year’s lone senior, though unnamed, made a significant impact. A four-year veteran, his consistency and understanding of what it takes to succeed in wrestling helped guide the younger athletes. His example set the tone for discipline and effort, leaving behind a legacy far larger than a typical one-senior class might expect.
The Road Ahead: Optimism Fueled by Growth
Looking forward, Rock Canyon is poised for a major leap. With the return of multiple standout athletes—Jadd, Brown, and a number of developing juniors and sophomores—the Jaguars’ lineup is gaining both depth and experience.
There’s even more cause for excitement: a large incoming freshman class and increased recruitment could double the team’s size to over 40 wrestlers. Among the newcomers is a three-time middle school district champion, adding even more talent to an already promising group.
“We’re not trying to be overly optimistic,” McGowan said, “but we believe next year could be a major step forward.”
The team is also exploring a new partnership with Rock Canyon’s football program, hoping to recruit bigger athletes to fill out the upper weight classes—an area they’ve lacked depth in for years.
Twin Vision: Coaching With Purpose
This season marked the third year for McGowan and his twin brother as co-head coaches. Together, they’ve weathered a steep learning curve, from inheriting a half-depleted team to rebuilding from the ground up.
“Coaching as twins is awesome,” McGowan said. “We work together like a left and right hand.”
Their synergy has helped build a culture rooted in faith, resilience, and team unity—principles that guide every practice, match, and moment of adversity.
In Closing: A Season That Meant More
For Rock Canyon Wrestling, 2025 was about more than just medals. It was about mentorship. About perseverance. About redefining success and identity. It was about watching boys become young men—not just stronger athletes, but better people.
And though the stat sheets (available on MaxPreps) show wins and losses, it’s the stories of grit, grace, and growth that will echo long after the final whistle.
As Coach McGowan puts it, “Change is hard to see from day to day. But when I look at where these kids started, and where they are now, I see strength, I see heart, and I see hope.”
Indeed, the future of Rock Canyon Wrestling looks brighter than ever.
 show wins and losses, it’s the stories of grit, grace, and growth that will echo long after the final whistle.
As Coach McGowan puts it, “Change is hard to see from day to day. But when I look at where these kids started, and where they are now, I see strength, I see heart, and I see hope.”
Indeed, the future of Rock Canyon Wrestling looks brighter than ever.)
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