Goddard High Wrestling: A Dominant Season and a Bright Future
The Goddard High School wrestling program wrapped up its 2025 winter season with a triumphant display of talent, teamwork, and perseverance. Under the leadership of Coach Brett Means, the team not only clinched the state team title but also saw several individual wrestlers reach new heights in their careers. In this comprehensive recap, Coach Means shares insights about the team’s key contributors, defining moments, challenges, and the promising future ahead.
Key Contributors: Champions Leading the Charge
Goddard’s 2025 season success hinged on outstanding performances from a remarkable group of wrestlers who qualified and placed at the state tournament, showcasing their dedication and skill.
The team’s key contributors included:
Oscar Gauna (106 lbs) — State Champion
Jayden Grijalva (113 lbs) — State Champion
Jacob Goodwin (157 lbs) — Three-time State Champion
Preston Hagel (215 lbs) — State Champion
Kaston McElwain (120 lbs) — 5th Place at State
Harrison Glover (126 lbs) — 3rd Place at State
Kolton McElwain (132 lbs) — 5th Place at State
Nick Miller (138 lbs) — 6th Place at State (first-time placer)
Eastyn Vieyra (165 lbs) — 6th Place at State, Two-time placer
Coach Means emphasized the collective focus of these young men. “They were focused the entire season on winning a team state title and put in the time to make it happen daily,” he said. This dedication was the backbone of the team’s overall triumph.
Season Overview: Ups and Downs, But a Perfect Finish
Like any competitive season, Goddard faced challenges and setbacks. Coach Means acknowledged, “We had our ups and downs during the season suffering disappointments along the way but focused on being ready for the state tournament.”
Despite some struggles, each wrestler rose to the occasion when it mattered most. “Each individual achieved or exceeded expectations at the state tournament,” the coach proudly noted. This ability to peak at the right moment was key to securing the state team title.
Defining Moments: Weekly Battles and Team Unity
Rather than pinpointing one single turning point, Coach Means described the season as a series of defining moments. “Each week was a defining moment,” he explained. “If one of our superstars suffered a setback, someone else on the team picked up the slack that week.”
This mutual support and deep team bond created a resilient atmosphere. The wrestlers truly had each other’s backs, fostering a culture where individual success fed into team achievement.
Growth and Development: Rising to Bigger Roles
Several wrestlers developed into larger roles and improved dramatically over the course of the season.
Kaston McElwain had a tough regular season with a 12-23 record entering the regional tournament but fought hard to qualify for state, where he placed 6th—his best finish yet.
Nick Miller marked a milestone by placing at state for the first time in his career.
First-time state champions Oscar Gauna and Preston Hagel emerged as new leaders.
Jayden Grijalva secured his second state title, showing consistency and elite performance.
Veteran Jacob Goodwin capped his illustrious career as a three-time state champion.
Harrison Glover achieved his highest state placement with 3rd place.
Eastyn Vieyra ended his career as a two-time placer.
Kolton McElwain, a previous state champ who faced an early setback at the state tournament, battled back to finish 5th, contributing vital points to the team’s overall title.
This collective effort underscored the depth and strength of the roster.
Overcoming Challenges: Mental Toughness and Belief
The path to glory was not without its hurdles. The team faced injuries, tough losses, and intense pressure. Yet, their mindset never wavered.
“The team never doubted who would win the State title and showed up to work hard every day to make it happen,” Coach Means said. Even after a close loss at the regional tournament, the wrestlers stayed focused on their ultimate goal.
Winning the team state title was about more than just points; it was about legacy. “Winning 10 of the last 11 team state titles was important for this team,” he explained. Despite skeptics who believed the team was short-handed, the wrestlers refused to let anyone down. Their determination culminated in a commanding victory, winning the state title by over 50 points.
Senior Leadership: Confidence and Work Ethic
The senior class made a tremendous impact both on and off the mat. With three senior state champions and one placer, they brought a winning attitude and exemplary work ethic.
“They brought confidence and determination and good work ethic daily,” Coach Means said. This confidence rubbed off on their teammates, setting a tone of focus and professionalism that permeated practices and matches.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future with a Strong Core
As the team looks forward to the next season, Coach Means is optimistic about the talent returning and the promising newcomers joining the program.
Returning wrestlers include two previous state champions, Oscar Gauna and Kolton McElwain, along with three-time placer Harrison Glover and placers Kaston McElwain and Nick Miller—a strong core to build around.
Perhaps most exciting is the influx of fresh talent: six youth state champions will be joining the team as freshmen next year. “Our future is very bright,” Coach Means declared, confident that the program will continue to thrive.
Offseason Focus: Character, Choices, and Responsibility
Beyond physical training, Coach Means is focused on instilling good character and responsibility in his athletes. “Stay focused on making good choices and taking care of the important things,” he said.
He shared a guiding quote with the team: “However you do your worst thing, you will do all things.” This reminder emphasizes the importance of discipline in every aspect of life, not just on the wrestling mat.
Coach Means also expressed gratitude for the supportive environment surrounding the team—the youth program, school administration, coaches, and parents—describing it as “the best village.” This collective support system plays a critical role in the wrestlers’ success.
Where to Find Stats
For fans and followers wanting to dive into the detailed results and statistics, the team’s performance data is available on Track Wrestling, a widely used platform for high school wrestling stats.
Conclusion: Tradition of Excellence and a Legacy in the Making
The 2025 season for Goddard High School wrestling was a powerful affirmation of the program’s strength and commitment to excellence. With multiple state champions and placers contributing, a tightly knit team culture, and a senior class leading by example, the path to victory was well-earned.
Coach Brett Means and his wrestlers not only captured another state team title but also laid the groundwork for sustained success. With a talented group returning and an influx of promising newcomers, Goddard wrestling’s future shines brightly.
The program’s blend of hard work, focus, and community support serves as a model of what a championship culture looks like—on the mat and beyond.
For more detailed stats and match results, visit Track Wrestling to follow the wrestlers’ progress and upcoming season developments.
 — State Champion
Jayden Grijalva (113 lbs) — State Champion
Jacob Goodwin (157 lbs) — Three-time State Champion
Preston Hagel (215 lbs) — State Champion
Kaston McElwain (120 lbs) — 5th Place at State
Harrison Glover (126 lbs) — 3rd Place at State
Kolton McElwain (132 lbs) — 5th Place at State
Nick Miller (138 lbs) — 6th Place at State (first-time placer)
Eastyn Vieyra (165 lbs) — 6th Place at State, Two-time placer
Coach Means emphasized the collective focus of these young men. “They were focused the entire season on winning a team state title and put in the time to make it happen daily,” he said. This dedication was the backbone of the team’s overall triumph.
Season Overview: Ups and Downs, But a Perfect Finish
Like any competitive season, Goddard faced challenges and setbacks. Coach Means acknowledged, “We had our ups and downs during the season suffering disappointments along the way but focused on being ready for the state tournament.”
Despite some struggles, each wrestler rose to the occasion when it mattered most. “Each individual achieved or exceeded expectations at the state tournament,” the coach proudly noted. This ability to peak at the right moment was key to securing the state team title.
Defining Moments: Weekly Battles and Team Unity
Rather than pinpointing one single turning point, Coach Means described the season as a series of defining moments. “Each week was a defining moment,” he explained. “If one of our superstars suffered a setback, someone else on the team picked up the slack that week.”
This mutual support and deep team bond created a resilient atmosphere. The wrestlers truly had each other’s backs, fostering a culture where individual success fed into team achievement.
Growth and Development: Rising to Bigger Roles
Several wrestlers developed into larger roles and improved dramatically over the course of the season.
Kaston McElwain had a tough regular season with a 12-23 record entering the regional tournament but fought hard to qualify for state, where he placed 6th—his best finish yet.
Nick Miller marked a milestone by placing at state for the first time in his career.
First-time state champions Oscar Gauna and Preston Hagel emerged as new leaders.
Jayden Grijalva secured his second state title, showing consistency and elite performance.
Veteran Jacob Goodwin capped his illustrious career as a three-time state champion.
Harrison Glover achieved his highest state placement with 3rd place.
Eastyn Vieyra ended his career as a two-time placer.
Kolton McElwain, a previous state champ who faced an early setback at the state tournament, battled back to finish 5th, contributing vital points to the team’s overall title.
This collective effort underscored the depth and strength of the roster.
Overcoming Challenges: Mental Toughness and Belief
The path to glory was not without its hurdles. The team faced injuries, tough losses, and intense pressure. Yet, their mindset never wavered.
“The team never doubted who would win the State title and showed up to work hard every day to make it happen,” Coach Means said. Even after a close loss at the regional tournament, the wrestlers stayed focused on their ultimate goal.
Winning the team state title was about more than just points; it was about legacy. “Winning 10 of the last 11 team state titles was important for this team,” he explained. Despite skeptics who believed the team was short-handed, the wrestlers refused to let anyone down. Their determination culminated in a commanding victory, winning the state title by over 50 points.
Senior Leadership: Confidence and Work Ethic
The senior class made a tremendous impact both on and off the mat. With three senior state champions and one placer, they brought a winning attitude and exemplary work ethic.
“They brought confidence and determination and good work ethic daily,” Coach Means said. This confidence rubbed off on their teammates, setting a tone of focus and professionalism that permeated practices and matches.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future with a Strong Core
As the team looks forward to the next season, Coach Means is optimistic about the talent returning and the promising newcomers joining the program.
Returning wrestlers include two previous state champions, Oscar Gauna and Kolton McElwain, along with three-time placer Harrison Glover and placers Kaston McElwain and Nick Miller—a strong core to build around.
Perhaps most exciting is the influx of fresh talent: six youth state champions will be joining the team as freshmen next year. “Our future is very bright,” Coach Means declared, confident that the program will continue to thrive.
Offseason Focus: Character, Choices, and Responsibility
Beyond physical training, Coach Means is focused on instilling good character and responsibility in his athletes. “Stay focused on making good choices and taking care of the important things,” he said.
He shared a guiding quote with the team: “However you do your worst thing, you will do all things.” This reminder emphasizes the importance of discipline in every aspect of life, not just on the wrestling mat.
Coach Means also expressed gratitude for the supportive environment surrounding the team—the youth program, school administration, coaches, and parents—describing it as “the best village.” This collective support system plays a critical role in the wrestlers’ success.
Where to Find Stats
For fans and followers wanting to dive into the detailed results and statistics, the team’s performance data is available on Track Wrestling, a widely used platform for high school wrestling stats.
Conclusion: Tradition of Excellence and a Legacy in the Making
The 2025 season for Goddard High School wrestling was a powerful affirmation of the program’s strength and commitment to excellence. With multiple state champions and placers contributing, a tightly knit team culture, and a senior class leading by example, the path to victory was well-earned.
Coach Brett Means and his wrestlers not only captured another state team title but also laid the groundwork for sustained success. With a talented group returning and an influx of promising newcomers, Goddard wrestling’s future shines brightly.
The program’s blend of hard work, focus, and community support serves as a model of what a championship culture looks like—on the mat and beyond.
For more detailed stats and match results, visit Track Wrestling to follow the wrestlers’ progress and upcoming season developments.)
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