Beauregard High School Wrestling: A Championship Season in the Making
The 2024–2025 wrestling season at Beauregard High School was one marked by milestones, resilience, and rising stars—a year where individual dominance paired with team unity to elevate the program’s legacy. Led by Head Coach and Athletic Director Wade Thorn, the Hornets not only brought home championships but set the stage for an even more promising year ahead.
From state champions and record breakers to first-year wrestlers making a name for themselves, the season was filled with growth and unforgettable moments. With only two seniors departing and a deep, experienced core returning, Coach Thorn believes the best is yet to come for Beauregard wrestling.
Elite Performers Lead the Way
When it comes to naming standouts for the Hornets this season, Coach Thorn doesn't hesitate. Three names stood at the forefront of the program’s success:
Parker VanNoy (106 lbs) had a stellar season, finishing with a 55-4 record. His consistency and technical skill led him to claim the 5A South Sectional title and culminated with a 5A State Championship. A force at the lower weights, VanNoy’s impact extended beyond the mat—his leadership set the tone for the team.
Reese Thorn (150 lbs) not only compiled a remarkable 61-5 season record, but he also broke the school record for career wins, reaching a milestone 204 victories. As a Newberry College commit, Reese's leadership and intensity fueled the team’s performance and aspirations. Like VanNoy, he won both the sectional title and the state championship, cementing his place among the program’s all-time greats.
Brody Edwards (138 lbs) also delivered an exceptional year, going 48-7, earning a sectional title, and placing 3rd at the 5A State Championship. As another team captain, his work ethic and postseason performance were instrumental in pushing Beauregard to new heights.
Team Success and a Bittersweet Semifinal
The Hornets finished 29-11 overall as a team, capturing the 5A Region 1 Championship and qualifying 11 wrestlers (7 boys, 4 girls) for the individual state tournament. At the Dual State Championships, they came painfully close to reaching the final round, ultimately finishing 4th.
In the semifinal matchup against Springville, Beauregard held a 12-point lead, and two key wrestlers were ahead on the scoreboard. But the match turned unexpectedly in the third period.
“Two of my better guys were ahead and ended up getting thrown in the third period and losing,” Thorn recounted. “That can deflate a team’s mentality.”
The loss was a crushing moment, but it became a turning point for the Hornets. Rather than dwell on the disappointment, the team channeled it into motivation. They regrouped and focused on the state individual tournament, where they made their presence known with two champions and another top-three finisher.
Newcomers on the Rise
Beauregard's success wasn’t limited to veterans. Coach Thorn highlighted several first-year wrestlers who made an immediate impact, suggesting a deep and developing pipeline of talent.
Aiden Turley (113 lbs), a first-year wrestler, surprised many by qualifying for the state tournament, a remarkable achievement for someone so new to the sport.
Aarron Hollinger (165 lbs) also had a breakout year, narrowly missing a state berth but growing tremendously throughout the season.
“These guys stepped into major roles and handled pressure like veterans,” Thorn noted. “It’s a sign that the future is in good hands.”
Strength Through Adversity
One of the most defining aspects of Beauregard’s season was how the team responded to setbacks.
“After the dual state championship loss, this team knew they should have been wrestling Scottsboro for the title,” Thorn said. “That loss and some injuries were mentally tough—but they used it as fuel.”
With the postseason looming, the Hornets turned disappointment into drive, training harder, sharpening their skills, and trusting each other. It paid off at the individual state championships, where Beauregard left a strong mark.
Looking Ahead: Senior-Led Potential and a Bright Future
What excites Coach Thorn most heading into next season is the returning leadership and deep experience of his squad. With only two seniors graduating and a massive senior class of 10–11 boys stepping up—including captains Reese Thorn, Parker VanNoy, and Brody Edwards—the team has both the skill and the leadership to take the next step.
“These kids have been wrestling since they were 4 or 5 years old,” said Thorn. “They’ve come up through AAU and USA youth circuits. It’s a group that’s grown up in the sport.”
While COVID-19 dealt a significant blow to youth wrestling programs across the country—including those feeding into Beauregard—Coach Thorn is optimistic about rebuilding those grassroots efforts.
“That’s the recruiting ground for the future of our programs,” he said. “Getting our youth clubs back on track is key to long-term success.”
Offseason Goals and Continued Growth
With so many returners, the focus this offseason will be twofold:
Develop the newcomers, like Turley and Hollinger, ensuring they gain the confidence and skill to compete at a high level.
Elevate the veterans, pushing them into an “elite status” to give the Hornets the edge they need to claim more hardware in 2026.
Coach Thorn is emphasizing offseason workouts and club training—crucial steps to building a championship-ready roster.
“They just have to buy into it,” he said. “If they do, I really feel good about where we’re headed.”
A Program on the Rise
From record-setting individual achievements to teamwide growth, Beauregard’s 2024–2025 wrestling season showcased what’s possible when dedication, talent, and leadership come together. The disappointment of missing a dual-state final will no doubt linger, but in its place is a hunger, a drive, and a belief that next year, that title will be within reach.
With a veteran core, rising young stars, and a coach who knows how to inspire, Beauregard High School wrestling is poised for a defining year in 2026. And if this season was any indication, don’t be surprised to see the Hornets at the top of the podium once again.
Stats for the team can be followed on Track Wrestling.
 had a stellar season, finishing with a 55-4 record. His consistency and technical skill led him to claim the 5A South Sectional title and culminated with a 5A State Championship. A force at the lower weights, VanNoy’s impact extended beyond the mat—his leadership set the tone for the team.
Reese Thorn (150 lbs) not only compiled a remarkable 61-5 season record, but he also broke the school record for career wins, reaching a milestone 204 victories. As a Newberry College commit, Reese's leadership and intensity fueled the team’s performance and aspirations. Like VanNoy, he won both the sectional title and the state championship, cementing his place among the program’s all-time greats.
Brody Edwards (138 lbs) also delivered an exceptional year, going 48-7, earning a sectional title, and placing 3rd at the 5A State Championship. As another team captain, his work ethic and postseason performance were instrumental in pushing Beauregard to new heights.
Team Success and a Bittersweet Semifinal
The Hornets finished 29-11 overall as a team, capturing the 5A Region 1 Championship and qualifying 11 wrestlers (7 boys, 4 girls) for the individual state tournament. At the Dual State Championships, they came painfully close to reaching the final round, ultimately finishing 4th.
In the semifinal matchup against Springville, Beauregard held a 12-point lead, and two key wrestlers were ahead on the scoreboard. But the match turned unexpectedly in the third period.
“Two of my better guys were ahead and ended up getting thrown in the third period and losing,” Thorn recounted. “That can deflate a team’s mentality.”
The loss was a crushing moment, but it became a turning point for the Hornets. Rather than dwell on the disappointment, the team channeled it into motivation. They regrouped and focused on the state individual tournament, where they made their presence known with two champions and another top-three finisher.
Newcomers on the Rise
Beauregard's success wasn’t limited to veterans. Coach Thorn highlighted several first-year wrestlers who made an immediate impact, suggesting a deep and developing pipeline of talent.
Aiden Turley (113 lbs), a first-year wrestler, surprised many by qualifying for the state tournament, a remarkable achievement for someone so new to the sport.
Aarron Hollinger (165 lbs) also had a breakout year, narrowly missing a state berth but growing tremendously throughout the season.
“These guys stepped into major roles and handled pressure like veterans,” Thorn noted. “It’s a sign that the future is in good hands.”
Strength Through Adversity
One of the most defining aspects of Beauregard’s season was how the team responded to setbacks.
“After the dual state championship loss, this team knew they should have been wrestling Scottsboro for the title,” Thorn said. “That loss and some injuries were mentally tough—but they used it as fuel.”
With the postseason looming, the Hornets turned disappointment into drive, training harder, sharpening their skills, and trusting each other. It paid off at the individual state championships, where Beauregard left a strong mark.
Looking Ahead: Senior-Led Potential and a Bright Future
What excites Coach Thorn most heading into next season is the returning leadership and deep experience of his squad. With only two seniors graduating and a massive senior class of 10–11 boys stepping up—including captains Reese Thorn, Parker VanNoy, and Brody Edwards—the team has both the skill and the leadership to take the next step.
“These kids have been wrestling since they were 4 or 5 years old,” said Thorn. “They’ve come up through AAU and USA youth circuits. It’s a group that’s grown up in the sport.”
While COVID-19 dealt a significant blow to youth wrestling programs across the country—including those feeding into Beauregard—Coach Thorn is optimistic about rebuilding those grassroots efforts.
“That’s the recruiting ground for the future of our programs,” he said. “Getting our youth clubs back on track is key to long-term success.”
Offseason Goals and Continued Growth
With so many returners, the focus this offseason will be twofold:
Develop the newcomers, like Turley and Hollinger, ensuring they gain the confidence and skill to compete at a high level.
Elevate the veterans, pushing them into an “elite status” to give the Hornets the edge they need to claim more hardware in 2026.
Coach Thorn is emphasizing offseason workouts and club training—crucial steps to building a championship-ready roster.
“They just have to buy into it,” he said. “If they do, I really feel good about where we’re headed.”
A Program on the Rise
From record-setting individual achievements to teamwide growth, Beauregard’s 2024–2025 wrestling season showcased what’s possible when dedication, talent, and leadership come together. The disappointment of missing a dual-state final will no doubt linger, but in its place is a hunger, a drive, and a belief that next year, that title will be within reach.
With a veteran core, rising young stars, and a coach who knows how to inspire, Beauregard High School wrestling is poised for a defining year in 2026. And if this season was any indication, don’t be surprised to see the Hornets at the top of the podium once again.
Stats for the team can be followed on Track Wrestling.)
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