Pleasant Grove Wrestling: A Season of Grit, Growth, and a New Era Under Coach Ben Anderson
For Pleasant Grove High School’s wrestling program, the 2025 winter season marked more than just another year on the mat—it was a complete culture shift under new Head Coach Ben Anderson. With a blend of seasoned seniors, breakout stars, and a gritty mindset that only grew stronger with each match, the team exceeded outside expectations and laid the foundation for what looks to be a powerful future.
Despite a 5th-place finish in Utah’s toughest division, this season was a victory in every other sense. New leadership, unexpected triumphs, and a warrior mentality defined this year’s squad, setting the tone for the next generation of Viking wrestlers.
Six State Placers Lead the Charge
At the center of Pleasant Grove’s success were six standout wrestlers who made their mark on the state stage:
Brad Farrer and Ian Fritz stood tall as state champions, a testament to their relentless work ethic and commitment to the program’s evolving culture.
Caleb Jackson placed 3rd, delivering consistent performances throughout the season and showing resilience in high-stakes situations.
Luke Hafen, Bo Goodman, and Wyatt Bingham each earned 5th-place finishes, helping anchor the team’s point total and demonstrating depth across weight classes.
“These guys worked incredibly hard all season long and led the whole team with their examples of grit and determination,” Coach Anderson said. Their leadership extended far beyond the mat, driving the entire team to new levels of effort and focus.
Rebuilding the Program, One Day at a Time
Stepping into his first year as head coach, Anderson knew big changes were needed—on and off the mat.
“The program's culture needed serious reconstruction in so many different ways,” he said. “We changed the way we practiced, the way we talked, the way we listened, and how we operated as a team.”
That cultural overhaul didn’t happen overnight, but the results spoke volumes. The team was predicted to finish 6th in the state, and many doubted they would even achieve that. Despite dealing with injuries and lineup gaps, the Vikings outperformed those expectations and proved that change, when embraced fully, breeds success.
Turning Point in Vegas
A defining moment came at the Chaparral Invitational in Las Vegas, Nevada. While the team walked away with a 2nd place trophy, the real victory was in the mindset shift Coach Anderson witnessed.
“The boys showed UP. They were hungry. They were determined,” he said. “They wrestled to score the next point. They were on the attack, whether they were winning or losing.”
That tournament validated the coaching staff’s vision and proved the boys were all in. It was the moment the team realized their potential and embraced the aggressive, gritty style Anderson had worked all season to build.
Breakout Performers
Among the many success stories were two wrestlers who rose from solid contributors to standout leaders:
Wyatt Bingham clinched the title at the Christmas Clash Tournament in Herriman, Utah, a major milestone in his wrestling career.
Bo Goodman captured the crown at the Utah Winter Classic in Richfield, Utah.
These victories unlocked something new in both wrestlers. “When they made it to the top of the podium, we could all see their eyes open to their true potential,” said Anderson. “They will be deadly weapons this next season.”
Anderson is confident both are destined to become state champions in 2026.
Responding to Adversity
The season wasn’t without challenges—injuries, tough losses, and mental setbacks all made appearances. But under Coach Anderson’s guidance, the team learned to fight through every position.
“We trained the boys to ‘score the next point’ and to be gritty,” he explained. “It means not focusing on winning or losing, but battling no matter the score.”
This mental shift transformed the team. Wrestlers came back from 10-point deficits, won high-pressure matches, and began to dominate, both physically and mentally. Resilience became their identity.
A Senior Class That Set the Standard
Pleasant Grove’s senior class was huge—22 wrestlers, nearly half the roster. Their leadership and buy-in helped fast-track Anderson’s cultural changes.
“They were excited from day one,” he recalled. “They wanted to leave a legacy and certainly helped pioneer a new era of success, grit, and domination.”
Four of the team’s six state placers were seniors, setting the bar high for the underclassmen watching closely. While their presence will be missed, the path they carved will continue to shape the team for years to come.
Eyes on the Future
Though next year’s squad will be younger and less experienced, Anderson isn’t concerned. The foundation has been laid, and the hunger is real.
“I’m excited to see the continued development of grit, physicality, and aggressiveness,” he said. “Our wrestlers grew so much in just one season—I can’t wait to see how far they’ll go.”
Returning wrestlers like Wyatt and Bo will lead the charge, and Anderson is focused on developing a culture where everyone works harder than expected, without being told to.
Offseason Goals: Build the Culture, Build the Machine
As the offseason begins, Coach Anderson’s top priority is clear: further strengthen the program’s culture.
“We need more of our wrestlers to crave success and domination,” he said. “We need them setting the example by doing the extra work and pushing the pace in practice and in matches.”
The offseason will include lifting, technique refinement, and mental toughness training. But above all, it will be about transforming the team into a relentless, self-motivated machine.
Where to Follow the Vikings
For those interested in stats and results, Pleasant Grove Wrestling can be followed through:
Track Wrestling
WrestleUtah.com
These platforms provide match breakdowns, rankings, and tournament results for fans and families keeping tabs on the team’s progress.
Final Thoughts: The New Era Has Begun
The 2025 wrestling season at Pleasant Grove High wasn’t just about wins and losses—it was about identity, belief, and transformation. Under the leadership of Coach Ben Anderson, the Vikings have begun a new chapter, one defined by mental toughness, relentless effort, and a hunger for domination.
They may not have ended the season at the very top, but the grit they displayed and the progress they made tell a much deeper story: the real victory was in becoming the kind of team that refuses to quit—ever.
And that’s a team that’s just getting started.
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