6 minute read
Gripping Opponents, Gripping Destiny: The Ongoing Wrestling Journey of Cash Colbert
Gunner Colbert, Cash Colbert, Chris Colbert (father), Brady Colbert (freshman at West Point), Cinnamon Colbert (mother), and Nixon Colbert. Photo taken at Army West Point.
by: Sian Chen '27
From a six-year-old boy looking up at his father’s national wrestling trophy to a high school student holding his own national wrestling accolade, PVI’s junior Cash Colbert continues to stay committed, enthusiastic, and humble on his journey.
The Starting Point: Family Influence and Support
Cash’s father, a runner-up in the National Prep Wrestling Championships (NPWC) our country’s premiere independent school wrestling tournament since 1935 for wrestlers from National Prep Wrestling member schools, inspired six-year-old Cash to follow in his dad’s footsteps and step onto a wrestling mat, too. “At first, it was just for fun, but over time, I realized it was what I really wanted,” shared Cash in a recent interview. As a child, Cash and his brother often looked up at the NPWC trophy displayed in their home’s glass cabinet Back then, that shining gold symbol of discipline and success, combined with his father’s encouragement, planted a seed of passion for wrestling in the young boys’ hearts From those early days, a strong goal took root: to win a national championship or even surpass their father. This goal became Cash’s driving force throughout twelve years of wrestling, with his supportive family always by his side.
For Cash, family is both motivation and support. His father was his first coach, and his brother and younger sibling were his first training partners. Through endless backyard practice, his skills improved, and the already-tight family bond grew even stronger. From being taken down over and over again on the mat to finally holding his own and eventually gaining the upper hand, Cash recalls, “Those times taught me how to face challenges not just in wrestling, but in life.”
The Chosen Path: PVI Team Influence and Support
Choosing St. Paul VI Catholic High School wasn’t by chance. After considering several schools, Cash was drawn to PVI’s atmosphere. “This place not only taught me how to be a better wrestler, but also a better person. ” Talking about his school’s wrestling team, his face lights up “Since my freshman year, I noticed how close the upperclassmen were They supported each other and worked hard together That team spirit had a big impact on me. ” Now, three years later, he has gone from being a rookie to becoming the team captain. As a leader, he carries on the team’s values: respect, hard work, and passion. He trains hard and wrestles with teammates of different weight classes taking on the speed of lightweight wrestlers and the strength of heavier ones. This helps everyone improve in different ways and makes every practice a challenge. When talking about his teammates, he mentions a few names: “My brother Brady, Gunner, and my friend Niko they are my main training partners. They are lighter than me, but they’re much faster than me. Wrestling with them helps me improve my speed and reactions, and they get used to different weights too. They also competed in this tournament [Beast of the East Wrestling], and having them and my coach by my side meant everything to me ”
“Just enjoy the sport. Work hard, but don’t focus too much on winning or losing. In middle and high school, the journey is more important than the results.” ~ Cash Colbert
PVI’s Wrestling team started Christmas break with the Beast of the East Tournament at the University of Delaware and the Pat Dulany Invitational at Langley High School in McLean, Virginia. At the invitational, the team placed 2nd, including 10 place winners. Junior Cash Colbert became the first wrestler in PVI history to win the highly-sought-after Beast of the East championship. Cash beat three nationally-ranked wrestlers and is ranked #12 in the country!
The junior 215-pounder Cash Colbert has, of this writing, a current record of 54-0. The Army commit has won championships at five tournaments so far this season, including the NOVA Classic and Beast of the East. Cash is currently ranked #12 in the country and carries a 4.03 GPA.
“Your biggest opponent is yourself. Whether you can give it your all and try new moves depends on your mindset.”
~ Cash Colbert
Reaching Higher: Skills and Strategies
When it comes to wrestling techniques, Cash is great at using the “heavy hands” strategy. “It means constantly pulling on the opponent’s neck to wear them down. By the third period, they’re usually too tired to keep up, ” he says with a smile. But he believes success is not just about having good technique or strength it’s also about mental preparation. “Your biggest opponent is yourself. Whether you can give it your all and try new moves depends on your mindset.” Many athletes do well in practice but struggle in competition due to nerves. Trusting your training and your coach, and giving it your best during matches, are key to success. When asked for advice for younger wrestlers, he shares, “Really, just enjoy the sport. Work hard, but don’t focus too much on winning or losing In middle and high school, the journey is more important than the results.”
Reaching the Top: Bigger Dreams
In October 2024, Cash achieved one of his childhood dreams getting accepted into West Point and winning the Best of the West championship His acceptance and trophy are proof of his wrestling skills, but they also recognize his academic achievements and overall growth. As team captain, he also led PVI to secure eight spots in the competition. As he puts it “Enjoy the sport; enjoy the journey. This milestone is not only a reward for his twelve years of hard work but also opens new opportunities for him and his teammates. Through twelve years of wrestling, Cash Colbert has writt his own story with sweat and dedication. From a young bo to a national champion, his love for wrestling has never faded. The support of his family, the trust of his team, and his personal effort have all contributed to his success. Now, standing at a new starting point, he is ready for even bigger challenges.
