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Senior Salute Honoring Grundy’s seniors in all forms - from high school grapplers to the Golden Oldies

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Travis Fiser and Tass Robertson coach during the state tournament. This year’s tourney was moved to Bristol’s Virginia High due to weather. On the cover is senior Shaiem Gordon, celebrating his third state title.

Wave captures No. 28 Grundy grapplers extend dynasty with 10th team title in a row

By Jessica Blevins BRISTOL, Va. – In a sport built on tradition, Grundy’s senior class added another chapter to one of the most decorated programs in state history.

With another dominant showing on the mat, the Golden Wave powered to their 10th consecutive state championship and 28th overall during Saturday’s VHSL Class 1 state wrestling tournament at Virginia High’s Bearcat Den. Grundy finished with six individual state champions and secured a 6-5 record in the finals, extending its decade-long reign at the top of Class 1 wrestling.

Seniors Talan Hall (132 pounds), Shaiem Gordon (157), Carson Deel (165) and Wyatt Bush (215) each finished their high school careers with another gold medal, combining for 13 individual state titles over the course of their careers. Juniors Talon Looney (190) and Luke Shelton (285) added to the total as the Golden Wave once again led the field from start to finish.

Bush became just the sixth wrestler in program history to win four state championships, joining Grundy legends Shane BowContinued on Page 5 / 3

Picture(L-R) Lee Bush, Tony Bush, Tony Bush, Casey Bush, Gunnar Jessee, Cole Jessee, Wyatt Bush

Dominant Force

Wyatt Bush leaves Grundy wrestling as a giant among legends

By Jessica Blevins In Grundy, wrestling isn’t just a sport — it’s a tradition, a lifestyle, and for Wyatt Bush, a calling. Over four seasons, Bush didn’t just carry that legacy — he raised the bar.

Four state titles. Two national championships. A 136-6 career record. From the very first time he donned a Grundy singlet, Bush began carving his name into Virginia wrestling history — not just as one of the best to ever step onto the mat for the Golden Wave, but as perhaps the most complete embodiment of what the program stands for.

As Bush prepares to graduate, the echoes of his dominance still reverberate across the commonwealth — from the roar of tournament crowds to the quiet intensity of Grundy’s own practice room, where future champions watch, learn and try to follow in his footsteps.

The making of a champion The road to wrestling greatness was practically paved for Bush. /4

His father, Lee Bush, was Castlewood’s first regional champion and a state-title-winning coach. His uncle and brother wore gold around their necks. Wrestling wasn’t just a sport in the Bush household — it was a birthright. From a young age, Bush was drawn into the sport, spending his childhood roughhousing with his brother and soaking in the energy of the mat under his father’s watch.

When his father retired from coaching, the family relocated to Grundy, a town known for its decorated high school wrestling tradition. The move marked a new chapter for Bush, one that would eventually lead him into the heart of one of the most successful programs in VHSL history.

“I always tell people that Wyatt learned to walk on a wrestling mat, and there is a lot of truth to that,” said Tass Robertson. “Wyatt was born into a wrestling family. We have watched him go from the little boy who was always ‘firing’ his dad and Eric Satterfield Continued on Page 5

‘I always tell people that Wyatt learned to walk on a wrestling mat ... It really does take a village to raise a child, and Wyatt has been blessed with some of the best.’

- Tass Robertson Continued from Page 4

when he had a bad match, to the dominant wrestler that he is today. It really does take a village to raise a child, and Wyatt has been blessed with some of the best. When his dad retired from coaching, his Grundy family welcomed him with open arms. Travis and Jackie Fiser welcomed him into their home, the Golden Oldies have loved him like he was their own, along with the entire Grundy Wrestling Club family.”

It didn’t take long to make an impact. In his first varsity match, Bush pinned a returning state champion. From that moment forward, the standard was set.

Quiet thunder Grundy head coach Travis Fiser has worked with some

of the best athletes to come through the Golden Wave program, and Bush’s name now ranks among them.

“Wyatt Bush is one of a kind,” Fiser said. “We’ve had some really good wrestlers at Grundy, and he stands out. He has a great work ethic. He’s a great leader on and off the mat.

When you get a kid like that, it makes your job easier.”

Bush’s reputation isn’t built on flash or theatrics. He’s known for his quiet focus, relentless pace and the respect he shows for both the sport and his opponents. When the whistle blows, it’s all business.

Once the match is over, the intensity fades.

“I’m just a chill guy off the mat,” Bush said. “I don’t really celebrate. I like to let my wrestling speak for itself.”

A leader by example

Continued from Page 3

man, Albert Childress, Jacob McNutt, Gabe Fiser and Chris Stiltner as one of the program’s all-time greats. He capped his career with an 18-3 technical fall over Buffalo Gap’s Aiden Acord, finishing with a 136-6 record and two NHSCA national titles.

Gordon completed a perfect 36-0 season, earning a 20-2 technical fall over Galax’s Braeden Whitaker to secure his third consecutive title after finishing as a runner-up during his freshman year.

Hall earned his second championship in as many years with a first-period pin over Chilhowie’s Jaxson Guinn.

Deel claimed his third state title with a 10-2 major decision over Castlewood’s Jake Bush.

Looney earned a first-period pin in the

Bush has long embraced the responsibility that comes with being a leader in a storied program like Grundy’s. He mentors younger wrestlers, helps teammates sharpen their skills, and often finds extra time before and after practice to work with those who need it.

“Wyatt Bush has been a stud since day one,” said Tass Robertson, president of the Grundy Wrestling Club. “He has the qualities that make a wrestler great. He is as strong as anyone he wrestled, he had great defensive positioning, and he has a work ethic that is second to none.”

That work ethic extended beyond the wrestling room.

The week of the state tournament, Bush was volunteering in flood relief efforts — after practice.

190-pound final, while Shelton wrapped up the tournament with an 8-6 victory in the heavyweight championship match, finishing off a long day of competition that stretched into the early hours of Sunday morning.

While Grundy led the way, Southwest Virginia once again dominated Class 1 wrestling. Rural Retreat finished second in the team standings and produced three state champions, while Grayson County secured third place with two individual title winners.

Houston Bear (106), Caleb Gibson (120) and Chaz Penwright (144) each earned titles for Rural Retreat, going 3-0 in headto-head finals matchups against Grundy wrestlers.

Grayson County’s Caleb Thompson

“He does private lessons with youth wrestlers and finds time to give back even when he’s preparing for a state title,” Robertson said. “He’s one heck of a human being. With his dedication, desire and passion, I expect he’ll be a success not only on the mat, but in life.”

Bush’s first varsity match — an upset pin over a returning state champion — set the tone for what would become one of the most decorated careers in program history.

“This was a level of determination we came to expect from Wyatt,” Robertson said. “Win or lose — and that only happened six times — he always represented us well.”

The final chapter Bush ended his high school career the only way he knew Continued on Page 6

(126) and Aaron Peterson (150) also captured championships, helping the Blue Devils land on the podium.

Other state champions from the region included Hunter Dye of Honaker (113), Nick Ward of Eastside (138) and John Smith of Giles (175).

Grundy finished with six champions and 278.5 team points to cap off another season of dominance, led by a senior class that leaves behind one of the most successful runs in program history.

As the lights dimmed in the Bearcat Den and the tournament came to a close, Grundy’s seniors celebrated one final time, closing out their high school careers with another championship and cementing their place among the Golden Wave’s all-time greats. / 5

Wyatt Bush gets a collar tie on during his final match as a Golden Wave. Photo by Marcus Caudill/SWVA Photography.

Continued from Page 5

how: with dominance. His final match in a Grundy singlet — a swift, technical takedown clinic — capped off a run that will be studied and celebrated for years to come.

“What was going through my head?” he said. “That all my hard work had paid off.

Now it was time to wrestle one last match for Grundy before chasing my dream of wrestling in college.”

That dream is already becoming reality.

Bush has signed with Bloomsburg University in Bloomsburg, Pa., where he will continue his academic and athletic career as part of the Huskies wrestling program.

Beyond the mat Wrestling has taught Bush more than how to dominate on the mat. It’s instilled in him the values of hard work, resilience and humility.

“Each loss was a teachable moment,” he said. “They showed me where I needed to grow.”

Now, Bush wants to give back — perhaps one day as a coach or mentor himself. And if he could offer any advice to his younger self?

“Wrestle harder in practice. Torture my brother less,” he said with a laugh. “And really pay attention to what my coaches were trying to teach me.”

The legacy lives on

With his fourth state title, Bush joins an elite fraternity of Grundy legends: Shane Bowman, Albert Childress, Jacob McNutt, Gabe Fiser and Chris Stiltner. But even among giants, Bush stands tall.

“It’s an honor to join this group,” he said.

“I hope people remember me as someone who had a positive influence on the younger wrestlers and gave everything to the sport.”

They will. In a town that breathes wrestling, Wyatt Bush isn’t just a champion.

He’s a standard — one carved in sweat, grit and golden glory.

And the mat will miss him.

Wyatt Bush gets his hand raised for the fourth time in as many years. Photo by Marcus Caudill/SWVA Photography.

Unbreakable &

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Unapologetic

How Shaiem Gordon became a champion on his own terms

By Jessica Blevins Long before he became known as “Flash”— a nickname as quick and bold as his wrestling style —before the undefeated seasons and state titles, before he etched his name into one of Virginia’s most storied high school wrestling programs, Shaiem Gordon was just a quiet fourth-grader—scarred, shy and searching for something.

“I started wrestling just looking for something to do,” Gordon recalled. “They called it over the intercom one day, and I signed up. That was all she wrote.”

It’s hard to reconcile that hesitant little boy with the confident, dominant force Gordon is today — a three-time individual state champion, undefeated in state tournament competition, and the only person of color to win a state title in his school’s legendary program. But behind the accolades is a journey that required far

more than physical toughness.

At age 4, Gordon survived a freak accident when an aerosol can exploded, leaving him with severe burns and permanent facial scars.

For years, he struggled with self-acceptance. “Kids were mean,” he said. “I stuck out like a sore thumb. But I learned to take a hit and keep moving. It doesn’t get easier — you just get stronger.”

That mindset became his foundation. Gordon often quotes Napoleon, whose words became a compass through seasons of uncertainty: “Till then, not all the forces of mankind can do anything against me.” Now, as he faces life beyond the mat, those words resonate more than ever.

Wrestling With Purpose This past season, Gordon bumped up to the 157-pound weight Continued on Page 10

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class, choosing strength and health over weight cuts. It paid off. He stayed undefeated and finished his high school career the way few do: with a pin to secure his third state title.

“I hit a carry, went to his back, and heard Coach [Gabe] Fiser yelling, ‘Pin him!’” Gordon said. “But I started throwing my hand up, getting the crowd going. That was me sealing my legacy.”

In a program with more than 100 individual champions, Gordon remains the only one who is Black. And while he refuses to let race define him, he knows what it means to others.

“I never had anybody who looked like me growing up.

Now people can look at me and say, ‘If he can do it, I can too,’” he said. “That matters.”

That sense of visibility — of being seen — is something Gordon carries with pride.

The Weight and Joy of Representation He’s never shied away from visibility, especially on social media.

“I’m flashy. I showboat. That’s just me,” he said. “If people don’t like it, they can look somewhere else. I’ll never change to make anyone else comfortable.”

After the final whistle blew on his high school career, Gordon struggled with the weight of what came next.

“I felt kind of not useful anymore,” he admitted. “But I’ve found my next dream.”

That dream isn’t college wrestling—it’s MMA. “This is my coming out. I’m stepping off the mat and onto the canvas. It makes my heart feel alive,” he said. “In the cage, it’s just you and your willpower — and that’s where I’m meant to be.”

A Legacy Beyond the Mat Though his time in a singlet has ended, Gordon hopes what remains is more than a highlight reel.

“I want people to see the growth, the hardship and how I overcame it all. The one thing they’ll never be able to dispute is how good I left.”

To the next kid who feels out of place or overwhelmed, Gordon offers more than advice — he offers presence.

“If they came to me, I’d sit for hours if I had to. I’d tell them everything that helped me, and I’d remind them they’re not alone. They have me.”

That’s the kind of champion Shaiem Gordon wants to be remembered as — not just for how he wrestled, but for how he showed up, scars and all.

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Patrick Owens

106 Pounds

Colton Clevinger

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120 Pounds

olton Clevinger nabbed a silver at the state tourney. After beating Grayson County 106-pounder Alliya Walker 148, Clevinger pinned Dalton Arden of Holston before ultimately dropping a 9-0 decision to Rural Retreat’s Houston Bear. The state finals match was a near carbon copy of the regional tournament, where Bear notched an 8-0 win Marcus Caudill over the Wave.

Bryce Looney

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ryce Looney finished second in the state in 2025. After two pins – one over Garrett Dunn of Rappahannock and another over Grayson County’s J.T. Porter – Looney fell by 8-1 decision to Caleb Gibson of Rural Retreat. In the regional tournament, Looney had stung Gibson with a 3-2 loss in the finals.

Patrick Owens

126 Pounds

Blake Broyles

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lake Broyles faced stiff competition at the state tournament. After pinning Michael Carlisle, eventual champ Caleb Thompson of Grayson County sent Broyles to the back of the bracket with a 21-5 tech fall. Broyles pinned Braylon Rose of Eastside but fell 6-2 to Mathews’ Franklin Cardenas. At regionals, Broyles had finished second, losing 1-0 to Holston’s Maddox Buchanan.

Patrick Owens

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Sisters Forever The Story of Grundy’s Golden Oldies

By Jessica Blevins This story is written in loving memory of Captain Geraldine Shortridge, whose spirit, loyalty, and laughter still echo in every cheer.

They show up in matching shirts, high-volume cheers, and undeniable spirit. For decades, the women of Grundy’s legendary “Golden Oldies” have been a constant presence in the stands, cheering louder, laughing harder, and loving deeper than most fans dare to try. But behind the playful chants and secret traditions is something stronger— an unbreakable bond built on loyalty, love, and generations of

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Blue and Gold pride.

The group was born in the 1980s, captained by the spirited Geraldine Shortridge, whose love of the sport helped spark a legacy still going strong today. “She’s cheering from heaven now,” said her daughter Ruth, who, along with her sister Deb and granddaughter Sheena, has carried Geraldine’s spirit forward as second- and third-generation Golden Oldies. The six original members—Geraldine, Kathy Crigger, Jan Brown, Deb Matney, Ruth Continued on Page 16

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Horn, and Cindy Rife—set the tone early with loyalty, laughter, and plenty of school spirit. As the years passed, the group grew to include Sandy Stiltner, Liz Deel, Carla Thomas, Becki Horn, Katie Blankenship, Becky Bartley, and more. Some of the women are family—mothers, daughters, and granddaughters all cheering side by side—but all are united by their love for Grundy wrestling. And yes, there’s a rule: you must be at least 40 and weigh 150 pounds to be a Golden Oldie. If not, you’ll just have to hold Jan or Sandy’s pocketbook to make weight.

“There’s a rule: you can’t be a Golden Oldie until you’re at least 40,” said Jan and Cindy. But age is hardly a limit. The women pack snacks, spirit gear, and chants for every trip. Some even carry a professional-grade “reserved parking” sign, hammered into place under cover of darkness before state tournaments. “No one ever knew until a reporter busted us in the paper,” they added.

The Golden Oldies don’t just show up—they show out. Whether it’s the school fight song, customized cheers, or waving pompoms with unmatched enthusiasm, they’ve become fixtures in wrestling gyms across Virginia. “Being in the stands at finals with the lights and music—it makes you feel like royalty,” said Carla Thomas, who was inducted into the group in 2019 after decades of loyal cheering.

Their rituals are half humor, half heart. “You have to have blonde or gray hair and major school spirit,” Jan and Cindy said.

“Carla made it in because she can do a full split.” Road trips include bus breakdowns, accidental detours onto military bases, freezing temperatures, and a whole lot of laughter. The furthest they’ve traveled? “Virginia Beach in person. But we’ve tracked matches across multiple states by radio,” Sandy shared.

The snack game is serious, too—Carla makes sure the kids are stocked with candy, and Jan always brings “white trash,” a sweet and salty snack mix that’s become a beloved tournament tradition. Between the two of them, the Golden Oldies are never short on spirit—or snacks.

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And while the cheers are loud, so is the love. As Jan and Cindy put it, they’ve been “a mom plus grandma to all the boys and coaches.” They’ve watched countless kids grow from nervous freshmen into confident young men. Carla said it’s been magical to watch the wrestlers evolve—and sometimes even surreal.

“It is unreal to see a father and son wrestle for the same team, Continued on Page 17

Continued from Page 16

sometimes even in the same weight class,” she noted. From the basement days to a state-of-the-art gym, they’ve seen it all.

Many of the Golden Oldies have known each other for most of their lives. “We grew up playing ball in the front yard,” said Kathy Crigger, the group’s oldest member at age 72. “We just have a special connection—that’s why we call each other Golden Oldie Sisters.” That bond goes far beyond the bleachers. When Kathy had a brain tumor removed, wrestler Aaron Young dedicated his season to her. When Coach Gabe Fiser first moved to town and didn’t know anyone, he found a second home at the Crigger house, playing with her son, Bill. Whether cheering for Grundy or lifting up other teams, their support is personal, fierce, and deeply felt. “We’ve even had a grandfather ask us to cheer for his grandson—and we did,” Kathy said. “He was thrilled.” That kind of love is the heartbeat of the group. After each state tournament, the women host a celebration where every wrestler is recognized, and in one especially touching moment, BD Robertson asked for one final chant: “He’s a Wave! He’s a Wave! He’s a Golden Waaaave!” And they gave it to him—loud and proud, just like always.

For Sheena Viers, the Golden Oldies legacy is part of her bloodline. “I was born into a wrestling family,” she said. “From my dad and his family to my brother, husband, and now my son—it’s in every part of my life.” Her grandmother, Captain Geraldine Shortridge, helped found the group, and her mother and aunt, Ruth and Deb, are longtime members. “I’ve grown up around all the current varsity and have watched the JV girls grow up, too.” Now, as one of the younger members of the Golden Oldies, Sheena sees herself as a bridge between generations. “We are a tradition—passing down the love for not just wrestling, but all sports.”

She estimates she’s seen around 20 state championships in person, and even more listening in on WMJD. And while the cheers and rituals are full of heart, she’s quick to say the Golden Oldies aren’t just loud—they’re loyal. “Some people accept us warmly.

Others? Not so much. But we don’t care. We stand for encouragement and love for our community— and we’ll stand up to anyone if we need to.”

Their bond with the team runs deep. Ruth and her sister Deb have built close relationships with generations of wrestlers, many of whom go out of their way to show their appreciation. “Ninety percent of them thank us personally,” Ruth said. “Just this year, after Wyatt Bush won his fourth state championship, he came over and hugged Kathy, Deb, and me.

He said, ‘I’m going to miss this the most.’ That’s why we keep going—as long as they want us to cheer, we’ll be there.”

Becky Bartley, who became a Golden Oldie in the mid-2000s, has seen more standout moments than she can count—but a few still shine the brightest.

“Albert Childress winning as a freshman, Shane Bowman becoming our first four-time champ, and Ethan Owens winning state after we’d gone a long time without a champion—those really stand out to me,” she said. But for Becky and the rest of the

Golden Oldies, the wins are only part of the story. “It’s all about supporting the kids—especially in wrestling,” she said. “No one knows until you know what they go through.”

Through heartbreak, health struggles, and life’s curveballs, the Golden Oldies remain a sisterhood. “We thank God for this past adventure and pray for the present and future,” Ruth said. “We may not be able to attend like we used to, but we’re still cheering.”

Their legacy lives on not just in chants and state titles, but in spirit. “Be proud of where you’re from,” Cindy said. “Support your local kids. That’s what we hope to show the next generation.”

And if you ask the Golden Oldies to sum themselves up, you’ll hear it in the way they speak—and cheer.

“We’re sisters forever,” said Carla.

“We’re loud and proud,” said Becky.

“We’re Grundy born, we’re Grundy bred, and when we die— we’ll be Grundy dead,” said Sandy.

And just like that, the spirit of the Golden Oldies carries on, one

132 Pounds

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Talen Hall

alen Hall secured Grundy’s first individual state title of the 2025 season, pinning his way to the top of the podium. Hall stuck Malachi Jones of Grayson County, Salvador Cardenas of Mathew and Jaxson Guinn of Chilhowie all in the first period. The state finals was a re-match of regionals, where Hall pinned Guinn, again in the first period.

Patrick Owens

144 Graham Pounds Pittman

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raham Pittman picked up a silver medal at the state tournament in Bristol. After tech falling Essex’s Daniel Hill, Pittman hung a 19-7 decision on Edwar Morales of Galax.

In the semifinals, Pittman bested Eddie Sherlinki 14-3 before losing 7-1 in the finals to Chaz Penwright of Rural Retreat. Pittman improved his position in the state over regionals, where Holston’s Elijah Berryhill sent him to the back of the bracket. Pittman took third in the regional tourney with a pin over Eastside’s Braxton Freeman.

138 Pounds

Brody Coleman

B

rody Coleman claimed second in the state tournament, falling in a tie-breaker to Nick Ward of Eastside in the finals. On the way to the finals, Coleman pinned Seth Ortiz of George Wythe and Cyler Driscoll of Parry McCluer. In the regional tournament, Coleman had hung an 8-3 loss on Ward.

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150 Pounds

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157 Pounds

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Lucas Vance

ucas Vance opened his state tournament with a pinfall loss to Jackson Brockenbrough of Parry McCluer. On the back of the bracket, Vance major decisioned Lance Tate of Galax 11-1 before falling by pin to Jessie Monastyrly of Mathews. Vance finished fourth in the regional tournament, falling in the third-place match by pin to Zachery Hurley of Honaker.

Shaiem Gordon

haeim Gordon grabbed his third gold for the Wave, pinning his way to the finals with quick sticks over Jeremy Burns of Bath County and Ivan Schaible of Mathews. In the finals, Gordon scored a 20-2 techfall over Braeden Whitaker of Galax. Gordon also pinned his way to the finals in the regional tournament and took first there with an 18-3 tech fall over Gabe Foster of Holston.

165 Pounds

Carson Deel

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arson Deel nabbed another state title for the Wave with a dominant performance. Deel pinned Grayson’s Jaxon Haga to open his tournament and followed that with a quick pin over George Wythe’s Trenton Hall. In the finals, Deel scored a 10-2 major decision over Jake Bush of Castlewood. The state finals mirriored the regional finals, where Deel had a 19-3 tech fall win over Bush.

Brody Coleman faces off in the 138-pound finals at the state championship in Bristol. Photo by Marcus Caudill/SWVA Photography.

Senior Spotlight

Nine seniors exit as one of greatest classes in program history

By Jessica Blevins Few programs in Virginia high school wrestling can match Grundy’s tradition, but the Class of 2025 will go down as one of its most exceptional chapters. This group of nine seniors combined for 15 individual state championships and 21 appearances in the finals over four seasons—dominating Region 1D, powering the team to four consecutive Class 1 state titles, and raising an already high standard.

Leading the charge was 215-pound phenom Wyatt Bush, whose resume rivals any in the nation. A four-time state champion and nationally ranked No. 24 by High School SI, Bush became just the sixth wrestler in program history to earn four VHSL titles.

He is Grundy’s first-ever two-time NHSCA National Champion, a three-time All-American, and a medalist at both the Ironman and Powerade national tournaments. In 2025, he was honored as the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Virginia Chapter’s 1A/2A

Athlete of the Year.

Three-time state champion Carson Deel brought a technician’s precision to the mat at 165 pounds. A fixture in the Grundy Wrestling Club since his youth, Deel has long been a quiet powerhouse—ranked No. 1 in his weight class this season and credited with anchoring the team’s middle lineup with consistency and poise.

Shaiem Gordon, known as “Flash,” sealed his third state title at 157 pounds with a signature pin—one of many that ended matches in the blink of an eye. A multi-sport athlete whose speed earned him a superhero nickname, Gordon stood out for both his explosiveness and the undeniable joy he brought to competition.

At 132 pounds, Talen Hall claimed his third state title and second as a Grundy wrestler. Hall, who transferred from Tazewell, Continued on Page 21

Continued from Page 20

won a Class 2 title as a freshman, reached the finals again as a sophomore, and never looked back. He closed out his senior campaign ranked first in Class 1.

Brody Coleman added his name to the list of champions in 2024 after a decisive 9-5 win over Merrick Buchanan in the 132-pound final. Moving up to 138 pounds this year, he maintained top billing and remained one of the toughest outs in Virginia.

One of the most emotional wins came from 120-pounder Bryce Looney, who edged Castlewood’s Adam Gibson 6-5 to capture the 113-pound state crown in 2023. After sealing the victory, Looney bypassed the celebration circle and vaulted the safety rail to embrace his father—a powerful moment that resonated across the Grundy wrestling community.

Blake Broyles’ growth over four seasons is a testament to commitment and grit. After falling short in the 2024 finals, Broyles

returned for his senior year more focused than ever, determined to finish his career on the top step of the podium.

Even wrestlers who didn’t hold starting spots every week made a lasting mark.

Teagan Abujayyab, competing in one of the state’s toughest lineups, brought strength, discipline, and a team-first attitude that never wavered. He was ready to step in at 190 pounds whenever called.

Continued on Page 22

Carson Deel gets his hand raised at the state championship in Bristol. Photo by Marcus Caudill/SWVA Photography.

Bryce Looney fights with Rural Retreat’s Caleb Gibson in the state finals. Photo by Marcus Caudill/SWVA Photography.

Continued from Page 21

Heavyweight Lucas Bandy leaves behind a reputation as both a skilled wrestler and an uplifting presence. Though often behind a state champion in the lineup, Bandy’s size, mobility, and leadership made him a pillar of the program’s culture.

Assistant coach Gabe Fiser said what set this group apart

wasn’t just their accomplishments, but their growth and grit over time.

“This senior class is definitely going to be missed,” Fiser said. “The work ethic from every single one of them was unbelievable—even the guys who didn’t see the lineup much. If you had seen where they started four or five years ago and where they are now, you’d be jaw-dropped. They

came in underdeveloped and worked their butts off to become one of the best teams in Grundy history. Day in and day out, they stayed late, did extra workouts, gave 100% every single time—literally until they dropped. They each brought their own form of leadership, even those balancing jobs and other responsibilities. They’ve far surpassed the expectations we had when

they came in as eighth graders and freshmen. They’ve learned so much from the ones who came before them, and now the Grundy tradition runs deep in them. That’s a beautiful thing.”

This senior class did more than win matches. They inspired younger wrestlers, carried on decades of tradition, and reminded their community what excellence looks like—

175 Pounds

B

Brody Ford

rody Ford hauled home silver from Virginia High. After pinning Ayden Stiltner of Galax, Ford scored an 8-5 decision over Grayon County’s Preston Jones.

In the finals, Ford fell 5-4 to Giles’ John Smith.

Ford took first at the regional tournament, handing a 7-5 loss to Dayton Stanley of Eastside in the finals.

190 Pounds

T

Talon Looney

alon Looney wrapped up a state title, spending just a bit more than four minutes total on the mats. Looney pinned Tanner Melton of Grayson and Jamie Dean of Cumberland on the way to the finals. Once there, Looney took one minute to pin George Wythe’s Trey Sparks. Looney took first in the regional tournament, pinning his way to the top of the podium.

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215 Pounds

Wyatt Bush

W

yatt Bush rolled to a championship with a pair of fast pins and a dominant tech fall. After pinning Tyler Stafford of Giles and Levi Blevins of Fort Chiswell, Bush scored an 18-3 tech fall over Aiden Acord of Buffalo Gap for the title. Bush pinned his way to the regional tournament.

285 Pounds

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Luke Shelton

uke Shelton closed out the day in a winning way, taking first. After a 20-second pin over Anthony Wilder of Buffalo Gap, Shelton stuck Tyler Shaver of Bath County in 38 seconds. In the finals, Shelton powered to an 8-6 win over Brendon Mabry of Fort Chiswell. In the regional tournament, Shelton nabbed first, taking a sudden victory overtime win from Castlewood’s Jacob Young. / 24

From champ to coach

Gabe Fiser comes home to Grundy after successful college career

By Jessica Blevins Gabe Fiser knows exactly what it feels like to stand atop the podium. The fourtime VHSL state champion and collegiate All-American built a legacy on the mat, first at Grundy High School and later at Loras College. But these days, Fiser finds fulfillment in a different kind of victory— one measured in growth, grit, and the quiet moments that unfold between coach and athlete.

“There’s honestly no better feeling than being back in the program that shaped me into who I am,” Fiser said. “I love giving back to these kids and helping them be even better than I was.”

Coaching wasn’t always part of the plan.

After graduating college, Fiser wasn’t sure

what would come next. But when the opportunity arose to return home and coach alongside his father, Travis Fiser, the legendary head coach of Grundy wrestling, it felt like the right step forward—and the right way to give back.

“It’s been a blessing,” Gabe said. “It’s a lot different from competing. It’s almost more emotional now. You feel everything for these kids, not just for yourself.”

Fiser’s years on the college mat gave him a new perspective. At Loras, he learned the value of balance—training smarter, not just harder, and being intentional with every aspect of preparation.

“Coming out of high school, I had this mentality of just always trying to get better, better, better,” he said. “But in college, I realized it’s about balance. You’ve got to

give your body time to recover. You train smarter. If you’re wrestling, you’re focused on wrestling. If you’re lifting or running, you’re focused on that—and how it’s going to help your wrestling.”

That mindset shaped the way he now approaches coaching, especially with younger athletes who are still learning the deeper purpose behind the work.

“I try to teach our kids the ‘why.’ Why are we lifting at 6:30 in the morning? Why are we wrestling on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday?” he said. “When you understand the reason behind what you’re doing, you grow faster. College really helped me break the sport down—not just physically, but technically—and that’s what I’m tryContinued on Page 26 / 25

ing to pass on.”

But stepping into a coaching role meant more than just drawing from his own experiences. It also meant learning how to meet young athletes where they are—mentally, emotionally, and personally.

“I obviously preach that their lives don’t revolve around wrestling,” Fiser said. “If you lose, it doesn’t mean you’re a bad person or you’re doing everything wrong. Some guys are just better on that day.”

He emphasizes growth over perfection and self-worth that isn’t tied to wins and losses.

“I’m all about getting better—becoming a better human being,” he said. “Most of the kids we have probably aren’t going to wrestle at the next level, and that’s okay. Half of them might go on, half won’t.

But either way, I want to coach them through that stage of life.”

Even if the athletes don’t always realize it at the time, Fiser believes wrestling teaches lessons that go well beyond the mat.

“They’re getting tougher, learning to make conscious decisions, becoming more mentally strong,” he said. “It’s a blessing, really—to know that you’re teaching life skills through this sport.”

One of the most emotional moments of the season came from 120-pounder Bryce Looney, who dislocated his elbow in late January. The injury kept him off the mat for weeks, but through determination and careful recovery, he returned in time to qualify for states—eventually wrestling in the state finals.

“He didn’t get the result he wanted, but watching him fight to come back—that meant everything,” Fiser said. “People don’t see what these kids go through. That kind of heart, that kind of toughness—that sticks with you.”

Now coaching beside his dad, Fiser is part of a new chapter for Grundy wrestling. While their coaching styles may differ at times, the shared vision is clear: help each kid reach their potential, on and off the mat.

“We’ve got different opinions,” Gabe said. “But that’s what makes our wrestling room so special. We challenge each other. We build off each other. He’s always been part of my wrestling journey, and now he’s helping me grow as a coach and as a man.”

Fiser has also brought his own strengths to the program—especially in the weight room.

“I’m pretty fresh out of college, writing all our lifting programs,” he said. “I’d say that’s probably a strength of mine—weight training and getting these guys’ bodies feeling like they’re ready to roll.”

Grundy wrestling has long been defined by excellence—and next season, the Golden Wave will write its final chapter before the school consolidates into Southern Gap High. It’s a moment of history Fiser doesn’t take lightly.

“People say there’s a lot of pressure—but I wouldn’t even consider it pressure,” Fiser said. “It’s a privilege.”

He knows what that name means, not just to the town, but to the athletes who proudly wear it.

“It’s very meaningful to every one of these kids. They take a lot of pride in having ‘Grundy’ across their chest or on their warm-ups,” he said. “They want to leave their legacy and be remembered as one of the best crews to come through. And we’re going to do everything we can to help them end on a high note.”

And for Fiser, helping lead Grundy through its final seasons adds even more meaning to his return.

“I can’t wait,” he said. “We’re going to have a lot of fun and get a lot better. Pressure is a privilege—and I’m proud to be part of it.”

He hopes the athletes he coaches today remember him not just for what he taught them on the mat—but for how he showed up for them as people.

“I want them to know I care, no matter what path they take,” he said. “Whether they go to college, work construction, start a family—whatever it is—I’ll be in their corner.”

If he could go back and tell his freshman self one thing, it would be to ease up on the pressure and enjoy the ride.

“I’d say, it’s not that serious,” he said. “I was tunnel-visioned on winning, but I think I missed out on some of the moments because of that. I’d tell myself to just get better every day and trust it’ll add up.”

Now, looking back from the other side of the whistle, Fiser sees his journey through a different lens. And he knows that, while the path was unexpected, it led him exactly where he was meant to be.

“Younger me probably couldn’t have imagined this version of me,” he said. “But I think he’d be proud.”

Congratulations!

Grundy high school Wrestling Team on becoming 28 time

state champions

From your friends at 18765 Riverside Drive VANSANT, VA 24656

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