Jaden Keene, wrestler on Shadow Ridge’s wrestling team, is in his senior year of high school. He has been wrestling since 2021, and is looking forward to being coached by Mr. Burton during the 2024-2025 school season.
Keene started wrestling three years ago because his dad wanted him to try something new. Without his dad to encourage him to try new things, Keene wouldn’t have been wrestling today.
“My dad was the one who pushed me to start wrestling. Without him, I probably would not have ever thought about trying to wrestle,” states Keene.
As a freshman wrestler in high school, he struggled with the up keep of being a part of the Mustang team. His dad continued to support him in continuing wrestling for his sophomore year and eventually his junior and senior years.
Keene says, “Despite a rough first year, my father continued to encourage me to wrestle, and so I did to satisfy him. However, in my sophomore year of wrestling, I placed fourth in my regionals tournament. I was able to partake in wrestling in the state championship. Although I didn’t win any of my matches, I’ve been determined to make it to state again.”
As Keene made it to the state finals in his sophomore year, he admits it is his greatest accomplishment in wrestling to this day. He keeps pushing through the sport due to his dedication to making it to the state championships again.
Keene comments, “My greatest achievement in wrestling is getting to go to state as a sophomore. I was just lucky enough to not have to wrestle anyone for my spot at 120, as well as strong enough to place in regionals. Without making it to state, I wouldn’t have been confident enough to take on wrestling until my senior year. The drive I feel to make it back to state is what keeps me going because it’s such a tough sport.”
As Keene has wrestled the past 4 school years, he has gained many supporters of his own. His family has been there when he has lost and when he has won, showing their compassion for him.
“I can’t pick just one. My mother, my father, my step-mother, and my step-father have all been the four biggest supporters of what I do. They’re always there to encourage me after losing matches, and celebrate when I win them. It means a lot that my family cares so much about me to spend the day watching me wrestle,” states Keene.
Coach Burton also influenced Keene in his wrestling career and continues to inspire him in many ways.
Keene says, “I believe all the coaches, especially Coach Burton, who has been my coach since day one, are all my biggest supporters at school. He has seen me win countless matches that I shouldn’t have won. He sees potential in me, and has helped shape me and mentor me into the wrestler I am today.”
As Mr. Burton has been coaching him since he was a freshman, he is looking forward to another season with Keene. He sees many opportunities for the senior and will continue to coach him to the best of his abilities.
“I think Jaden can accomplish anything he sets his mind to. I’m looking forward to seeing him meet his full potential this year on the mat. I’ve seen Jaden’s confidence grow over the years and even though he is fierce competitor, he remains humble and exhibits compassion in his interaction with others,” comments Coach Burton.
