As the new wrestling season begins at Shadow Ridge High School, Coach Burton is focused on one major mission: pushing both the boys’ and girls’ teams to become stronger, tougher, and more competitive than ever.
“Our goal is always to be competitive,” Burton said. “We want to qualify as many wrestlers for state as possible. Individually, that sets them up best for success.”
Wrestling, he explained, shapes students far beyond the mat. The sport demands strict discipline physically, mentally, and academically.
“Cutting weight, tough practices, watching what they eat, making sure they’re sleeping well, it’s a big commitment,” he said. “They also have to balance their grades. We’re on them about that, too.”
Burton believes this combination of responsibility and resilience is what helps wrestlers grow into dedicated and focused young adults.
One of the biggest changes this year comes with the continued rise of the girls’ wrestling program. According to Burton, girls’ wrestling has expanded dramatically since it began at the school.
Burton acknowledged, “It’s gotten huge. Girls’ regionals are probably the toughest to qualify for because they wrestle all levels, from 1A to 5A. The brackets are huge.”
With sanctioning expected this year and college opportunities growing, Burton believes wrestling is becoming one of the easiest ways for female athletes to earn a scholarship.
When it comes to what makes a wrestler truly successful, Burton doesn’t hesitate: perseverance.
“Someone who just doesn’t quit, we call it guts. That’s the number one quality a wrestler needs,” Burton stated.
To keep athletes motivated during long practices, Burton focuses on variety and purpose.
Burton preached, “You have to switch it up, it’s like the classroom, you can’t focus on one thing too long. They may not realize it, but everything we do has a method behind it.”
One standout moment for him was watching state champion Makayla Powers overcome a tough rematch at last year’s regionals.
“It was a completely different match the second time around,” he recalled, proud of her growth and determination.
Shadow Ridge’s wrestling tradition is another point of pride.
“Over the past 20 years, programs come and go, but this one has been consistent at a high level,” Burton commented.
For students thinking about joining wrestling for the first time, Burton’s advice is simple: “Give it time. Everything feels awkward at first, but with thousands of reps, it becomes second nature. And once you get your hand raised in the center of the mat, you’re hooked.”
