SWEETWATER COUNTY – Years of hard work, challenging lessons and overcoming all obstacles, leads to success for young people in whatever field they choose. For one Green River High School student, he recently took another step forward.
After going undefeated his senior year to finish with a high school varsity wrestling record of 145-8, GRHS wrestler Cole Verner sat on top of many college coaches lists. After weighing his options closely, Verner decided to follow in his brothers Scott’s footsteps and become a Western Wyoming Community College Mustang.
Several things played into Verner’s decision. He said by staying local he will be able to focus on schooling. Verner said he has had an incredible amount of local support and believes he has a better chance of being successful in the Western Wyoming environment.
Having a former GRHS wrestler and mentor Art Castillo as a head coach didn’t hurt in making the decision either. Cole said he remembers watching Scott – who was also coached by Castillo – wrestle at WWCC.
“It’s really a family,” Verner said of WWCC wrestling. “I would hang out with them when Scott wrestled and they were the coolest cats. Hopefully, that’s the way it will be for me here.”
When asked how big this was for WWCC wrestling, Coach Castillo turned his head and grinned.
“He is as good as they come,” Castillo said. “He was highly recruited and we are lucky to have him.”
Coming off an undefeated state title run his senior year, Castillo said they expect Verner to be ready to go right away. Castillo added Cole really has it all and can compete with the best in the nation as a freshman.
Wrestling at 125, Castillo said Verner is just what every team needs to start a meet. He explained Verner has the ability to set the tone early and get the energy going right away.
“We (Sweetwater County) are lucky we get to keep watching him,” Castillo said. “As a fan I am excited to watch him and I’m even more excited to coach such a strong local talent.”
For Verner, he is going to miss suiting up for the Green River Wolves. He said Coach Marshall Rhode, Coach Bill Hodges and Coach Michael Hoopes have been great teachers and strong leaders on his journey.
Most of all, Verner will miss his teammates and helping the younger Wolves learn.
“I love to help people,” he said. “I was looked up to and I love to help them when I could.”
He left a message for those younger teammates as they continue on in their high school journey. Verner said the off-season is key. He urged the young Wolves to wrestle as much during the off-season as possible because that is really where you learn and grow the most.
