ORDER GAME PHOTOS

This November marks the twelfth installment of my HIDDEN GEMS Series highlighting the top tier wrestlers in the Gem State of Idaho. The first in my series was published in March of 2022 with Jason Mara of Meridian High School, who this season is in position to earn a rare fourth state title in the 5A division, has earned multiple prep level All-American honors, and is committed to attend Stanford University next year.

Next in my prep series is senior Treygen Morin of Ridgevue High School in Nampa. First stepping on the mat at the young age of 5, Treygen began his wrestling journey at the Vallivue Falcons Wrestling Club in Nampa. At first, he was hesitant to give wrestling a try, but after his initial practice, he sought to continue on without any reluctance. According to his father, Shea, “early on there were signs that Treygen had an internal desire to pursue wrestling at the highest level possible and to this day his passion for the sport has not slowed down.”  

The sport of wrestling has been a tradition in the Morin family for the last several decades. For instance, Treygen’s father (Shea) competed for Kuna High School in the early 1990s and his older brother (Trevor) at Vallivue and Ridgevue, respectively. From day one, the family support system has been the common denominator for Treygen’s successes not only on the mat, but the classroom as well. In a few words, Treygen has been provided the utmost means to train, travel, and compete at the highest level possible to pursue and achieve his goals.

Approximately one year into his wrestling journey at the Vallivue Falcons Wrestling Club, Treygen joined the internationally known Suples Wrestling Club in Boise. Led by world-level coaches Ivan Ivanov and Mitko Georgiev, each international wrestlers from Bulgaria, Suples has produced several world medalists, national champions, and multiple world team members and All-Americans in both the Freestyle and Greco-Roman styles. In fact, this year was no exception as 7 of the 19 All-Americans produced (37%) at the 2023 Fargo National Championships for Team Idaho are active members of the Suples.

Fast forward several years later and Treygen’s hard work and commitment to pursue wrestling to the highest potential for his age group was beginning to pay off with his hard-earned accolades at the kids and middle school levels. Case in point, at the kids level, he placed at multiple Idaho state, regional, and national events, earning his first All-American honor in Greco-Roman (Schoolboy division). What’s more, while competing for Sage Valley Middle School in Nampa, he earned a title at the highly competitive Treasure Valley Middle School Championships as well as three District titles from grades sixth through eighth. 

By the time Treygen entered his freshman season at Ridgevue High School (est. 2016), he had already established himself among the top incoming freshman in the state of Idaho. Despite his position, there was a great deal of uncertainty entering the early part of the 2020-’21 season. To begin with, the state of Idaho and country was already well into the COVID pandemic lockdowns, mandates, and as a result there was ongoing debate whether the wrestling season would actually happen or not.

Fortunately, after the powers to be deliberated, the wrestling season was permitted to move forward, but with the caveat that all involved were required to follow scores of COVID guidelines. These guidelines not only affected the way schools held practices, but the process of logistically running dual meets, tournaments, and travel arraignments were affected as well. In spite of everything, Treygen navigated through all these obstacles, improvised his training regimen, focused on his objectives, and finished the season on a positive note by reaching the championship finals of the tough Rollie Lane Invitational and placing fourth at the Idaho State Championships in the 4A Division.

After the Idaho State Championships, Treygen continued his extensive training regimen at Suples with the goal of placing at the upcoming United World Wrestling (UWW) World Team Trials, compete with Team Idaho at the Cadet National Duals, and finish up the summer by earning All-American honors at the prestigious Fargo Nationals in the 16U division. If training under the conditions of COVID were not enough, Treygen had another obstacle in his way. Unfortunately, while battling his way into the championship finals at the World Team Trials, he sustained a knee injury that felt minor at first, but progressively got worse through time. As a result, it was required that he have surgery done by the end of the year. Under the circumstances, his training regimen moving forward had to be significantly modified. Treygen’s focus on earning All-American honors at Fargo was his driving force at this point. Never one to give up very easily, Treygen worked with his coaches and trainers to develop a game plan to navigate through competition and make the necessary adjustments to remain competitive.

Treygen’s perseverance and can-do attitude paid off as he won both the Freestyle and Greco titles at the Idaho State Championships and followed with solid performances at several tournaments in the western region. On top of that, he earned the long sought after All-American honor at the Fargo Nationals by placing 7^th in the 16U Greco-Roman division, all while battling with his injury. This was a major milestone for Treygen and a reflection of his total commitment to excellence in the sport.

 “Treygen joined our Suples club when he was around 5 or 6 years old. From the beginning, he has always been one of our most technical wrestlers – Coachable, disciplined, and hard working.”

• Ivan Ivanov, Suples

Following the Fargo Nationals, Treygen finally had surgery on his knee and by the start of his sophomore season, he was physically healthy again, felt good, and was more than ready to compete. Moving forward, Treygen began his sophomore season on a positive note, placing at several tournaments, but around Christmas break leading up to the Rollie Lane Invitational, something was not feeling right. What initially appeared to be flu like systems (fever) ended up being something polar opposite. Despite wanting to compete at the Rollie Lane, Treygen’s illness was much more series. In short, his illness was a result of an infection that developed from his knee surgery in September.

Although Treygen wanted to continue to compete, he was sidelined for the remainder of the prep season until he was able to recover from this infection. Once again, in the midst of his situation, he did not stand idle, but continued to attended practices, studied wrestling tapes, and concentrated on other areas not affected by his illness.

By the start of the Freestyle/Greco season, Treygen was well enough again to get back on the mat. It didn’t take him long to return to competitive shape as he placed in the top three at the Northwest Junior Regional in both styles. Making his second Fargo National team for Idaho, Treygen fell short of earning All-American honors. Be that as it may, he went back to work and put his nose to the grindstone and prepped even harder for his junior season.

The 2022-’23 season began well for Treygen, but as luck would have it, he sustained a couple pressing injuries during the regular season, but not series enough to prevent him from competing. Always moving forward in the midst of obstacles or new challenges, Treygen finished his junior season with another 4^th place finish at the State Championships, becoming the second wrestler in the school’s young history to earn two state medals. According to Ridgevue Head Coach, Rick Folwell, “Treygen is awesome. He is the example I use when teaching young wrestlers what it takes to be a good wrestler! He is the first one at practice and the last to leave. He works out on weekends and all through the off-season. He participates in fundraising, mentors younger wrestlers, is courteous and respectful, and is a model straight A student.”

Treygen continued on in the post season by earning a title at the Junior Western States in Greco (runner-up in Freestyle) and received the “Outstanding Wrestler” award for his performance. Still disappointed by his last performance at Fargo in 2022, Treygen was more than determined to earn another All-American honor in Junior Greco. Battling hard in a highly competitive field, he won several closely contested matches in the consolation rounds to finish the competition in 6^th place and was a driving force in anchoring Team Idaho to its first ever Fargo National team title.

Not only is Treygen an exceptional wrestler, but he is equally successful in the classroom. Currently maintaining a 3.906 GPA (weighted), Treygen has taken several advanced placement (AP) courses and is a member of the National Honors Society. To be able to train at his current level and maintain an exceptional academic load and grades speaks volumes of his character, determination, and great potential in life.

With less than one week remaining until the 2023-’24 season begins, Treygen is healthy and more than ready to end his senior season on a positive note. With two Idaho state medals to his credit, it is his goal to win District and State titles this year and continue his wrestling journey at the collegiate level. In fact, as I am writing this article, Treygen is exploring possible college opportunities throughout the country. Having coached Treygen for several years, Coach Folwell also stated, “Treygen was a three-time district champion in middle school and working through injuries has remained competitive throughout his high school career. I have great expectations for his upcoming senior season!”

This past week I had the distinct opportunity to conduct a Q&A interview with Treygen and his family. Much like the previous HIDDEN GEMS I interviewed, they all have one thing in common, which is the unmitigated focus, mental fortitude, and desire to achieve at the highest level possible, both on the mat and in the classroom. I wish Treygen the best this upcoming season and the years to follow. I encourage him to remain focused and follow his dreams. Below is my Q&A and Treygen’s Academic and Wrestling accolades. Enjoy!!

Q&A INTERVIEW WITH RIDGEVUE’S TREYGEN MORIN

HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED IN THE SPORT OF WRESTLING?

MORIN – I first got involved in wrestling when I was five years old. I actually didn’t want to wrestle, and I was quite scared of the idea of it because I believed it was going to be like WWE. My parents wanted me to try it out, so my first practice was at Vallivue Wrestling Club, and I loved the sport ever since then.

WHO HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCE IN THE SPORT?

MORIN – My biggest influence in the sport would definitely be my Dad. He has always given me so much support mentally and physically. He has always thought of me before himself, and he has always done whatever it takes to make sure I have what is necessary to reach my goals. 

HEADING INTO YOUR SENIOR SEASON, WHAT ARE YOUR SHORT- AND LONG-TERM GOALS AT RIDGEVUE HIGH SCHOOL?

MORIN – My short-term goals are to improve myself mentally and physically, and keep my body healthy. I am wanting to have a full season and be able to compete at my best abilities. 

My long-term goal is to win a District and State title. It’s been my goal ever since freshman year, and I’ve come short the past three years. Not only do I want to have my own success, but I want to influence my teammates around me, leaving behind a legacy at Ridgevue, and becoming the program’s first State Champion and All American. 

HAVING HAD SOME GREAT SUCCESS AT THIS POINT IN YOUR CAREER, DESCRIBE YOUR TRAINING ROUTINE AND YOUR OUTLOOK IN THE YEARS AHEAD.

MORIN – These past couple years, I have increased the quality and quantity of my training. At Suples alone, I have about nine practices a week, where I have some of the best training available to anyone. Being able to trust what my coaches put in front of me has played a big role in my success over the years. The amount of drilling that I do gives me the confidence that I need. To go along with that, I recently started mindset training to help me with my confidence and performance on the mat. 

When it comes to my future in wrestling, I want to continue training at the highest level I can in college and years after. I plan on surrounding myself with what best suits me in a college program. I will always be looking for ways to improve. I know that I can always rely on Suples to provide training for me because they have always been a family for me, and I know that they can provide the training I need to compete at the senior level. 

DESCRIBE YOUR ACADEMIC AND WRESTLING EXPERIENCE AT RIDGEVUE HIGH SCHOOL.

MORIN – At Ridgevue, I have been lucky to have great teachers that have helped me with my academic career thus far. Along with that, Ridgevue offers me great opportunities to take college level classes, and earn college credit. I feel that the resources that my teachers give me are going to help me excel in college. 

The Ridgevue Wrestling Team has always been like a family to me. It has always been an environment that helps everyone improve as people and wrestlers. The coaching staff is full of great role models that have taught my team and I what it is to be a great person. I will forever be grateful for the coaches and teammates that I have had at Ridgevue. 

HAVING BEEN A MEMBER OF THE SUPLES WRESTLING CLUB FOR SEVERAL YEARS, DESCRIBE YOUR EXPERIENCE TRAINING UNDER WORLD LEVEL COACHES IVAN IVANOV AND MITKO GEORGIEV.

MORIN – Being part of such a great team for such a long time has always given me so much motivation. Being able to step into a room like that every day is something that very few people get to experience. Every day, I have always been surrounded by some of the highest-level athletes and coaches, and that is something I will always be grateful for. I know that I can always expect success as long as I am training at Suples. Coach Ivan and Coach Mitko have always been great role models for me in and out of the wrestling room. They have taught me what it is like to be a great person, and that you get what you put into the sport. These coaches will forever be role models to me and many others. I have always looked up to them, and I am lucky to have had them in my corner for these last 12 years. 

WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE ACADEMIC GOALS AT RIDGEVUE AND BEYOND?

MORIN – I plan on maintaining my high GPA at Ridgevue. In college, I plan on pursuing a career in Dentistry. 

DO YOU HAVE AMBITIONS OF COMPETING IN COLLEGE OR INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION?

MORIN – I plan on wrestling in college in the upcoming years and will be deciding on where I go in the near future. My main goal in wrestling is to wrestle at the international level and to make a world team in Greco-Roman. 

IS THERE AN OLYMPIAN, COLLEGIATE LEVEL WRESTLER, COACH OR SOMEONE OUTSIDE OF THE SPORT OF WRESTLING THAT YOU WANT TO ASPIRE TO BE SOMEDAY?

MORIN – Coach Ivan Ivanov has always been someone that I aspired to be like when it comes to success. He is someone that is driven by passion, and he has always been a great role model for everyone.

WHAT LIFE LESSONS HAVE YOU LEARNED IN WRESTLING THAT APPLIES IN YOUR DAY-TO-DAY LIFE?

MORIN – I have learned that in life, you get what you put in. With great effort, there is a great chance of success, and I have proved that to myself in these past years in wrestling and school. 

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A YOUNG WRESTLER WANTING TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THE SPORT OF WRESTLING OR IN LIFE?

MORIN – I would tell them that it is really important that they are having fun in whatever they choose to do in life, whether it is wrestling or not. Having fun is a really great motivator when it comes to your goals in life. I would also tell them that hard work will always pay off even if you don’t reach your goals. I haven’t reached all of the goals I have wanted to reach, but I learned so many valuable lessons in wrestling and life just by trying to do my best in everything I do. 

WHAT OTHER GOALS DO YOU HAVE IN LIFE?

MORIN – I have goals of having a successful career after wrestling. I also plan to continue being involved in wrestling and spreading knowledge to younger generations after me. 

DO YOU HAVE A SAYING, MOTTO OR PHILOSOPHY THAT YOU LIVE BY?

MORIN – I have always believed that you get out what you put in.

ONCE YOU ARE DONE COMPETING, DO YOU HAVE PLANS TO STAY INVOLVED WITH WRESTLING?

MORIN – I have always planned to stay in wrestling as much as I can. I want to be able to help the next generation of wrestlers.

OUTSIDE THE SPORT OF WRESTLING, WHAT HOBBIES AND FAMILY FUNCTIONS DO YOU ENJOY MOST?

MORIN – I always enjoy camping, fishing, hiking, traveling, and playing video games. 

TREYGEN’S ACADEMIC AND ATHLETIC PROFILE 

SCHOOL: Ridgevue H.S., Nampa, ID

WRESTLING CLUB: Suples WC, Boise, ID

PROJECTED WEIGHT: 132

GRADE: 12 (Class of 2024)

ACADEMIC ACCOLADES

• GPA: 3.77 / 3.906 (weighted)
• Advanced Placement Courses – Human Geography, English, and Biology
• NATIONAL HONORS SOCIETY

WRESTLING ACCOLADES

• Fargo ALL-AMERICAN (Junior GR), 2023
• USA Western States – 2^nd Place (Junior FS), 2023
• USA Western States Champion (Junior GR), 2023 *OW
• Idaho High School State Championships – 4^th Place (4A), 2023
• IHSAA 4A District III State Qualifier – 5^th Place, 2023
• Northwest Junior Regional – 2^nd Place (GR), 2022
• Northwest Junior Regional – 3^rd Place (FS), 2022
• Fargo ALL-AMERICAN (16U GR), 2021
• UWW Cadet World Team Trials – 2^nd Place (16U GR), 2021
• Western Junior Regional Championships – 3^rd Place (16U), 2021
• Idaho Freestyle State Champion (16U), 2021
• Idaho Greco-Roman State Champion (16U), 2021
• Idaho High School State Championships – 4^th Place (4A), 2021
• IHSAA 4A District III State Qualifier – 2^nd Place, 2021
• Rollie Lane Invitational – 2^nd Place, 2021
• Western States Preseason Champion, 2020