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ORDER GAME PHOTOS
The next wrestler in my HIDDEN GEMS series is a third-generation wrestler that comes from the northern panhandle of Idaho. Currently competing in his senior season, Tyson Barnhart of Post Falls High School is among the top middle weight wrestlers in the entire state of Idaho and enters the post season ranked #1 in the 5A division at 145s as well as contending for his fourth state medal. Following in his father’s footsteps, Tyson first entered the circle around the age of six and during that time period was also participating in other sports, such as soccer and baseball to name a couple. In essence, wrestling was just another sport that he tried and remaining active and having fun with his friends was his center of attention. It was just a few years after his introduction to wrestling that he was dealt with a life-changing situation that placed him on a trajectory unbeknownst to him at the time, but today is moving in a positive and promising direction.
Life is unpredictable, and we never know what is going to happen next. Throughout our journey, we are dealt with life-changing situations that are at times unforeseen or make any sense. For instance, some situations are positive and as a result inspire us, while other situations can be more difficult to deal with. Sadly, just before his nineth birthday, Tyson’s father Sean, unexpectedly passed away in December 2014, which left a significant void in his life. Moving forward, Tyson continued to participate in wrestling and other sports, but did not have a clear vision of his future.
As a result of Sean’s passing, the Lakeland Kids Wrestling Club began to present the Sean Barnhart Toughness Award in his memory at their end of season banquet. Back in the day, Sean wrestled in the Lakeland kids club and Lakeland High school, respectively, where he eventually coached at both. After the first award was given, Tyson made it well known that it was his goal to be the next wrestler to win the award, especially since it was named after his father. Fortunately, all came to fruition for Tyson as he not only earned the much-desired Sean Barnhart Toughness Award the following season, but the “Top Hawk” award as well for going undefeated.
Moving forward, Tyson had a much different perspective and motivation to not only carry on his father’s legacy, but to take wrestling to a greater level. By the time Tyson entered the middle school ranks, he gravitated to the challenges of wrestling and wanted to be the best in his family. Winning and losing was not his primary focus. Beyond a shadow of a doubt, Tyson placed all his energy and focus on being the best he can be on the mat and in life. To the observer, it was not his words that caught their attention, but actions in the mat room that set him apart. This reminds me of a quote from Carl Jung, “You are what you do, not what you say you’ll do.” Bottom line, it was the strength of his gesture, a voice without words that let all those around him acknowledge that he was on a mission. Coach Abel Delarosa sums up Tyson’s approach at wrestling and life very well, “Tyson is one of the most dedicated wrestlers that we have had come out of Post Falls and the Real Life Wrestling Club. He takes advantage of every opportunity…comes early and puts in the extra hours when everyone else has called it a night… Tyson is not a traditional wrestler. He brings the unexpected and uses his mat savvy and length to his advantage. More importantly, he is a man of God and brings his principles to the wrestling room, making decisions that filter to the values of Christ. Tyson is a natural leader…the team looks up to him and respects him.”
By the time Tyson reached the prep ranks at Post Falls High School, he had already accumulated several years of mat experience and earned his share of local and state accolades, which included winning the District Middle School Championships and placing third at Folkstyle State. During his freshman season, he had his ups and downs in the beginning, which included not placing at the tough Rollie Lane Invitational, but by the post season he put it all together by winning the District I-II Championships and a week later, the 5A State Championships in the 106-pound division (33-4 record).
Shortly after winning his first prep state title, Tyson joined Team Idaho at the USA Wrestling Folkstyle Nationals, but did not place. I did not matter, he continued to work hard in the wrestling room and remain focused on growing in the sport. He then competed at the Idaho 16U Freestyle and Greco State Championships and placed in the top 4 in each style. His patience and commitment to continuous growth proved positive as he reached the championship finals of the Rollie Lane Invitational at the beginning of his sophomore season. Now in the 120-pound weight group, Tyson battled his way into the finals of the District Championships, but fell short of winning his second title to newcomer, Hoyt Hvass of Lewiston. Over and above that, he earned his second prep state medal by placing fourth in a highly contested weight group.
Still motivated by his goal of being the best wrestler in his family, Tyson remained focused on continuous improvement and learning by training throughout the summer as well as participating at local, state, and national level competitions. Ironically, it was at this period of his life that he learned that not only did his father wrestle, but his maternal grandfather as well. His outlook and work ethic started to positively influence his teammates. It showed at both the District and State Championships where Post Falls qualified 23 wrestlers and placed runner-up behind traditional power Meridian High School, producing three individual champs and thirteen placers overall. Tyson contributed to this solid performance by winning his second District Championship and earning another state medal and finals appearance.
Tyson is a great kid! He has been such a blessing to our program. He's a hard worker, gets good grades, and respectfully carries himself…I would take 20 of him if he could be cloned. His mom and family did a great job raising such a good young man. We are fortunate to have been blessed with such a great wrestler and a great wrestling family!
- Pete Reardon, Post Falls Head Coach
After a solid summer of training and preparing for his final prep season at Post Falls, Tyson remained focused on finishing his senior year on a positive note. Once again, it was not the wins and losses that were his primary focus, it was embracing the process and being the best that he could be each and every day in the wrestling room, classroom, and in life. Up to this point, Tyson had experienced his share of early season challenges at tournaments, such as the Rollie Lane, but has made up for it by winning a barnburner of a final in sudden victory against multi-state placer Josh Fish of Westlake High School in Utah.
In addition to his performance on the mat, Tyson is also an exceptional student in the classroom and to date has maintained a 4.0 grade point average. Furthermore, his strong leadership skills extend beyond his own wrestling room as he is a volunteer coach with the youth wrestling program in Post Falls. His ability to inspire others by his actions and strong work ethic is noted by all I have spoken to about his journey thus far.
As of this writing, we are within a week of the District and then the State Championships in Pocatello. So far this season, Tyson has performed well and is on track to challenge for a top spot on the podium and rare fourth state level medal. Tyson has come a long way since his early entry into the circle, especially after the tragic passing of his father just before his nineth birthday. This life-changing experience has placed him on a trajectory that through time has shaped him to be the person he is today, focused on being the best he can be in wrestling, school, family, and in life. Coach Reardon sums it up best, “It's sure cool all of these years later to see Tyson carrying on the legacy of wrestling for their family that was started so many years ago by his dad and the Lakeland wrestling family where his dad grew up.”
If the past several years are any indication of Tyson’s future, there is no doubt that he will meet or exceed every challenge that comes his way, both on and off the mat. His leadership style is exemplified by his ability to set the tempo, not by his words, but his actions. His motivation, derived from his desire to surpass his Dad’s wrestling accolades is what has driven him to be the focused competitor he is today. He is currently exploring educational and wrestling opportunities at the collegiate level. I wish Tyson the best in the future years to come. More recently, I had the opportunity to conduct Q&A interview with Tyson. We discussed wrestling, family, goals, and his future. Below is my Q&A. Enjoy!
Q&A INTERVIEW WITH TYSON BARNHART
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED IN THE SPORT OF WRESTLING?
TYSON – I was introduced to the sport from a young age. My Mom and Dad wanted me to wrestle from a young age, but I didn’t end up liking it until I was in the 6th – 7th grade.
WHO HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCE IN THE SPORT?
TYSON – I would say my biggest influences would be my coaches from a young age. The coach that has influenced me the most from a young age would be Abel Delarosa. He always helped me with everything that I needed and still does to this day. My other coach that has influenced me is Jeremy Zender. He currently has helped me with so many techniques that I would have never known before. Other coaches that have impacted me a lot are Peter Reardon for always being hard on us and always making us mentally stronger. Another coach I have known from a young age is Luke Roberts. He always makes the room more fun and he turns the emotion in our room so we can enjoy most of it.
MIDWAY THROUGH YOUR SENIOR SEASON, WHAT ARE YOUR SHORT- AND LONG-TERM GOALS AT POST FALLS HIGH SCHOOL?
TYSON – My short-term goals for the rest of the season is to win my second state title and to go undefeated for the rest of the season. Some long-term goals are to keep a positive attitude and just have as much fun as possible. Another big long-term goal for me is to keep my relationship with my teammates and just keep making memories with those people.
HAVING HAD SOME GREAT SUCCESS AT THIS POINT IN YOUR CAREER, DESCRIBE YOUR TRAINING ROUTINE AND YOUR OUTLOOK IN THE YEARS AHEAD.
TYSON – My current training routine is boring, but it works and it make me feel confident. I wake up at 5:30 in the morning and go to learn new techniques with Coach Zender. I then go to school until 3:15 where we have practice till about 5:15-5:30. After that, I go home and run for extra conditioning. I am excited for what the future holds for me in my academic and wrestling career.
DESCRIBE YOUR ACADEMIC AND WRESTLING EXPERIENCE AT POST FALLS HIGH SCHOOL.
TYSON – I have had a good experience with both academic and athletic experience. I have had good teachers and good resources to get great grades. I have also had an awesome wrestling experience because of the great coaching staff and the training partners.
WHAT ARE YOUR ACADEMIC GOALS AT POST FALLS HIGH SCHOOL AND BEYOND?
BARNHART – My academic goal is to maintain all “A’s” and to just keep studying and continue to work hard in the classroom. I am looking to go into college and become a registered nurse.
DO YOU HAVE AMBITIONS OF COMPETING IN COLLEGE OR INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION?
TYSON – I am looking to compete in college wrestling and am very excited to make my decision of where I am will be going.
IS THERE AN OLYMPIAN, COLLEGIATE LEVEL WRESTLER, COACH OR SOMEONE OUTSIDE OF THE SPORT OF WRESTLING THAT YOU WANT TO ASPIRE TO BE SOMEDAY?
TYSON – I would say I don’t really look up to a single person. It’s more of like a few people. I have been following David Carr, Keegan O’Toole, Bo Nickal…Just a few of those guys because they have a strong relationship with God and they have gone through it all and we can all relate somehow to all of those people.
WHAT LIFE LESSONS HAVE YOU LEARNED IN WRESTLING THAT APPLIES IN YOUR DAY-TO-DAY LIFE?
TYSON – The most important lesson is to just never give up and to keep going through the pain and just to endure the suck.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A YOUNG WRESTLER WANTING TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THE SPORT OF WRESTLING OR IN LIFE?
TYSON – Find the right people and live the right lifestyle.
WHAT OTHER GOALS DO YOU HAVE IN LIFE?
TYSON – Some goals I have outside of wrestling in life is to graduate college and then in the future start a family and hopefully have my kid be more successful than me.
DO YOU HAVE A SAYING, MOTTO OR PHILOSOPHY THAT YOU LIVE BY?
TYSON – I don’t have a motto or saying…I just believe in my training and I believe in my preparation and let God do the rest.
ONCE YOU ARE DONE COMPETING, DO YOU HAVE PLANS TO STAY INVOLVED WITH WRESTLING?
TYSON – Yes, I would love to help out and teach the younger generation and would eventually love to coach my own kid.
OUTSIDE THE SPORT OF WRESTLING, WHAT OTHER HOBBIES, SPORTS, AND FAMILY FUNCTIONS DO YOU ENJOY MOST?
TYSON – When I am not wrestling, I do see myself fishing quite a lot…I go with my family and friends. I enjoy hiking, hunting, swimming, and anything outdoors with any of my friends or family. Occasionally, I enjoy playing video games with my friends after the season.
ACADEMIC AND ATHLETIC PROFILE
SCHOOL: Post Falls High School (5A)
WRESTLING CLUB: Real Life WC
GRADE: 12 (Class of 2024)
WEIGHT: 145
ACADEMIC ACCOLADES
WRESTLING ACCOLADES
- Tiger-Grizz Invitational Champion ’24
- Rollie Lane Invitational – 6th Place ’24
- Tri-State – 3rd Place ’23
- Idaho 5A State Championships – 2nd Place ‘23
- IHSAA 5A District I-II Champion ‘23
- Tri-State – 4th Place ’22
- Idaho Junior Freestyle State – 5th Place ’22
- Idaho Junior Greco State – 4th Place ’22
- Idaho 5A State Championships – 4th Place, ‘22
- IHSAA 5A District I-II – 2nd Place, ‘22
- Rollie Lane Invitational – 2nd Place, ‘22
- Idaho 5A State Champion ’21
- IHSAA 5A District I-II Champion ’21
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