Previous Mat Chat Interviews

Casey Randles, Coeur d'Alene
Jake Rosholt, Sandpoint
Ridge Lovett, Post Falls
Derrick Booth, Post Falls/North Idaho College
Adam Hall, Bonners Ferry/Boise State/Utah Valley
Brock Zollinger, Sugar-Salem
Lita Cruz, Minico

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It has been nearly six months since I wrote my back-to-back Mat Chat articles featuring Lita Cruz, a former prep star at Minico and Brock Zollinger, an accomplished prep wrestler, coach, and now international referee with the United World Wrestling (UWW). The Mat Chat series aims to chronicle the post-wrestling journeys of former wrestlers along with a retrospective of their achievements in the sport. Going forward, this series is evolving to encompass the stories of long-time coaches and dedicated volunteers whose influence has profoundly affected the sport, in Idaho and abroad.

The eighth Idahoan in my Mat Chat series is Adam Freeman, the Head Wrestling Coach at Caldwell High School in the Boise Metro. Coach Freeman’s wrestling journey began as a high school freshman, and his love for the sport never waned. After college, he became a teacher at Caldwell, where he channeled that passion directly into coaching, initiating his tenure from day one.

Since joining Caldwell High School over two decades ago, Coach Freeman has consistently embodied a commitment to contributing to his community, inspiring others, and profoundly shaping lives for the better. His dedication to the sport and the community has been immensely beneficial to the program, resulting in a considerable rise in multiple state champions, placers, All-Americans, as well as graduates continuing their wrestling skills at the collegiate level.

“Coming out of college, and to this day, I wanted to have the kind of impact on others’ lives that my coaches had on mine. I’ve considered Caldwell to be the perfect fit for me since day one.”

– Adam Freeman

The wrestling program at Caldwell High School has a long storied history that dates back over six decades to the beginning of the first Idaho State High School Wrestling Championships in 1958. Guided by Coach Freeman and numerous Hall-of-Fame coaches of the past, the Cougars’ wrestling program has a history of producing highly successful wrestlers and well-rounded students. My recent experience at Caldwell’s annual wrestling camp further highlighted this dedication to excellence, featuring instruction from a talented University of Missouri coaching and wrestler contingent. Accordingly, I had the great opportunity to meet members of the Caldwell coaching staff as well as Missouri Head Coach Brian Smith, Keegan O’Toole (U23 World Champ/2x NCAA Champ), Kendric Maple (NCAA Champ), and many more exceptional clinicians.

My recent engagement with Coach Adam Freeman and his staff was a true highlight, offering valuable insights into the program’s rich history. A productive Q&A session with Coach Freeman was particularly insightful. Read the exclusive Q&A chat with Coach Freeman below and a look back at the program’s history on the Wall-of-Fame, where state champions, placers, All-Americans, and more are celebrated. Enjoy!!

Q&A WITH COACH ADAM FREEMAN

How did you first get involved in the sport of wrestling?

COACH FREEMAN – I didn’t start wrestling until I was a freshman in high school. I’d been in a little bit of trouble at school and was put on a contract that included participating in wrestling.

Who has been your biggest influence in wrestling?

COACH FREEMAN – I’ve been incredibly blessed to have some great influences. I often credit my high school coach Bill Knox with saving my life so he’d definitely be the first person to come to mind. Also though, I’ve been lucky enough to coach with and for multiple Hall of Fame coaches like Bruce White, Rollie Lane, Jeff Kloetzer, and a ton of credit to Joe Lammers who gave me my first High School Coaching Job. I also have an amazing coaching staff who I rely heavily on and trust a great deal. On top of that I’ve been lucky to form a great relationship with Kendric Maple who I consider to be not only a great friend, but a mentor in coaching.

How many years have you coached wrestling at Caldwell High School? Did you coach prior to teaching and coaching at Caldwell?

COACH FREEMAN – I got my first teaching position right out of college 23 years ago right here in Caldwell. I started coaching at the middle school level right away and got a job at CHS the very next year. My entire 23 year teaching/coaching career has been in Caldwell.

Describe your experience at Caldwell, both as a teacher and coach.

COACH FREEMAN – Coming out of college, and to this day, I wanted to have the kind of impact on others’ lives that my coaches had on mine. I’ve considered Caldwell to be the perfect fit for me since day one. There are amazing kids, families, and teachers here in Caldwell although we don’t have the resources that some other communities might be fortunate enough to have. I’ve enjoyed great support from the community and families. Truthfully, there are difficult times working in Caldwell, but I’ve stayed here for my entire career for a reason. I love my kids and families and the relationship the community has had with our wrestling program.

What life lesson have you learned in wrestling that apply in your day-to-day life?

COACH FREEMAN – There are so many great lessons that the sport of wrestling gives us to carry on with us. Although I could go on, I think there are a couple that stick out most to me. First, relationships matter most. I think I learned from wrestling that nothing in life carries value if it also doesn’t forge meaningful relationships. The relationships we build as wrestlers seem to be different, in a good way, than any other relationships. Any wrestler will tell you that. Second, I learned, and often find myself saying, if you don’t like the results you are getting, get back to work. Nothing fixes problems like hard work will. It’s a value I know I got from wrestling, and one I hope to pass on to all my kids.

What advice would you give a young athlete wanting to be successful in wrestling?

COACH FREEMAN – The best advice I can give a kid who looking to be successful in wrestling is that we have to first define what “success” is to us because it’s different for every single kid. Secondly and most importantly, you have to trust the process. Nothing happens on the schedule you want it to happen on. The road to success is a process that takes a lot of faith in yourself, your coaches, your work, and more. There are a lot of days you will have doubt and your ability to trust in the process is the difference between success and giving up.

Caldwell has been conducting a summer wrestling clinic for the past several years. Please describe its origin, this year’s clinic, and future outlook.

COACH FREEMAN – About ten years ago, I was fortunate enough to run into Kendric Maple at a summer camp in Montana. At the time he had just accepted a coaching position at Nebraska, and had just won the U.S. Open. We had a great opportunity to chat and start a relationship. I asked him to come out to Idaho and do a little hunting and he insisted on running a wrestling camp. Since then, Coach Maple has moved on to Missouri and the camp has grown into an amazing Division 1 camp that the University of Missouri loves to put on for Idaho kids. Coach Maple and I have operated under the belief that having an Idaho (or regional) address should not exclude kids from Division 1 wrestling opportunities. We’ve taken tremendous pride in bringing a high level camp that other parts of the country might take for granted, right here to Caldwell, Idaho. While other D1 camps often cost $400 or more, we’ve been able to provide it at a cost of just $150 so that kids who may never get the chance to see what D1 Camps look like and have the opportunity to come. We’ve had multiple national champs, age level world champs, and D1 All Americans at camps every year. It’s really turned into something special. This year we even had Head Coach Brian Smith out for the first time.

We absolutely plan to continue this relationship with Mizzou and give Idaho kids the chance to meet and learn from some of the best athletes/coaches in the country. We are likely to be the last week of June next year but will know for sure by January.

Caldwell currently hosts a Junior Varsity and Girls Division tournament during the regular high school season. In the post season, you also host a tournament called “Cradle for the Cure.” Could you please give more details regarding this tournaments?

COACH FREEMAN – The Cradle For the Cure youth wrestling tournament is incredibly special to us. Many years ago, two of our club coaches and myself were all going through the unfortunate experience of having our moms diagnosed with cancer. We decided to put on an event in their names and raise money for St. Luke’s Patient Assistance Program. Little did we know that so many other people who have had the same unfortunate experience would rally around the event and grow it to one of the biggest youth events in the North West. This year we had approximately 1,500 youth wrestlers from 11 different states attend. In the end we were ablet to cut a check to St. Luke’s for $37,110, bringing our total raised in the lifetime of the event to more than $200,000. The money raised stays right here in the Treasure Valley to help families who have loved ones going through radiation and chemotherapy treatment. It’s an amazing event held every March and we couldn't be prouder of it, or the 125+ volunteers each year who help make it happen.

Caldwell High School has had a long tradition that dates back to the first Idaho State Championships held in 1958. Numerous state champions, state placers, and All-Americans have competed for Caldwell. Could you elaborate on the history of the wrestling program, its top tier wrestlers, past coaches, and other interesting facts about the program?

COACH FREEMAN – Caldwell has a tremendous wrestling history and culture. Thanks to our community and administration we enjoy some of the best facilities to train, and hold competitions in the state. Our youth club does an outstanding job promoting wrestling and growing the sport in our own town, and state wide. The Caldwell Wrestling Club is instrumental in our ability to provide opportunities for our kids at every age level.

One thing many people don’t know is how incredible the coaching ladder in Caldwell has been. Coaches like Bill Cooper, Bruce White, Mike Leck, Rollie Lane, Joe Lammers, Jeff Kloetzer, and more have had a hand in making Caldwell a great success. We’ve also had some tremendous athletes come through. We’ve had many All American’s like Dany Ledda, Colby Kloetzer, Christian Hudson, Hunter Bidleman, and more as well as great success in our thriving girls program where we’ve had All Americans and even Pan Am Champs like Marissa Jimenez. Just this summer we’ve added 5 All Americans (Folkstyle Nationals and NHSCA).

On a state level, in my time here in Caldwell we’ve won a couple team titles, been second a few times, and been in the top 5 many more times. We’ve been lucky enough to send a lot of kids off to wrestle at every level in college from JUCCO to D1 and every level in between. We currently have two girls ranked in the top 15 in the NAIA’s and just signed a graduate, Draven Johns, to D2 powerhouse St. Cloud.

Your son Jaxson is returning senior with three state medals and an All-American honor to his credit. Do you have other sons or family members that wrestled?

COACH FREEMAN – Like often happens, we are a wrestling family. My step son Robert Gomez was a 3X State Placer and 2X State Champion for us before going on to wrestle for Northwest CC in Wyoming. Robert is currently our head middle school coach, our club president, and the athletic director at Syringa MS.  My son Justin had a great HS career with 112 varsity wins and is currently coaching at Pocatello HS while he finishes up a teaching degree at Idaho State University. He is going to be a great teacher and coach in his own right.

Outside the sport of wrestling and teaching, what other hobbies do you have?

COACH FREEMAN – When I find time to step away from wrestling I head straight to the mountains. I enjoy hunting and often joke that wrestling is my second favorite way to spend my time. I’ve been lucky enough to hunt from the Arctic Circle to South Africa and all over our great country. Not surprisingly though, when I do it’s always with someone from my wrestling family. I’ve taken a lot of kids I’ve coached to kill their first deer or bear and love sharing that part of my life with people.

Moving forward, what are your future goals with the Caldwell program?

COACH FREEMAN – The fact that Caldwell has a tremendous history of great coaching is never lost on me. So many great coaches have done an amazing job for Caldwell kids and I'm excited to be able to continue that tradition.

Moving forward it is always our goal to lead in providing opportunities for kids and families to excel in this great sport. Specifically, we want to continue running amazing youth events, growing wrestling in our area and Idaho, and bringing amazing talent to Idaho to cultivate a passion for wrestling after high school.

Our girls program has exploded and we are proud to have great coaching and athletes at the front of the women's wrestling movement in Idaho…And of course, we want our hands on more blue trophies, both for our girls and our boys. 

To summarize, our goals are to provide our community with first class opportunities, grow wrestling, help kids fall in love with wrestling to the extent that they want to be involved in the sport after high school, and win individual and team state titles. On top of that, our priority is to participate in raising great human beings. The majority of our kids will stay and raise families in Caldwell in the future and we want wrestling to be a primary reason they are outstanding members of our community.

There's no doubt in my mind that we are going to accomplish all of those goals in the future, in Caldwell.

CALDWELL HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING HISTORY

1958 – 2025

3X STATE CHAMPIONS

Hunter Bidelman (2023, 2022, 2020)

Colby Kloetzer (2011, 2010, 2008)

2X STATE CHAMPIONS

Dante Carreno (2017, 2015)

Robert Gomez (2013, 2012)

Martin Meza (2010, 2009)

Dan Ledda (2002, 2001)

John Whelchel (1960, 1958)

1X STATE CHAMPIONS

Draven Johns (2025)

Ryan Hirchert (2023)

Miguel Perez (2023)

Aidan Go (2022)

Christian Hudson (2018)

Ismael Cerros (2016)

Cyrus Salcido (2015)

Armando Gutierrez (2015)

Brandon Gonzalez (2014)

Gabe Escobedo (2013)

Tony Gonzalez (2011)

Jason Eavenson (2011)

Tyler Hardy (2010)

James Eavenson (2009)

Rico Paz (2009)

Darrell Flores (2008)

Dennis Anderson (2007)

Ryan Vail (2005)

Micah Gibson (1993)

Scott Rainey (1988)

Tim Lockhart (1987)

Joe Cooper (1985)

Mitch Crowe (1979)

Joel Westbrook (1977)

Cecil Vassar (1975)

Randy Ekanger (1970)

Roger Thomas (1968)

Ken Baranco (1965)

Dick Hooban (1962)

Homer Hooban (1961)

Gary Comstock (1959)

Al Hagler (1958)

4X STATE PLACERS

Draven Johns, 1^st (2025), 3^rd (2024), 2^nd (2023), 3^rd (2022)

Dominic Alcantara, 5^th (2024), 5^th (2023), 5^th (2022), 6^th (2021)

Miguel Perez, 1^st (2023), 3^rd (2022), 3^rd (2021), 3^rd (2020)

Hunter Bidelman , 1^st (2023), 1^st (2022), 2^nd (2021), 1^st (2020) 

Dante Carreno, 1^st (2017), 3^rd (2016), 1^st (2015), 3^rd (2014)

Ismael Cerros, 2^nd (2017), 1^st (2016), 3^rd (2015), 4^th (2014)

Brandon Gonzalez, 2^nd (2017), 2^nd (2016), 4^th (2015), 1^st (2014)

Tony Gonzalez, 2^nd (2013), 3^rd (2012), 1^st (2011), 5^th (2010)

Jason Eavenson, 4^th (2012), 1^st (2011), 6^th (2010), 6^th (2009)

Colby Kloetzer, 1^st (2011), 1^st (2010), 2^nd (2009), 1^st (2008)

3X STATE PLACERS

Jaxson Freeman, 4^th (2025), 2^nd (2024), 2^nd (2023)

Jayce Wolf, 3^rd Place (2025), 3^rd (2024), 5^th (2022)

Gracin Go, 4^th (2024), 2^nd (2023), 3^rd (2021)

Armando Juarez, 6^th (2020), 3^rd (2019), 5^th (2018)

Christian Hudson, 1^st (2018), 2^nd (2017), 5^th (2016)

Cyrus Salcido, 2^nd (2016), 1^st (2015), 2^nd (2014)

Robert Gomez, 1^st (2013), 1^st (2012), 5^th (2011)

Tim Hartwig, 2^nd (2011), 3^rd (2010), 5^th (2009)

Martin Meza, 1^st (2010), 1^st (2009), 2^nd (2008)

Darrell Flores, 1^st (2008), 3^rd (2007), 4^th (2006)

Scott Gipson, 2^nd (1985), 4^th (1984), 3^rd (1983)

Roger Thomas, 1^st (1968), 3^rd (1967), 3^rd (1966)

Ken Baranco, 1^st (1965), 3^rd (1964), 2^nd (1963)

2X STATE PLACERS

Aidan Go, 1^st (2022), 4^th (2020)

August Pena, 3^rd (2021), 6^th (2020)

Carlos Flores, 6^th (2019), 5^th (2018)

Travis Mitchell, 2^nd (2018), 2^nd (2017)

Triden Mitchell, 3^rd (2017), 3^rd (2016)

Drew Sowards, 2^nd (2016), 2^nd (2015)

Emmanuel Cerros, 5^th (2016), 2^nd (2015)

Luis Vargas, 5^th (2016), 5^th (2015)

Irving Capuchino, 2^nd (2016), 2^nd (2015)

Adrian Adame, 3^rd (2016), 2^nd (2015)

Tevin Sio, 6^th (2016), 6^th (2015)

Brendon Runnels, 2^nd (2015), 5^th (2014)

Gabe Escobedo, 1^st (2013), 2^nd (2012)

Felipe Contreras, 6^th (2013), 3^rd (2011)

Junior Pantoja, 5^th (2012), 6^th (2011)

James Eavenson, 1^st (2009), 6^th (2008)

Spencer Hartwig, 5^th (2008), 4^th (2007)

Dennis Anderson, 1^st (2007), 6^th (2006)

Ryan Vail, 1^st (2005), 4^th (2004)

Dan Ledda, 1^st (2002), 1^st (2001)

Jesse Korpi, 4^th (1999), 5^th (1998)

Beau Hawkes, 6^th (1998), 4^th (1997)

Eddie Mendietta, 3^rd (1996), 3^rd (1994)

Corey Camp, 4^th (1996), 3^rd (1994)

Scott Rainey, 1^st (1988), 3^rd (1987)

Gerry Favillo, 2^nd (1985), 4th (1984)

Ricky Lopez, 2^nd (1985), 4^th (1983)

Roy Rojas, 3^rd (1984), 2^nd (1982)

Tim Messuri, 2^nd (1981), 4^th (1980)

Mitch Crowe, 2^nd (1980), 1^st (1979)

Eddie Lopez, 2^nd (1978), 2^nd (1977)

John Whelchel, 1^st (1960), 1^st (1958)

Gary Comstock, 1^st (1959), 2^nd (1958)

1X STATE PLACERS

Jesus Alvarez, 5^th (2025)

Marquez Arredondo, 4^th (2024)

Ryan Hirchert, 1^st (2023)

Jackson Norman, 6^th (2023)

Jarod Norman, 5^th (2023)

Camus Book, 3^rd (2023)

Hayden Kinney, 5^th (2022)

Christian Avila, 3^rd (2021)

Alejandro Avila, 4^th (2020)

Christian Sotelo, 6^th (2020)

Mario Sotelo, 6^th (2019)

Zack Ramos, 5^th (2018)

Gabriel Figueroa, 6^th (2018)

Ben Solis, 2^nd (2017)

Tevin So, 3^rd (2017)

Craig Adams, 5^th (2017)

Luis Sales, 5^th (2017)

Luke Lopez, 6^th (2017)

Oscar Gonzalez, 3^rd (2016)

Luciano Delgado, 4^th (2016)

Matthew Rohrdanz, 5^th (2016)

Armando Gutierrez, 1^st (2015)

Julian Barrientez, 2^nd (2015)

David Sio, 3^rd (2015)

Brooks Ney, 3^rd (2014)

Chris Lamkins, 4^th (2014)

Alawnzo Manzanares, 6^th (2014)

John Garcia, 6^th (2014)

Michael Garcia, 4^th (2012)

Brad Ferguson, 4^th (2012)

Robbie Nelms, 5^th (2012)

Hayden Maggard, 6^th (2011)

Jose Ramirez, 3^rd (2011)

Aristeo Gallegos, 5^th (2011)

Tyler Hardy, 1^st (2010)

Rico Paz, 1^st (2009)

Jesus Dozal, 3^rd (2009)

Dennis Wilson, 3^rd (2008)

Aaron Stinson, 6^th (2008)

Matthew Kloetzer, 2^nd (2007)

Chase Kelpin, 4^th (2007)

Nate Tate, 5^th (2007)

Robert Ramirez, 6^th (2007)

Doug Anderson, 2^nd (2006)

Lorenzo Garcia, 6^th (2006)

Justin Austin, 4^th (2001)

Cassidy Bond, 5^th (2001)

Brian Jackson, 5^th (2001)

Keith Camp, 6^th (1996)

Randy Murray, 3^rd (1995)

Marc Santiago, 5^th (1994)

Micah Gibson, 1^st (1993)

Josh White, 2^nd (1993)

Joe Cooper, 1^st (1985)

Mike Garcia, 2^nd (1985)

Shawn Simpson, 3^rd (1983)

Ed Chavez, 2^nd (1981)

Greg Chavez, 2^nd (1979)

Randy Troutman, 2^nd (1978)

Chris Inglis, 2^nd (1978)

Tony Buck, 4^th (1978)

Joel Westbrook (1977)

Dave Allen, 3^rd (1976)

Cecil Vassar, 1^st (1975)

Ron Haney, 3^rd (1974)

Bob Milligan, 4^th (1974)

Dan Aspiri, 2^nd (1972)

Jim Squibb, 2^nd (1972)

Greg Oyama, 4^th (1972)

Allen Oyama, 2^nd (1971)

Terry Collins, 4^th (1971)

Randy Ekanger (1970)

Dick Baranco, 2^nd (1970)

Bart Baranco, 4^th (1970)

Mike  Clapier, 3^rd (1969)

David Hiria, 3^rd (1969)

B. Hardy, 3^rd (1967)

Mike McGregor, 3^rd (1967)

Mark Stone, 3^rd (1966)

Howard Reasor, 2^nd (1964)

Mike Bowan, 2^nd (1963)

Joe Berry, 2^nd (1963)

Dick Hooban, 1^st (1962)

Jerry Cole, 4^th (1962)

Homer Hooban, 1^st (1961)

Jim Crill, 2^nd (1961)

Roger Hooban, 4^th (1961)

Tom Bowers, 2^nd (1960)

John Porter, 2^nd (1960)

Bob Hooban, 2^nd (1960)

Al Hagler, 1^st (1958)

Ed Miller, 2^nd (1958)

Wallace Decker, 2^nd (1958)

Donald Boudreau, 4^th (1958)

Terry Howard, 4^th (1958)

3X STATE CHAMPION (GIRLS DIV.)

Marissa Jimenez (2022, 2021, 2020)

STATE CHAMPION (GIRLS DIV.)

Nia Avelino (2024)

4X STATE PLACER (GIRLS DIV.)

Marissa Jimenez, 2^nd (2019), 1^st (2020), 1^st (2021), 1^st (2022)

3X STATE PLACER (GIRLS DIV.)

Toni Avelino, 5^th (2024), 6^th (2023), 5^th (2022)

2X STATE PLACER (GIRLS DIV.)

Nia Avelino, 2^nd (2023), 4^th (2022)

STATE PLACER (GIRLS DIV.)

Maritza Medina, 4^th (2025)

HIGH SCHOOL ALL-AMERICANS (Fargo, NHSCA)

Marissa Jimenez (2021, 2019)

Colby Kloetzer (2007, 2008, 2010)

Dan Ledda (1999)

PAN AMERICAN GOLD MEDALIST

Marissa Jimenez, 2021 (Cadet/16U)

TOP 4 FINISHES AT STATE

2023 – 2^nd Place

2017 – 2^nd Place

2016 – CHAMPIONS

2015 – CHAMPIONS

2014 – 4^th Place

2012 – 3^rd Place

2011 – 2^nd Place

2009 – 3^rd Place

1985 – 2^nd Place

1983 – 3^rd Place

1963 – 4^th Place

1960 – 3^rd Place

1958 – 2^nd Place

100 WINS CLUB

Draven Johns – 196 (school record)

Colby Kloetzer – 176

Hunter Bidelman – 162

Miguel Perez – 148

Robert Gomez – 144

Jayce Wolf – 142

August Pena – 137

Aidan Go – 137

Dominic Alcantara – 129

Nia Avelino – 114

Justin Freeman – 112

Gracin Go – 112

Marquez Arredondo – 111

Cyrus  Salcido – 108

Danny Ledda – 107

Christian Hudson – 107

Brandon Gonzalez – 106

Toni Avelino – 104

Jesse Korpi

Martin Meza

Jason Eavenson

Tony Gonzalez

WRESTLING USA MAGAZINE SENIOR ALL-AMERICAN

Colby Kloetzer, 2011

COLLEGIATE LEVEL ALL-AMERICANS

Colby Kloetzer – Northwest College, 3^rd Place (JUCO, 2013)

HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

Joe Lammers, Lifetime Service ’24

Bill Cooper, Lifetime Service ‘15

Mike Leck, Lifetime Service ’14

Bruce White, Lifetime Service ’10

Rollie Lane, Lifetime Service ‘01