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ORDER GAME PHOTOS
The sport of wrestling has been a significant part of the Navarro family dating back to the mid-1980s.
It all began with Dedrick’s father, Nathan, who, along with his younger brother competed for Ontario High School in eastern Oregon. While at Ontario, Nathan earned three individual state titles, All-American honors at Fargo (1996 finalist), Academic All-American honors, and during his final season represented the top seniors in the country to compete in the First Annual Wrestling USA Magazine Dream Team Classic against an All-Star team from Iowa.
Furthermore, Nathan received a full-ride scholarship to wrestle for Oregon State University, where he earned four trips to the NCAA Division I Championships. Upon graduating from Oregon State in the early 2000s, Nathan and his wife moved their young family to the Nampa area where Nathan explored employment opportunities in the field of Fire Fighting.
Once settled, Nathan began his coaching career at Nampa High School and the Bulldog Wrestling Club. A few years later, his oldest son, Dedrick, followed in his footsteps and by the time he was able to walk, began attending practices with him. It was between the ages of four or five that Dedrick began his journey in the sport of wrestling.
With a strong foundation set by his father, reinforced by family support and tradition, Dedrick has had a very strong presence in the state of Idaho and across the nation for just over a decade now and next month begins his senior season in pursuit of another state title and much more as he continues on his journey to reach the next level and beyond.
As early as five years old, Dedrick competed for the Bulldog Wrestling Club in multiple age group competitions throughout the state of Idaho, winning his first title in the pre-Bantam age group State Championships (age 5). It was apparent from day one that Dedrick loved and enjoyed wrestling and wanted to improve every time he set foot on the mat. His hard work and commitment paid off early as he placed or won multiple age group competitions (Freestyle, Folkstyle, and Greco).
It was around the age of 10 that his family began to journey outside of Idaho to compete against higher level competition within the Western Region. From the beginning, Dedrick placed at his first highly competitive kids’ tournament, the Salt Lake Slam in Utah. The Salt Lake Slam is among the many Folkstyle tournaments conducted in the Tour of America series sponsored by USA Wrestling. For the next several years, Dedrick competed and placed at numerous state and regional events, such as Reno Worlds, Brawl for the Belt, Kids State, and Western States to name a few.
Always moving forward and striving for continuous improvement, Dedrick entered the high school ranks at Nampa High School with the goal of climbing to the highest rung possible at this point of his journey. Historically, Nampa High School has had a long tradition of performing very well at the district, state and national levels, producing numerous State Champions, state placers, as well as All-Americans in the process.
Dedrick embraced the challenges and opportunities that Nampa provided him and from the first time he put on a Nampa singlet, he trained and competed with the goal of setting a high bar and being a part of the school’s strong history.
During his freshman season, Dedrick set an early precedence when he won the Rollie Lane Invitational, rated among the top in-season tournaments in Idaho, and then capped the post season off by also winning the District III qualifier and 4A State Championships in the 98-pound weight division.
During the early start of the 2020-’21 season, it was unknown whether the powers that be would authorize the continuation of the new season or not. With the complexities of the COVID pandemic generating a lot of uncertainty in the early stages coupled by ever changing mandates, the process to safely navigate the athletes through the wrestling season without causing an increased spread of the virus and illnesses was the major topic of discussion for many administrators, coaches, and parents. Fortunately, by way of a strong forum of debate, the powers that be authorized the season to move forward, but with the caveat that several logistical and hygiene related protocols be initiated and followed as a result.
Without a doubt, it caused a system shock that not only affected many wrestlers in the process, but the traditional norms that were common practice with the core of the wrestling community were affected as well. Regardless, in the early stages of the pandemic lockdowns, Dedrick adjusted his training regimen by working out with weights in his garage, increasing his running schedule, drilling, and improvising when necessary.
Throughout the entire pandemic period, Dedrick persevered and added to his already impressive resume by winning a second Rollie Lane title, Districts, and making his second trip to the 4A state finals. Unfortunately, he lost a hard fought final to frosh standout Mack Mauger of Blackfoot, who he had beaten earlier in the season in the finals of Rollie Lane.
Despite this loss, Dedrick moved forward and worked even harder in the wrestling room and during the summer months completed his post season circuit with a third place finish at the Western Regionals and earning All-American honors at both the USAW Folkstyle and Fargo Nationals (all in the 16U division).
With several years of state, regional, and national level competitions under his belt, Dedrick began his junior season rated among the top 20 106-pound wrestlers in the country. Other than the exchange of wins and losses with fellow Idahoan Mack Mauger (also ranked nationally), Dedrick primarily beat a large percentage his competition in Idaho without much difficulty.
Always pursuing the best competition possible, the Nampa program traveled out of state to Central California to compete at the prestigious Clovis Doc Buchanan Invitational (aka, Doc B), rated among the toughest high school tournaments in the western United States and country.
Seeded third among a highly competitive field, Dedrick battled with grit in many highly contested preliminary matches to reach the championship final against none other than fellow Idahoan and rival, Mack Mauger (seeded #5). Once again, Dedrick wrestled Mauger with determination and grit, but lost by a close decision.
Nonetheless, his performance at Doc B caught the attention of many in the national wrestling circles. Throughout the remainder of the regular season, Dedrick wrestled very well and finished the prep season by winning another District III title and reaching the State Championship finals for the third time, but once again losing to Mauger in what I believe is one of the top rivalries in the state, if not country.
Refusing to let defeat or failure deter him, Dedrick put his nose to the grindstone and went back to work in the wrestling room and prepared even harder for the off-season. According to Levi Jones, the founder and head coach of the ALL-IN Academy, “Dedrick embraces hard training. He loves to learn, constantly asking questions, and most importantly, he is always making a point to be there for other kids in the academy as a friend. As a coach, there is not much more to ask for! Let’s go D!”
Personally, I witnessed this firsthand while observing Dedrick train at the ALL-IN Academy, Fargo Camps, and several “Best on Best practices conducted by Chris Owens, Director of Operations of Idaho USA Wrestling. Dedrick is a true competitor and leader among his peers.
Having placed at several age group State Championships (Freestyle/Greco) through the years, Dedrick once again met his long-time rival Mack Mauger in the 2022 Junior Freestyle finals, but this time he turned the tables and beat him by a close decision, 9-7. Shortly thereafter, Dedrick traveled to Iowa and added another All-American honor to his resume by reaching the finals at the USAW Folkstyle Nationals and a fourth by placing in the Junior Freestyle division at the Fargo Nationals. By earning All-American honors in the Fargo Junior division, Dedrick became the first wrestler at Nampa High School to achieve this feat. Prior to, Nampa wrestlers (Dedrick inclusive) had only earned All-American honors in the Cadet (16U) division.
Parallel to working hard in the mat room, Dedrick is also an exceptional honor roll student and excels in the classroom. Currently, he holds a 3.8 GPA (cumulative) while taking advanced placement (AP) and college prep courses. Since an early age, Dedrick has been very disciplined and focused on maintaining an extensive training regimen and at the same time has put 100% effort in the classroom, a convincing illustration of what it takes to be a well-seasoned student-athlete.
“Dedrick is the epitome of a student-athlete. He takes his academics as series as his training…From a young age, Dedrick has been a fierce competitor always exploring ways to take his training to a different level.”
- Roy Perales, Nampa H.S. Head Coach
In summary, the Navarro family has been a strong fixture on the state, regional, and national wrestling scene for the last two and a half decades with Dedrick’s father, Nathan, setting a strong foundation and now with Dedrick entering his senior season at Nampa High School ranked among the top lightweights in the country.
Since the age of 5, Dedrick has committed his life to the sport of wrestling and to academic excellence in the classroom. To date, Dedrick has earned numerous state level medals, regional, and All-American honors. More specifically, his journey thus far has been met with opposition and uncertainties, but throughout it all he has always moved forward in the midst of defeat or uphill challenges that have come his direction.
Having won a state title his freshman season, but falling short the last two years to his long-time rival, Dedrick enters the 2022-’23 season among the favorites to challenge for a state title in the 5A division as Nampa moves up from the 4A this years.
Recently, I had the distinct opportunity to observe Dedrick in action, training at both the ALL-IN Academy and Best on Best practices and without a doubt, I am very impressed with his focus, determination, and overall work ethic in the mat room.
Dedrick is a true leader both on and off the mat and great example to his peers and two younger brothers, each competing at the age group levels.
More recently, I conducted a one-on-one Q&A with Dedrick and discussed wrestling, academics, and his future outlook in life. Not only is Dedrick a great student-Athlete, but a very well-spoken young man.
Q&A INTERVIEW WITH DEDRICK NAVARRO
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED IN THE SPORT OF WRESTLING?
NAVARRO – My Dad wrestled throughout high school and at Oregon State. In the early 2000s, he coached at Nampa High School and the Bulldog Wrestling Club. I often went to practice with him and at the early age of 4 or 5, I began wrestling with the Club.
WHO HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCE IN THE SPORT?
NAVARRO – My Dad. He knows what it takes to wrestle in college and the next level. He pushes me and prepares me for that challenge.
HEADING INTO YOUR SENIOR SEASON, WHAT ARE YOUR SHORT AND LONG TERM GOALS AT NAMPA HIGH SCHOOL?
NAVARRO – My short term goal is to focus on various parts of my wrestling style, such as improving my takedowns. My goal is to be able to take anyone down in the country. My long term goal is to win a second state title.
HAVING HAD SOME GREAT SUCCESS AT THIS POINT IN YOUR CAREER, DESCRIBE YOUR TRAINING ROUTINE AND YOUR OUTLOOK IN THE YEARS AHEAD.
NAVARRO – During the regular wrestling season, I attend my daily team practices for about two hours. I also spend extra time after regular practice to work on improving my technique, tactics, and also run about 15 to 20 miles a week. Moving forward, I plan to focus more on my wrestling and less on weight cutting.
DO YOU HAVE AMBITIONS OF COMPETING AT THE COLLEGIATE AND INTERNATIONAL LEVELS?
NAVARRO – Yes! My goal is to be a Division I NCAA Champion. As far as international wrestling, I have interest, but will wait to see where I am in life after competing in college.
IS THERE AN OLYMPIAN, COLLEGIATE LEVEL WRESTLER, COACH OR SOMEONE OUTSIDE OF THE SPORT OF WRESTLING THAT YOU WANT TO ASPIRE TO BE SOMEDAY?
NAVARRO – I really like Roman Bravo Young “RBY” of Penn State. He’s a fun and interesting wrestler to watch. I want to be like him.
WHAT LIFE LESSONS HAVE YOU LEARNED IN WRESTLING THAT APPLIES IN YOUR DAY-TO-DAY LIFE?
NAVARRO – Working hard and getting through the grind. This applies to my academics and life, too.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A YOUNG WRESTLER WANTING TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THE SPORT OF WRESTLING OR IN LIFE?
NAVARRO – To always work hard and be willing to put in the necessary time to be good, but also have fun with it.
WHAT OTHER GOALS DO YOU HAVE IN LIFE?
NAVARRO – I want to be successful in whatever career I end up in and to support my family.
ONCE YOU ARE DONE COMPETING, DO YOU HAVE PLANS TO STAY INVOLVED WITH WRESTLING?
NAVARRO – Yes! Especially, if I have kids someday…I want to be able to coach and share my knowledge with them.
OUTSIDE THE SPORT OF WRESTLING, WHAT HOBBIES AND FAMILY FUNCTIONS DO YOU ENJOY MOST?
NAVARRO – I enjoy hanging out with family and friends and going on vacations and functions together.
ACADEMIC AND ATHLETIC PROFILE
SCHOOL – Nampa High School (5A)
WRESTLING CLUB – Bulldog Wrestling Club (Nampa)
WEIGHT – 113/120 (2022-’23)
GRADE – 12 (Class of 2023)
NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL RANKING – TOP 20
- Wrestling USA Magazine, October 2022 (106s) #12
- FLO Wrestling, September 2022 (106s) #12
- WIN Magazine, October 2022 (106s) #16
ACADEMIC ACCOLADES
- GPA: 3.8 (cumulative with AP/College Prep courses)
WRESTLING ACCOLADES
- Idaho State Champion (4A) ‘20
- 3x ID State Finalist, 2020 – ‘22
- 3x District III Champion, 2020 – ’22
- Junior Fargo All-American – Freestyle ’22
- USAW Folkstyle All-American/Finalist (Showcase Div.) ‘22
- Idaho Freestyle State Champion ‘22
- Clovis “Doc Buchanan” Invitational Finalist ‘22
- 16U Fargo All-American – Freestyle ‘21
- USAW Folkstyle All-American (16U) ‘21
- Western Regional Championships – 3rd Place (16U) ‘21
- 2x Rollie Lane Invitational Champion ’20, ‘21
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