The next wrestler in my TIER ONE series is Boden Banta, an exceptional student-athlete from South Fremont High School (~450 students) in St. Anthony, Idaho. Boden’s entry into the wrestling circle began at the early age of four and from that point on he has embraced the process of continuous improvement through hard work, sacrifice, and commitment to reach the pinnacle of prep wrestling. He is the 32^nd Idaho wrestler that I have had the honor to write about since the genesis of my promotional platform, The Idaho Elite Report (aka, TIER ONE), established in May of 2021.

Growing up in Parker, Idaho (pop. ~300), a small rural community nestled on the banks of a picturesque setting along the Henry’s Fork River, Boden hails from a family of wrestlers that goes back a couple of generations and to this point has made their mark in Idaho wrestling history. At present, Boden has earned a number of state, regional, and national wrestling accolades and is in position to challenge for a rare fourth state title in the 4A division (formerly 3A).  

For the last several decades, the Gem State of Idaho has produced its share of exceptional wrestlers that accomplished stellar prep and collegiate careers. They include NCAA All-Americans Chris Owens (Oklahoma State/Idaho Falls H.S.), Jared Lawrence (Sandpoint H.S./Univ. of Minnesota), Jake Rosholt (Sandpoint H.S./Oklahoma State), Adam Hall (Bonners Ferry H.S./Boise State), Kirk Smith (Centennial H.S./Boise State), Tanner Hall (Meridian H.S./Arizona State), Sydney 2000 Olympian Charles Burton (Centennial H.S./Boise State), and more recently Ridge Lovett (Post Falls H.S./Nebraska) to name a few.

Since the launch of my first prep article highlighting the outstanding mat career of Bishop Kelly’s Jadon Skellenger (featured in The Idaho Elite Report, October 2021), I have had the distinct opportunity to write about and call attention to what I believe is among the most noteworthy group of prep wrestlers in the state’s history since the days of Chris Owens, Jake Rosholt, the Lawrence brothers, and Adam Hall amongst others. For starters, this group of 32 has produced a combined 68 individual state titles, 100 state medals, 21 individual national titles, 125 prep level All-American honors, multiple Pan American and World medals, and a grade point average of 3.67, where approximately 33% are members of the National Honors Society. Impressive!

Boden’s entry into the wrestling circle was set in motion early on at preschool age when his father, Rhett, began taking him to practices at the local Cougar Wrestling Club in St. Anthony. It was more or less inevitable that wrestling was going to be a fundamental part of Boden’s life considering his family’s generational history in the sport. For starters, his father, Rhett, was a two-time state medalist and member of South Fremont’s first state championship team in 1985, while his grandfather, Jay Banta and great uncle, Wes Banta, each wrestled for Ricks College (now BYU-Idaho) in Rexburg, Idaho.

It has been common for a vast majority of kids I have written about to have an older sibling(s) or parent with exceptional academics, athletic accolades, or life experiences that in one way or another influenced them. In Boden’s case, his father, Rhett, led the charge by setting a strong precedence early on for his sons to follow. The countless hours he invested in coaching, travel, supporting, and seeking the top competition possible proved positive. Case in point, Boden’s older brothers experienced strong prep careers at South Fremont during the first two decades of the new millennium. The oldest brother, Brock (2007-’10), produced an impressive list of accolades, which includes two individual Idaho State titles (four medals overall), three finals appearances, four Fargo All-American honors in addition to earning collegiate level All-American honors at North Idaho College. Boden’s middle brother, Easton (2016-’19), followed with two trips to the state finals and a third place finish to cap his prep career. According to Brock, “It's been a privilege to be able to coach my brother along with my dad and other brother Easton.” Brock also stated that there are two quotes that come to mind that describe his brother, Boden. Those are, “CHAMPIONS TRAIN WHEN NO ONE IS WATCHING” and “PERFECT PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT.”

With several years of mat experience under his belt, Boden entered the prep ranks at South Fremont more than ready to meet the increased challenges ahead. Always moving forward, he hit the road running and throughout his entire freshman year battled hard against the state’s top tier competition. By season’s end, he left no doubt that he was among the best in the 3A when at districts and state he registered all pins to secure title number one as well as anchor South Fremont to its fourth state team title since the first in 1985.

For the next two seasons, Boden continued his winning ways by earning two  additional district and state titles on top of being part of the school’s fifth state team title in 2023. I should also note that out of sixteen post season matches to date, he has registered fourteen pins, which now places him in position to challenge for the prized fourth title in 2025.

According to former South Fremont Head Coach, Jed Clark, who coached Boden from middle school through his sophomore season, “Boden has always been very humble about his success. He’s been one that we would bump up to get tough matches if it helped the team, and he never questioned us as coaches. It’s been awesome to see him do so well because of the time he’s put in and the great attitude he has. Him and his family are HUGE asset to South Fremont Wrestling.”

The recurring theme for each and every wrestler that I have written about thus far is their dedication and commitment to embrace the extensive process to reach the pinnacle of our great sport. This means putting in a significant amount of time training, competing, and improving upon their technique not only during the regular season, but in the off-season as well. From the earliest of age, Boden has embraced this process. For instance, during the off-season months, he and his family frequently traveled far distances in the rural sector of southeast and south central Idaho in order to meet up with the members of Team Idaho to train in a Best on Best type setting. This included making short trips to Idaho Falls to train with coach Shawn Jones, a former two-time Fargo Champion and Boise State alumni, as well as making the long three hour trek to Wendell to train with coach Chris Owens.

Boden has not been alone in this sacrifice. From the get-go, he has been joined by other dedicated teammates from South Fremont (e.g., Jaxton Packer), as well as members of Team Idaho, such as 5x Fargo Champ Mack Mauger (Blackfoot), who on several occasions joined their caravan down to Wendell. I must also point out that this is a very common practice for a significant number of top tier kids in the predominately rural southeast and south central sectors of Idaho, which in the last couple of years has produced approximately 46% of Team Idaho’s Folkstyle and Fargo All-Americans in the 16U and Junior divisions.

All of Boden’s hard work and commitment has paid off in dividens. In addition to his three state titles, he has earned a total of six All-American honors from 2022 to 2024. This includes placing at the U15 and U17 Greco-Roman Nationals, twice at the Folkstyle Nationals (16U/Juniors) and Fargo Nationals for the second time this past summer.

More recently, I had the opportunity to discuss Boden’s commitment to compete for Team Idaho with Chris Owens, the Director of Wrestling Operations for Idaho USA Wrestling. He stated the following, “Boden Banta is coming off a good Fargo performance this summer where he earned all American honors in Greco and had quality wins in both styles. He has positioned himself as one of the top wrestlers in the state. I think Boden is still figuring out where wrestling fits into his future after high school. He is technically very sound, is able to attack his opponents at all levels, and has high-level quickness and balance. Adding more power and explosiveness will be key components for his full development. I always look forward to coaching Boden because of the hustle and grit he shows in practice and in competition! He is respected and looked up to by his wrestling peers. I am looking forward to watching Boden grow into being one of our state leaders this year!”  

In summary, Boden has had a stellar mat career to this point and enters his senior year rated among the top lightweights in the state of Idaho. With three state titles, he is in position to challenge for a fourth, which would put him in the company of South Fremont alumni Sawyer and Hunter Hobbs, both four-timers in the recent years. Furthermore, the Banta family has had a strong presence on the Idaho wrestling scene for several generations with brothers Brock, Easton, and Boden producing a family total 5 individual state titles, 8 finals appearances, 10 state medals (all top 3), and 11 prep level All-American honors, leaving a strong legacy into the future.

According to recently hired South Fremont Head Coach Keven Glider, who previously led Sugar-Salem High School to three state team titles (2017-’19), stated the following about Boden, “Boden is a hard worker and does what it takes to get better. He goes to weight training, practice, and does the little things that make a big difference.”

Moving forward, Boden is undecided at this time what lies ahead on the college wrestling front, but rest assured he is focused on the upcoming season and the challenges he will face. If the actions of his past is a leading indicator, I am very confident that Boden will remain steadfast in his lifetime pursuits, regardless of any obstacle(s) that may come his way. FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS!!

This past week, I interviewed Boden about his long journey in the sport of wrestling. We discussed family, academics, his passion for fishing, and goals moving forward. Below is my Q&A interview with Boden and a list of his academic and athletic accolades. Enjoy!!

Q&A INTERVIEW WITH BODEN BANTA

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

BODEN – My dad starting taking me to the Cougar Club when I was 4 and just never stopped taking me. I also came up through the Upper Valley Aces ranks.

WHO HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCE IN WRESTLING?

BODEN – My dad and my brothers, Easton and Brock.

NOW THAT YOU’RE ENTERING YOUR SENIOR YEAR, WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR THE UPCOMING SEASON? 

BODEN – Get my 4th high school state championship and double AA at Fargo.

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

BODEN – It is just consistent hard work. During the school year, I lift weights at 6 am in the mornings, go to high school practice after school, and then have Aces practices after that. On our off season, I also travel to Wendell once a week to practice with Chris Owens and Team Idaho. Attend as many training camps as I can get to. I am training or wrestling about 10 months a year.

DESCRIBE YOUR ACADEMIC AND WRESTLING EXPERIENCE AT SOUTH FREMONT HIGH SCHOOL.

BODEN – My freshman and sophomore years in high school were great! Our team won 4 straight team titles and I was able to be a part of the last two. It was fun to be part of a great group of senior guys those years that helped achieve a lot of success.

WHAT ARE YOUR ACADEMIC GOALS ENTERING YOUR SENIOR SEASON AND BEYOND?

BODEN – Maintain a 3.8 GPA or better and wrestle at the college level.

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

BODEN – Yes, I would like to wrestle at the college level.

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

BODEN – Kyle Dake. I have just always liked his style of wrestling.

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

BODEN – Be on time, work hard, and have a good attitude.

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

BODEN – Do everything you can to the best of your ability so you have no regrets when you are older.

OUTSIDE THE SPORT OF WRESTLING, WHAT OTHER GOALS DO YOU HAVE IN LIFE?

BODEN – Make enough money to live a fun life.

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

BODEN – Perfect practice make perfect performance.

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

BODEN – Yes, I currently help coach our Upper Valley Aces youth program and would like to continuing coaching kids.

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

BODEN – Fishing, fishing, fishing!! I do like to archery hunt, go camping with my family, but I love to fish.

ACADEMIC AND ATHLETIC PROFILE

SCHOOL: South Fremont High School, St. Anthony, ID (Div. 4A)

CLUBS: South Fremont Cougars, Upper Valley Aces, and Team Idaho.

GRADE: 12^th (Class of 2025)

PROJECTED WEIGHT: 126/132

ACADEMIC ACCOLADE: 3.2 GPA

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES: Volunteer coach at the Upper Valley Aces Youth Program held at South Fremont H.S.

WRESTLING ACCOLADES:  

• Fargo Nationals Junior Greco-Roman ALL-AMERICAN, ’24
• USA Wrestling Junior Folkstyle ALL-AMERICAN, ’24
• 3x Idaho 3A State Champion, 2022 - ’24
• 3x IHSAA 3A District VI Champion, 2022 – ’24
• 2x Tiger-Grizz Invitational Champion, 2022-’23
• US Open U17 Greco-Roman ALL-AMERICAN, ’23
• USA Wrestling 16U Folkstyle 16U ALL-AMERICAN, ’23
• Fargo Nationals 16U Greco-Roman ALL-AMERICAN, ’22
• US Open U15 Greco-Roman ALL-AMERICAN, ’22