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Previous Hidden Gems Spotlights:
Jason Mara, Meridian
Matthew Martino, Bishop Kelly
Kolter Burton, American Falls
Daniel and Gabriel Rosales, Mountain Home
Manuel and Carlos Valdez, Bishop Kelly
Shilo Jones, Mountain View
Clare Waite, Boise
Talen Eck, Thunder Ridge
Bowen and Riley Brunson, Buhl
Aiden McGinnis, Mountain View
Joely Slyter, Lewiston
Tyson Barnhart, Post Falls
Amie Hartman, Mountain Home
Elise Twait, Meridian
Jeremiah Gonzalez, Meridian
The 34th prep wrestler in my HIDDEN GEMS/TIER ONE series is Kaden MacKenzie of Fruitland High School in the 4A division (formerly 3A). The sport of wrestling has been a significant part of Kaden’s family dating back to his paternal grandfather, Robert who during his senior year at Hoquiam High School in Washington gave the sport a try. It was his entry into the wrestling circle back in the day that in due course led to his three sons Chad, Kyle, and Isaac (Kaden’s father), and three grandsons Kaden, Kysen (Kaden’s brother), and Skylar (Kayden’s cousin) to also compete on the mat at Fruitland High School. Rated among the top middleweights in the state of Idaho, Kaden enters his senior season in position to challenge for a third state title, fourth medal overall, and on course to compete at the collegiate level.
The MacKenzie family surname has represented the Fruitland High School wrestling program since the early 1990s and to date has had great success on the mat. This includes Kaden’s father Isaac and his older brothers Chad and Kyle. To start with, Chad became the family’s first Idaho state placer in 1992 with a runner-up finish in the 171 pound weight group (A-3 division) and fifth his senior season. Kyle followed with a third place finish in 1994 (135#) and Isaac with two runner-up finishes in 1997 and 1998 (145#), respectively.
Since birth, the sport of wrestling has been an integral part of Kaden’s daily life, which included attending practices, competitions, and other wrestling functions with his father. By the age of three, he entered the wrestling circle and from day one enjoyed rolling around at practice. A year later, he competed in his first age group tournament and from that point forward wrestling continued to be a way of life. Despite contemplating the idea of quitting a few times, Kaden persevered and gradually increased his love for wrestling and thrives in the sport today.
As early as elementary and middle school, Kaden experienced success on the mat. For starters, he placed at several local and regional tournaments in addition to the Kids Idaho State Championships, where in 2016 he won his first Freestyle state title. He continued on with two runner-up finishes at Middle School State before entering the high school ranks at Fruitland High School.
More than once, I have mentioned in my writings that achieving success at one level of competition does not necessarily equate to or guarantee success at the next. Without a shadow of doubt, the common denominator for reaching one’s goal(s) is the willingness to embrace failure’s lessons on the way, learn from it, and move forward through continuous improvement as well as having the mental fortitude to endure the demanding process. Based on my observations and recent discussions with Kaden, he understands this dynamic very well.
According to Anthony Freeman, a two-time Idaho state finalist for Fruitland High School and now assistant coach, “Kaden has always been a student of the sport. At a very young age he fell in love with wrestling. He would come to everything and unlike most 4/5 year old kids running around at duals and tournaments, he was in the corner acting like one of the coaches. The one thing that comes to mind about Kaden’s work ethic is that he’s very disciplined. He’s consistent with his training and preparation. It’s been an honor coaching Kaden; he’s always willing to learn, hardworking, respectful, a great teammate, and most importantly an amazing person. This is only the beginning of his career and we’re all excited to see what the future holds.”
With several age group accolades to his credit, including an Idaho state tile in 16U Greco, Kaden was more than ready to meet the increased challenges at the high school level. Altogether, he had a solid freshman regular season and, in the post-season, won his first District III Championships followed by a runner-up finish at state where he joined his father and uncles in the history books of Fruitland’s long list of state placers dating back to the first in 1963 (Roy Helderman, State Champion).
Shortly after the 2022 3A State Championships, Kaden wasted very little time resting or reflecting and got back to work on the mat. Approximately a month later, he won an individual title at the Intermountain Warrior Challenge in Utah and followed with a first place finish at the Idaho Folkstyle State Championships.
With a solid freshman season behind him, Kaden had his sights set on winning an individual high school state title his sophomore year. At this point in his young career, he understood that he had to step up his game in the mat room and trust the process. During the early part of the 2022-’23 regular season, Kaden faced Idaho’s best as well as top tier wrestlers from nearby states at the Rollie Lane Invitational where he finished in fifth place. Always moving forward, Kaden continued to wrestle well for the remainder of the dual and tournament schedule and in the post-season won his second District III title. On top of that, he achieved his goal of winning high school state by defeating Buhl’s talented Riley Brunson in the final in addition to being part of Fruitland’s eleventh top four finish (2nd place) since 2007.
As a result of Kaden achieving the big prize at state, he was now among the top tier on the Idaho radar (all divisions). Not resting on his laurels, Kaden continued to train for future competitions and at the Preseason Folkstyle Nationals in Des Moines, Iowa earned his first prep level All-American honor by reaching the championship finals.
According to Chris Owens, the Director of Wrestling Operations for Idaho USA Wrestling, “I have spent a little time working with Kaden and was very impressed at Preseason nationals 2023 with how clean his attacks were from neutral as well as his ability to stop his opponents shots and put points on the board with go behinds and counter attacks - good footwork, very athletic and over the top in coachability was my take away. You can tell Kaden has spent time playing other sports and, in my opinion, this will likely play in his favor having lots of untapped potential along with a very solid fundamental base.”
Entering his junior season, Kaden was more than battle tested and by this point ranked among the top middle weights in Idaho and abroad. Throughout the regular season, Kaden continued his winning ways at local dual meets, statewide tournaments, and at the Rollie Lane Invitational reach the top of the podium for the first time. A month later, he added another District III and 3A state title to his resume, and along with his younger brother, Kyson (finalist), anchored Fruitland to its historical second state team title (three individual champions and record sixteen placers).
Historically, Fruitland High School has produced a significant number of individual state titles (42), state finals appearances (35), state medals (204), and prep level All-Americans in Jonathon Fagen and Kaden. Since 2007, Fruitland has won two team titles (2014/2024), produced twelve top four state finishes, and will be among the top teams this coming season.
A senior in 2025, Kaden enters this season in pursuit of a third individual state title, fourth medal overall, and the opportunity to lead his team to a top finish for the third time since his freshman season. An exceptional student at Fruitland (4.0 GPA), Kaden has recently committed to compete and pursue his education for the University of Providence in Great Falls, Montana. I wish him the best this season and the future years ahead. Follow your dreams and never look back!
“Learn to love the sport and it will take you places unimaginable.”
Kaden MacKenzie
This past week, I had the opportunity to talk to Kaden and his father Isaac (Head Coach and Vice Principal at Fruitland) about wrestling, academics, life, hobbies, and his goals moving forward. Below is my Q&A with Kaden, another exceptional student-athlete that represents the great state of Idaho. Enjoy!
Q&A INTERVIEW WITH KADEN MACKENZIE
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED IN THE SPORT OF WRESTLING?
KADEN – I started attending my dad’s high school wrestling practices, basically right after I was born. I started regular practices at Grizzly Wrestling Club at age 3, but did not wrestle in tournaments until I was 4. Although I debated quitting many times throughout the years, I have grown to love the sport.
WHO HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCE IN WRESTLING?
KADEN – I would have to say my dad Isaac MacKenzie has been my biggest influence in wrestling. He has pushed me past my limits, but has also been there for me when I needed it. I have had a lot of amazing coaches along the way in football, wrestling, and baseball. I would also like to credit coach Bubbs (Anthony Freeman), who coached me throughout the years. These are a few of my biggest influences in wrestling. I have been influenced by many and hope to continue to be influenced by others as well.
NOW THAT YOU’RE ENTERING YOUR SENIOR YEAR, WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR THE UPCOMING SEASON?
KADEN – I love my team more than anything, so I hope our team can
attain another state team title and contend for a Rollie Lane
team title. We took 2nd as a team at Rollie Lane last season, losing by a half point to Minico. As an individual, I hope to finish high on the podium at Reno TOC, as well as defend my Rollie Lane title. I also want to become a 3X State Champion to help my team attain their goals. Overall, I set all my individual goals to help the team achieve theirs.
HAVING HAD SOME GREAT SUCCESS AT THIS POINT IN YOUR CAREER,
DESCRIBE YOUR TRAINING ROUTINE AND YOUR OUTLOOK IN THE YEARS AHEAD.
KADEN – Although I have had success in the past years, I’m not
satisfied with where I’m at. I feel like my ceiling is high. I am currently playing football at the moment, so my training routine now consists of lifting in the morning, watching film, and then practicing after school. During the wrestling season, I will continue to lift, practice after school, and condition extra in the evenings and over the weekends. I will continue to learn and better myself as a wrestler and a person.
DESCRIBE YOUR ACADEMIC AND WRESTLING EXPERIENCE AT FRUITLAND HIGH SCHOOL.
KADEN – I have grown to love the sport of wrestling through my wrestling experience at Fruitland. We have a great culture that emphasizes team first and we make each other better every day in the room. Academically, I always strive to keep my grades up and help others around me. The teachers at Fruitland get to know the kids and build relationships with the students. Overall, I’ve had nothing but great academic experiences while at Fruitland.
WHAT ARE YOUR ACADEMIC GOALS ENTERING YOUR SENIOR SEASON AND BEYOND?
KADEN – My academic goals consist of keeping my 4.0 GPA and gaining college credits while doing so. I want to help my teammates keep their grades up, leaving the door open to college entrance and wrestling recruitment for them as well.
DO YOU HAVE AMBITIONS OF COMPETING IN COLLEGE OR INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION?
KADEN – I plan to attend the University of Providence in Great Falls, Montana. I feel this is the best fit for me because of the coaching staff and the team around them. I have goals collegiately, but I want to focus on my goals this year while I’m still in high school.
IS THERE AN OLYMPIAN, COLLEGIATE LEVEL WRESTLER, COACH OR
SOMEONE OUTSIDE OF THE SPORT OF WRESTLING THAT YOU WANT TO
ASPIRE TO BE SOMEDAY?
KADEN – Growing up I looked up to Jordan Burroughs. He always was doing the right things and tough things even when he didn’t feel like doing them. He is one of the hardest-working individuals in our sport and I’ve always wanted to emulate him growing up.
WHAT LIFE LESSONS HAVE YOU LEARNED IN WRESTLING THAT APPLIES IN YOUR DAY-TO-DAY LIFE?
KADEN – I have learned that self-talk is a big part of any type of success. Motivating yourself to do things that you don’t want to do is one of the hardest things to do in life for me. Wrestling has taught me discipline like no other and it carries over into my academics. Wrestling has taught me that the harder you work, eventually the harder things become easier. “Embrace The Grind.”
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A YOUNG WRESTLER WANTING TO BE
SUCCESSFUL IN THE SPORT OF WRESTLING OR IN LIFE?
KADEN – I would say try to have fun with wrestling. Don’t be worried so much about the result, enjoy the process and focus on improving. You should learn how to stay loose, but remain dedicated to what you want to accomplish. Learn to love the sport and it will take you places unimaginable.
OUTSIDE THE SPORT OF WRESTLING, WHAT OTHER GOALS DO YOU HAVE IN LIFE?
KADEN – I hope to become a successful human being and give back to the community that has supported me throughout my journey. I want to be a positive role model for young kids, especially those who may be going through adverse times. I want to graduate from college with a bachelor’s degree, start a successful career, and see where life takes me.
DO YOU HAVE A SAYING, MOTTO OR PHILOSOPHY THAT YOU LIVE BY?
KADEN – ”Do the right things even when nobody else is watching.” Doing things when no one is watching can be very tough, but I feel like if you can keep that consistency within yourself, then you are going to be very successful at whatever you do. Consistency is key to my lifestyle, without consistency, you can never attain the goals you set out to achieve.
ONCE YOU ARE DONE COMPETING, DO YOU HAVE PLANS TO STAY INVOLVED WITH WRESTLING? IF SO, HOW?
KADEN – I plan to coach at some point in my life. I don’t know where or when, but I know I won’t be able to stay out of wresting completely. Although my dad is a head coach, I don’t think I would ever want to be one. I would rather volunteer or be an assistant coach.
OUTSIDE THE SPORT OF WRESTLING, WHAT OTHER HOBBIES, SPORTS, AND FAMILY FUNCTIONS DO YOU ENJOY THE MOST?
KADEN – I enjoy snowboarding; however, finding time to get to the
mountains conflicts with wrestling season most of the time. I like almost anything outdoors, especially fishing. I’m glad that I’m back playing football with the boys this season. I also am very involved in FFA, going to nationals twice and getting 3rd in the nation as a team in Milk Quality and Products. Overall, I enjoy anything that includes my family, friends, and being outdoors.
ACADEMIC AND ATHLETIC PROFILE
SCHOOL: Fruitland High School (Division 4A)
CLUB: Grizzly Wrestling Club/Team Idaho
GRADE: 12th (Class of 2025)
PROJECTED WEIGHT: 157
COLLEGE CHOICE: Providence University (NAIA)
ACADEMIC ACCOLADES:
- 4.0 GPA (College prep courses)
- Honor Roll student
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES:
- Future Farmers of America (FFA), 2x National Qualifier.
- Football and Baseball (Fruitland H.S.)
WRESTLING ACCOLADES:
- Idaho 3A State Champion, ’24
- IHSAA 3A District III Champion, ’24
- Rollie Lane Invitational Champion, ’24
- Preseason Nationals Finalist/ALL-AMERICAN, ’23
- Idaho 3A State Champion, ’23
- IHSAA 3A District III Champion, ’23
- Idaho Folkstyle State Champion, ’22
- Idaho State Championships – 2nd Place, ’22
- IHSAA 3A District III Champion, ’22
- Idaho State 16U State Champion, ’21
- Idaho State 16U State Runner-up, ’21
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