The Hidden Gem, and all of our great wrestling coverage, is brought to you by Green Solutions Cleaning & Restoration. Visit their Facebook page for more information on their carpet cleaning and water damage restoration services. Support the local businesses that keep our coverage free!

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
Wallace Durfee, Declo
Zoey Fries, Kuna

The next wrestler in my HIDDEN GEMS series is Saxton Scott, a senior from Idaho Falls High School in southeast Idaho. Saxton enters the 2024-’25 season with an impressive list of accolades at the state, regional, and national levels. Furthermore, he is rated among the top lightweights in the Gem State (All divisions) and plans to continue his wrestling career at the collegiate level and more.  

The norm for a vast majority of Idaho wrestlers I have had the honor to write about is their early entry into the wrestling circle. As for Saxton, his entry commenced around the age of six when a childhood friend (Tate) encouraged him to attend a practice at the Bonneville Wrestling Club in Idaho Falls.

Saxton instantly gravitated to the complexities of wrestling and the challenges it offered him. Soon after giving wrestling a try, Saxton joined the East Idaho Elite (EIE) and within the first year of competition, he won a local kids tournament. From that moment on, he developed a strong passion for wrestling and was committed to take the sport to another level.

When it comes to top clubs in the state of Idaho, the EIE is among them. To date, the EIE has produced a combined 27 All-Americans from the Fargo Nationals, USAW Folkstyle Nationals in Iowa, and other respective national level competitions (e.g., NHSCA Nationals).  

Achieving success at an early age does not necessarily equate to meeting or exceeding the same at the prep, collegiate, and international levels. Case and point, adapting to each incremental level of competition not only requires continual physical growth and adaptation, but the mental fortitude to embrace the process as well as overcome obstacles, set-backs, and challenges that may arise on the way.

Regardless of his successes at the age group level, Saxton entered the prep ranks at Bonneville High School focused on a new set of goals and the difficult challenges ahead. Winning a state title as a freshman was at the top of his list. During his first season, Saxton wrestled well among the top tier in the state, but had his work cut out for him. By season’s end, he won the 4A District VI Championships followed by a strong third place finish at state, but fell short of his goal.

A year round wrestler from the beginning, Saxton wasted little time after state and got back to work at the EIE. In due course, he won state titles in the both the 16U Freestyle and Greco competitions. Furthermore, Saxton achieved more accolades by winning each style at the USAW Northwest and Western Regionals, respectively. On top of that, he earned his first prep-level All-American honor when he placed third at the USMC Folkstyle Nationals.

With a successful summer circuit of wrestling under his belt, Saxton entered the 2022-’23 season rated among the favorites to challenge for the state title. During the regular season, he fared well in duals and local competitions and by the post season was more than ready to challenge for the top spot at state. Winning districts for the second year in a row, Saxton cruised through the preliminary rounds at state to reach the championship finals against returning state champion and two-time Fargo All-American Gabriel Rosales of Mountain Home. Going up against Rosales was a large undertaking for Saxton, but one he met head on. In a highly contested match from start to finish, Saxton fell short of his goal and lost by the slim margin of 2-1 to finish runner-up.

Always moving forward, Saxton immediately got back to work at the EIE and within the first month after his state final’s loss, bounced back with titles in both styles at the 16U State Championships. He then followed with a strong performance at the USAW Folkstyle Nationals by reaching the finals in the 16U division in addition to winning the Junior title and two All-American honors overall. What’s more, Saxton earned an additional All-American honor at the U17 US Open in Freestyle and capped the summer circuit off by winning the 16U Greco division at the prestigious Fargo Nationals. As a result of his top tier performance (outscored his seven opponents 63 to their 1), Saxton received the Outstanding Wrestler (OW) award.  

“The sacrifices you make are worth it - I always bet on myself.” 

Saxton Scott

According to Chris Owens, the Director of Wrestling Operations for Idaho USA Wrestling, “Saxton Scott has made good improvements on his techniques and strategies in the past couple of years. He seems to have high goals for himself and aspires to be a college wrestler - he's been working hard at making the improvements needed to make this jump. It's been fun working with him in this process - I would say his biggest asset would be his passion for wrestling, big matches versus high level competition. In my opinion, he really enjoys doing battle in biggest matches and has developed an ability to learn from these experiences no matter the outcome. I think this will serve him well down the road.”  

Winning Fargo (aka, earning the Stop Sign), let alone the OW award is a significant achievement. In fact, Saxton is now part of a very small elite group of wrestlers to achieve a feat of this type. Despite all his past achievements, including Fargo, Saxton was not 100% satisfied and remained steadfast on earning the top spot at the Idaho State High School Championships.

Transferring to Idaho Falls High School at the beginning of his junior year, Saxton adjusted well to his new setting and during the regular season placed at a majority of competitions he entered. At the 4A District VI Championships, Saxton registered wins in four straight matches by either technical fall or pin to earn title number three. Leaving no doubt that he was more than ready to challenge for the top spot at state, Saxton outscored his preliminary competition 26 to 4 to reach the championship finals for the second year in a row.

In the final, Saxton faced sophomore standout Jaxson Freeman of Caldwell, a returning state finalist and recent champion at the tough Rollie Lane Invitational. As expected, the match did not disappoint from start to finish. In what was considered a contentious match in the latter half, finally ended in triple overtime with an escape point earned by Saxton in the final waning seconds for state title number one.

Not one to spend a lot of time celebrating, Saxton was back in the wrestling room at EIE preparing for the summer circuit ahead as well as his final prep season at Idaho Falls. In the course of a few months, Saxton earned additional medals in both Freestyle and Greco at the USAW Northwest Junior regionals and state.

In retrospect, all of Saxton’s hard work and commitment to excellence has paid off in dividends, but as he stated to me in our Q&A, “I am not done…I have so much more to achieve in my life.” This past week, I had the opportunity to discuss Saxton’s wrestling journey with Idaho Falls Head Coach Donevan Neider. He stated the following, “Saxton is wrestling this year with more confidence than I’ve ever seen in him before. I’m excited to see what this season and the future brings for him. I don’t believe any of us have seen Saxton‘s full potential yet. His future is bright and wide open. I am grateful that I’ve had an opportunity to coach and get to know him so well.”

In summary, Saxton 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 one state title and three medals overall, Saxton is in position to earn a second title, which would put him in company with Idaho Falls elite alumni Chris Owens (4x State Champion), three-time champs Mike Young (former Boise State Head Coach), Shane Hansen, and Luke Smith in addition to seven other two-time champions, which includes Kuna’s Head Coach Pat Owens (1994-’95).

From the very beginning, Saxton has met each and every challenge that has come his way. His love for wrestling is exemplified in his passion to excel, pursue challenging goals in addition to embracing the process of continuous improvement. According to Saxton’s mentor and coach at EIE, Brock Zollinger, “I have never coached anyone that loves wrestling as much as Saxton. He has the potential to compete at the highest levels, including the world.”

As of this article, Saxton is undecided on a college choice, but rest assured, he is focused on this season and the challenges ahead. If the actions of his past is any leading indicator of his future, I am confident that Saxton will remain steadfast in his lifetime pursuits, regardless of any obstacle(s) that may come his way. Often reflecting on the unfortunate loss of his childhood friend, Tate, who encouraged him to start wrestling at six years old, Saxton remains motivated by his memory. This past week, I interviewed Saxton about his journey in the sport of wrestling and life. We discussed wrestling, family, academics, hobbies, college, and goals moving forward. Below is my Q&A interview with Saxton and his academic and wrestling accolades. FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS!

Q&A INTERVIEW WITH SAXTON SCOTT

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

SAXTON – My friend Tate that has sadly past away.

WHO HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCE IN WRESTLING?

SAXTON – My coach, Brock Zollinger.

NOW THAT YOU’RE ENTERING YOUR SENIOR SEASON, WHAT ARE YOUR SHORT AND LONG-TERM GOALS AT IDAHO FALLS? 

SAXTON – My short term goal is to win another state title and long term to have all “As” in my classes.

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

SAXTON – I practice every day at East Idaho Elite. In the mornings, I either stretch or get a workout in. During wrestling season, I go from high school practice to East Idaho Elite, so I’m able to get two practices in.

DESCRIBE YOUR ACADEMIC AND WRESTLING EXPERIENCE AT IDAHO FALLS HIGH SCHOOL.

SAXTON – Super healthy, fun, and a great experience overall. The teachers are awesome and I haven’t had a bad experience thus far. I love what Idaho Falls has to offer.

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

SAXTON –  Have all “As” in my classes and to treat everyone kind.

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

SAXTON – I plan to compete in college and my dream is to be a world champion.

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

SAXTON – East Idaho Elite Coach Brock Zollinger.  

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

SAXTON – To work hard and to have patience.

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

SAXTON –  You have to love the process and love wrestling and be consistent.  

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

SAXTON – “The sacrifices you make are worth it…I always bet on myself.”

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

SAXTON – YES! I would love to give back to the sport. I plan to coach one day.

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

SAXTON – I enjoy wakeboarding and fishing with my family and friends. 

IF PROVIDED THE OPPORTUNITY, WHAT WOULD YOU DO TO GROW WRESTLING AT THE GRASSROOTS AND PREP LEVELS?

SAXTON – Create a pro wrestling competition, much like the UFC.

ACADEMIC AND ATHLETIC PROFILE

SCHOOL: Idaho Falls H.S. (5A Division)

GRADE: 12^th (Class of 2025)

WRESTLING CLUB: East Idaho Elite (EIE)/Team Idaho

PROJECTED WEIGHT: 132 (College – 133)

ACADEMIC ACCOLADES:

• Honors English
• 3.3 GPA

WRESTLING ACCOLADES:

• Idaho Junior State – 2^nd Place (FS) ’24
• Idaho Junior State – 2^nd Place (GR) ’24
• USAW Northwest Junior Regionals – 2^nd Place (FS) ’24
• USAW Northwest Junior Regionals – 2^nd Place (GR) ’24
• Idaho 4A State Champion ’24
• IHSAA 4A District VI Champion ’24
• US Open U17 Freestyle Nationals/ALL-AMERICAN ’23
• Idaho 16U State Champion (FS) ’23
• Idaho 16U State Champion (GR) ’23
• 16U Fargo National Champion (GR)/ALL-AMERICAN (OW) ’23
• USAW Junior Folkstyle National Champion/ALL-AMERICAN ’23
• USAW 16U Folkstyle Nationals – 2^nd Place/ALL-AMERICAN ’23
• Idaho 4A State Championships – 2^nd Place ’23
• IHSAA 4A District VI Champion ’23
• USMC Folkstyle 16U Nationals – 3^rd Place/ALL-AMERICAN ’22
• Idaho 16U State Champion (FS) ’22
• Idaho 16U State Champion (GR) ’22
• USAW 16U Northwest Regional Champion (FS) ’22
• USAW 16U Northwest Regional Champion (GR) ’22
• USAW 16U Western Regional Champion (FS) ’22
• USAW 16U Western Regional Champion (GR) ’22
• Idaho 4A State Championships – 3^rd Place ’22
• IHSAA 4A District VI Champion ’22