Rural Retreat High School Wrestling

04/12/2026

04/10/2026

Congratulations to our college commit! Justin Walker will be continuing his academic and wrestling career at Shenandoah University!

04/03/2026

The 2025-26 year was sweet for Rural Retreat Indians (Wythe County) and bittersweet for Grundy, which came into the Class 1 state tournament with eight straight titles, but facing consolidation with two other Buchanan County schools.

The Indians, long frustrated by the Golden Wave, scored a memorable victory over their legendary rivals, bringing their total over the last 12 years to five championships.

A major role in this triumph was played by our Class 1 Student-Athlete of the Year, Caleb Gibson.

Caleb has developed his skills over many years in youth wrestling and freestyle adventures out of state (Fargo).

Result: an overall high school record of about 133 wins and 5 losses on the way to four Class 1 state championships, at 106, 113, 120, and 126 pounds. He could finally savor a team title as well in his last year.

This focused and successful young man currently has a 4.1 GPA average and is eyeing a career as a chiropractor.

After school, he serves his wrestling community by coaching youth wrestling. He gives full credit to third-year head coach Cade Rouse, a Rural Retreat alum and outstanding athlete himself.

In his freshman year, Caleb was coached by Virginia Chapter Hall-of-Famer Rick Boyd, who produced four consecutive state champion teams in 2014, ’15, ’16, and ’17.

Caleb’s family--mother Sheena, father Brian, brother Gradyn, and sister Cora-- give him the support that all champions need.
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All are welcome and encouraged to join us to say thank you at the 2026 Awards Ceremony to honor Caleb and all the inductees at the Virginia Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame 2026 Awards Ceremony on Saturday, April 11th in Glen Allen, VA.

Tickets: https://nwhofva.ticketspice.com/2026-virginia-chapter-nwhof-ceremony

Rural Retreat High School Wrestling Rural Retreat High School Wythe County Public Schools Wythe County VA SwvaSun

04/02/2026

At the March 24, 2026, meeting, the Wythe County Board of Supervisors adopted Resolution 2026-04 honoring the Rural Retreat High School Wrestling Team for winning the 2025–2026 VHSL Class 1 State Championship.

The team secured the state title on February 21 at the Salem Civic Center with a total of 216 points, marking the program’s fifth state championship.

The resolution also recognizes individual state champions:

• Caleb Gibson (126 lbs) – 4-time state champion
• Chaz Penwright (157 lbs) – 2-time state champion
• Justin Walker (138 lbs) – 1st state title

Additional recognition was given to state runner-up Gradyn Gibson and multiple state-placing wrestlers whose contributions helped secure the championship.

Wythe County commends the team, coaches, and supporters for their dedication, discipline, and commitment to excellence. The resolution was adopted unanimously.

03/30/2026

This one’s special. Hard work, consistency, and doing things the right way every day—on the mat and in the classroom. Couldn’t happen to a better kid. Well deserved.

03/26/2026

Be sure to tune in to Kool 95.3 FM this evening at 6pm! Hear from our seniors speak on their experience with the Rural Retreat Wrestling program, as well as their state championship run this year. Thank you to WXBX WYVE WLOY Local Radio for hosting us.

03/22/2026

Two of our own competed along with the New River Wrestling Club down in North Carolina this weekend. Shout out to Houston and Mason for getting some quality competition at the 2026 St. Stephen’s Freestyle Open tournament yesterday! Thanks to Coach Coman for getting these boys right 💪🏻🥇

03/19/2026

Still feels unreal. 2026 VHSL 1A STATE CHAMPS 🏆

Congratulations to our Class 1A VHSL All-State Wrestling Team

First Team All-State 🥇
126- Caleb Gibson
138- Justin Walker
157- Chaz Penwright

Second Team All-State 🥈
132- Gradyn Gibson

Third Team All-State 🥉
106- Astan Badziev
120- Gabe Crewey
175- Ian Bear