Jarion Beets

Coach Jarion Beets of the Ponderosa Mustangs has had an outstanding year, celebrating seven finalists, four state champions, and a Bob Smith Most Outstanding Wrestler award winner. Now in his third year as head coach, his achievements include twenty 5A state finalists, twelve state champions, and three 5A team regional state championships.

Coach Beets has been a part of the Ponderosa wrestling program for ten years and has worked with clubs such as Mile High Wrestling Club, Phil Drill, Ponderosa Junior Wrestling Club, and Blackfox Wrestling Academy. Hailing from Cedar Falls, Iowa, Jarion was an assistant coach and an accomplished Division I athlete, earning the titles of All-American, team captain, Most Valuable Wrestler, and conference champion for the University of Northern Iowa Panthers.

His passion for wrestling was greatly influenced by coaches like Jason Aarhus, Tolly Thompson, and Doug Schwab. Although he started wrestling later in high school, he quickly developed a deep love for the sport. Recognizing how wrestling had transformed his life, he committed to coaching to help others experience the same opportunities.

At Ponderosa, Coach Beets has guided over 19 student-athletes to secure scholarships for the next level. A quote that has always resonated with him, shared by one of his mentors, is: "Great leaders don't set out to be a leader; they set out to make a difference. It's never about the role; it's about the goal."