There are coaches who measure success by trophies. There are coaches who measure it by wins and losses. And then there are coaches who understand that the scoreboard is only a small part of the story.

For Fred Bartlett, wrestling has never simply been about what happens on the mat.

It is about relationships. It is about purpose. It is about giving young people something to believe in—and, perhaps most importantly, helping them discover who they can become.

Now in his 14th year as head coach at Buhl High School and having completed his fifth year as Team Leader and Women’s Director for Idaho USA Wrestling, Bartlett has become one of the most influential figures in Idaho wrestling. His résumé includes state champions, state placers, district championships, state tournament success, national All-Americans and national champions. But the numbers, impressive as they are, only tell part of the story.

Bartlett’s real legacy may ultimately be found in the people he has influenced.

“I used to say wrestling saved my life,” Bartlett said. “That’s not totally accurate. The relationships I’ve gained through the sport saved my life.”

That statement provides perhaps the clearest window into the coach, husband, father, community leader and mentor Bartlett has become—and into the philosophy that has guided his remarkable journey through wrestling.

A Wrestling Family

Bartlett’s connection to wrestling began when he was just five or six years old. His parents helped establish the Buhl Badgers wrestling program, introducing their son to a sport that would eventually become the foundation of his life.

Among his earliest memories is one that perfectly captures both the simplicity and character of those formative years.

His parents had the young wrestlers wear pink shirts to tournaments so they could find them more easily.

“This was before it was cool for boys to wear pink,” Bartlett recalled of the 1985-86 era. “We made it cool. We were the original ‘tough enough to wear pink’ crew.”

Behind the humor is a childhood immersed in wrestling and community—a foundation that would eventually lead Bartlett away from Buhl and onto the mat as a competitor at Meridian High School before bringing him home again as a coach.

Bartlett’s most influential mentor throughout that journey was his father, Kelly Bartlett.

“My dad,” Bartlett said simply when asked who had the greatest influence on his wrestling journey. “Not only impacted my wrestling journey, he’s impacted countless others. Love him or hate him, you can’t deny his impact on Idaho wrestling over the last 40 years.”

Kelly Bartlett’s influence is still visible every day in Buhl wrestling. A member of the Buhl High School Class of 1978, the elder Bartlett has spent more than four decades coaching and mentoring wrestlers, coaches, officials and parents. Fred describes him as the “Old Bull” of the program—a teacher whose influence extends far beyond technique.

“We’re all a byproduct of the Old Bull’s teaching,” Fred said. “He coaches the kids, the coaches, the refs and the parents. He can’t help it; it’s in his blood.”

For Fred Bartlett, wrestling was never something he merely participated in. It became part of his identity.

Bartlett the Wrestler

Before he became a coach, Bartlett was a successful Idaho high school wrestler in his own right.

Competing for Meridian High School, Bartlett established himself as one of Idaho’s top wrestlers of the 1990s. His high school career included four Idaho state tournament appearances and three state medals, highlighted by two state championships.

He placed fourth at the Idaho State Tournament at 125 pounds in 1996, followed that with a state championship in 1997, placed sixth at 140 pounds in 1998 and finished his high school career with another Idaho A-1 Division state championship at 140 pounds in 1999.

Those experiences gave Bartlett firsthand knowledge of what young wrestlers experience—the pressure, sacrifice, disappointment, preparation and exhilaration that accompany competitive wrestling.

But perhaps more importantly, they gave him an understanding that the lessons learned through wrestling extend well beyond competition.

“I think the greatest gift I have earned through wrestling is the ability to face adversity and continue to push forward,” Bartlett said. “We don’t give up easily.”

That philosophy would eventually become central to his coaching.

Coming Home With a Purpose

Bartlett’s path to becoming a coach was not simply a straight line from successful wrestler to successful coach.

Life presented challenges.

Bartlett openly acknowledges that there was a period when he lost sight of who he was, made poor choices and was not the person he wanted to be.

What changed his trajectory was returning to his hometown and reconnecting with wrestling.

He began helping high school athletes pursue their wrestling goals. Through those relationships, he rediscovered his purpose.

“I made poor choices and really wasn’t a great person,” Bartlett said. “But I moved back to my hometown, got back to my roots, started helping high school kids chase their wrestling goals.”

The transformation was about more than wrestling. Bartlett married the love of his life, became a father and began rebuilding his life around purpose, family, service and community.

“Living a life with purpose, living a good life, with meaning, takes work,” he said. “It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it.”

That philosophy has become embedded in the culture he has built at Buhl.

Building Buhl Wrestling

When Bartlett took over as head coach, Buhl wrestling was far from the program it would eventually become.

The results tell the story.

Buhl’s dual-meet record during Bartlett’s tenure stands at 242-88, a winning percentage of approximately 73 percent. The program has captured 11 consecutive district championships from 2016 through 2026.

The state tournament progression is equally striking.

Buhl finished 21st in 2014, 18th in 2015 and 16th in 2016. From there, the program steadily climbed—13th in 2017, 12th in 2018, ninth in 2019, sixth in 2020, second in 2021, fourth in 2022, third in 2023, second again in 2024, sixth in 2025 and sixth in 2026.

The program’s transformation has also been reflected in individual achievement.

During Bartlett’s tenure, Buhl has produced 21 individual Idaho state champions and 79 state placers.

Among the program’s recent standouts are Roxy Sheen, a three-time state champion from 2024 through 2026; Gabe Finley, a two-time champion in 2024 and 2025.

The 2026 state tournament added four more Buhl champions—Sheen, Raidyn Pugsley, Fabi Pierce and Porter Higley.

Yet Bartlett is quick to emphasize that those accomplishments are not the product of one person.

The Power of the Team

Bartlett believes one of Buhl’s greatest advantages is the character and commitment of its coaching staff.

“I believe we have one of the best groups of coaches in the state,” he said. “What makes these coaches special is their commitment to serve others.”

The common thread among the Buhl coaches is not simply wrestling knowledge. It is a shared commitment to the athletes and the community.

“One thing about our coaches is they were born and raised here,” Bartlett explained. “I think it makes a difference. We want kids to find individual success, sure, but the best interest of Buhl Wrestling as a whole is always on the mind.”

That philosophy is represented by coaches with different backgrounds and perspectives.

Jayce Bower, a member of Buhl’s Class of 2023, was one of the first wrestlers Bartlett coached as a young athlete through the club program. Now serving as a coach, Bower brings a perspective that allows him to relate directly to today’s wrestlers.

Bartlett describes him as a “big brother/mentor” whose recent experience as an athlete gives him a valuable connection with the current generation.

R.C. Sisson, Buhl’s Class of 2003, has known Bartlett for more than 30 years. That longstanding relationship has created a level of trust and shared understanding that Bartlett considers invaluable.

Sisson is viewed by the athletes as the “uncle” of the program—the person they can turn to for advice both on and off the mat.

And then there is the Old Bull himself.

Kelly Bartlett continues to serve as a mentor not only to the athletes but to the entire program. His experience, perspective and knowledge of Idaho wrestling provide a resource that Fred believes cannot be replicated.

Together, they represent something larger than a coaching staff. They represent generations of Buhl wrestling.

At the Forefront of Idaho Girls Wrestling

Bartlett’s influence extends well beyond the Buhl wrestling room.

For the past five years, he has served as Team Leader and Women’s Director for Idaho USA Wrestling, helping guide Idaho’s national-level women’s wrestling efforts during one of the most significant periods of growth in the sport’s history.

The timing has been extraordinary.

Girls wrestling in Idaho has experienced explosive growth, and Bartlett has had a front-row seat to that transformation.

“I’ve learned so much, made some great memories and even better friendships,” he said. “Having the opportunity to be a part of Girls Wrestling during this explosion of growth has been amazing.”

His role has taken him across the state, working with athletes, parents and coaches while helping create opportunities for young women to compete at increasingly higher levels.

But Bartlett doesn’t view himself as the architect of the movement.

Instead, he sees himself as one piece of a much larger effort.

“There are so many coaches across the state that have been instrumental in the success of Idaho Women’s Wrestling,” he said.

He specifically points to JB Plato, crediting him with helping secure IHSAA recognition of the girls division at the high school level.

Bartlett also emphasizes the importance of bringing Idaho’s college women wrestlers back into the program to work with younger athletes.

Those relationships create a bridge between generations—college athletes sharing knowledge with younger wrestlers who may eventually follow the same path.

For Bartlett, that is precisely how a wrestling culture grows.

A National Impact

The results of Idaho’s women’s wrestling movement are increasingly visible on the national stage.

From 2022 through 2026, Team Idaho’s women’s Fargo effort produced two national champions and 21 All-Americans.

Buhl wrestlers have played a significant role in that success.

Ali Svancara became a two-time Fargo All-American in 2025 and 2026, joining an elite group as only the eighth Idaho girls wrestler to earn multiple Fargo All-American honors.

Roxy Sheen became Buhl High School’s first Fargo All-American during her freshman season in 2024 and added a second All-American at the U15 Freestyle Nationals. 

Bowen Brunson also earned USA Wrestling Folkstyle All-American honors with a third-place finish at the 2023 USA Wrestling Folkstyle Nationals.

Those accomplishments illustrate the increasingly important relationship between Buhl’s local program and Idaho’s national-level women’s wrestling movement.

But Bartlett isn’t satisfied with what Idaho has accomplished.

He is thinking about what comes next.

“I’m Just a Placeholder”

Bartlett believes the future of Idaho women’s wrestling ultimately belongs to the women who are competing today.

“I tell the girls all the time that I’m just a placeholder, until one of them is ready to lead our girls to new heights,” he said.

His vision is not simply to produce more champions. It is to develop future coaches and leaders.

Bartlett wants today’s athletes to return to Idaho after their college careers and become mentors for the next generation.

“My hope is to see some of these great wrestlers that are in college come full circle and become coaches, inspire the next generations.”

He believes women must increasingly occupy leadership positions within the sport.

“I believe the future of Women’s Wrestling in Idaho will rely on women in leadership roles, coaching and mentoring our girls.”

That philosophy reflects Bartlett’s broader belief that wrestling is strongest when people give back to the sport that gave them so much.

The Lessons That Matter

Ask Bartlett about wrestling, and eventually the conversation returns to relationships.

He tells young wrestlers that wrestling is one of the fairest sports there is because effort and commitment matter.

“The kids that spend the most time and effort usually see the most success,” he said.

But he also cautions athletes not to become consumed by results.

“Don’t focus too much on results,” Bartlett advises. “The medals and trophies collect dust. Wins and losses are forgotten. Relationships you build through the sport last a lifetime.”

That may be the most revealing statement Bartlett makes about his coaching philosophy.

For a coach who has produced 21 state champions, 79 state placers, district championship teams, state championship contenders, Fargo All-Americans and national champions, it would be easy to focus on the résumé.

Bartlett instead focuses on the people.

“People forget about your wrestling abilities; they don’t forget how you make them feel.”

A Life Beyond the Mat

Bartlett’s commitment to service now extends beyond wrestling.

He recently became a member of the Buhl City Council, giving him another opportunity to serve the community he loves.

Outside of wrestling and community service, his priorities are remarkably simple.

He enjoys spending time with his wife, traveling and attending concerts. But his greatest motivation is his 11-year-old son.

“He’s the biggest reason that I do what I do,” Bartlett said. “I want to make him proud, and show him how to live a meaningful and happy life.”

That statement brings Bartlett’s story full circle.

The little boy who grew up wrestling in a pink shirt at tournaments, the Meridian state champion, the young man who faced adversity, the coach who returned home, the father, husband, community leader and mentor—all are connected by the same thread.

Purpose.

Going Far Together

Bartlett’s career has been built on persistence, adaptability and service.

His coaching honors include Idaho 3A Coach of the Year in 2019 and 2021, Idaho 4A Coach of the Year in 2025 and Idaho Girls Wrestling Coach of the Year in 2026.

But perhaps the most important measure of his impact is not found on an award plaque.

It is found in the young wrestlers who continue to compete, the former athletes who return to help, the coaches who work beside him, the parents who trust him with their children and the communities he continues to serve.

Bartlett understands that wrestling is ultimately bigger than the individual.

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together,” he says, borrowing an African proverb that perfectly captures his philosophy.

He also embraces another simple truth: “The rising tide lifts all boats.” – JFK

That is Fred Bartlett’s vision for Buhl wrestling.

It is his vision for Idaho women’s wrestling.

And perhaps it is the clearest explanation for why his influence has extended far beyond the walls of one wrestling room.

Bartlett isn’t simply building wrestlers.

He’s building relationships, developing leaders, strengthening communities and creating a culture that he hopes will continue long after he is no longer the one leading it.

For a coach who insists he is merely a “placeholder,” that may ultimately be his greatest accomplishment.

Photos courtesy of Fred Bartlett, Travis Gugelman, and IHSAA archives.

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