What happens when a nationally ranked program loses a head coach? Well, they go out and find the best possible candidate to take over the program.

Two years ago, Wade Discher left the Wasatch program after six great years at Wasatch High School. The school then hired Chris Blair to take over the program in 2003–2004 — but he is now gone. And now, the reigns have officially been turned over once again.

Ben VomBauer, who is a native of Tacoma, WA., has been chosen to lead the nationally ranked Wasps this season.

“I’m excited,” VomBauer said. “I really like the fact that wrestling is supported in this community and I liked the small town. It’s a place I want to raise my two boys.”

VomBauer interviewed last year for the head coaching position, but wasn’t hired, so he felt he needed to jump on the opportunity to coach this year when it was offered to him.

“It’s nice to enter a program that has tradition and support,” he said.

One would think a young coach such as VomBauer, who is only 24 years of age would be nervous, but that isn’t the case.

“I’m a very confident coach and I believe in my abilities,” VomBauer added. “I’m always constantly trying to improve and I will try to instill that in my wrestlers.”
VomBauer was a two-time All-American in college, wrestling one year at a community college before highlighting his talents at Boise State.

While at Boise State, VomBauer was a two-time collegiate champion for the Pac-10 Broncos. He also went undefeated throughout his high school career in Vancouver, WA. He has been wrestling since junior high, where he got started in the seventh grade.

“I’m very excited to be coaching at Wasatch,” said VomBauer. “I have met a lot of the wrestlers so far and I’m impressed by their character, their dedication and their abilities.”

VomBauer hopes to bring his love for the sport of wrestling to the program at Wasatch and would like to see his team go all the way.

“We’ll do very well this year,” he said. “From what I can see we lost a lot of seniors, but the younger wrestlers will fill in fine.”

While the Wasps lost wrestlers at 140, 152, 145, 171 and 189, younger grapplers are ready to step it up. Currently, freshman Jake Salazar, sophomore Casey Smith, junior Tyrel Sweat and seniors Cyler Sanderson and Dallin Norton, are all ranked nationally, while the team is ranked in the Top 8.

“I’m stepping into a program with lots of tradition and I’m excited to be here,” said VomBauer. “We have really enjoyed living in the valley and appreciate all the nice people we’ve met and the way we’ve been treated.”

VomBauer, who teaches U.S. History and Academic Support at the high school, has two young boys, William (4) and Vance (1). He is married to Kelli.

VomBauer will also have the help of Steve Sanderson, Dave McNaughton and Jason Watt, who have been assistant coaches for program over the years..