SPOTLIGHT OF THE WEEK
By Gary Van Cleave
Special to Hugoton Hermes
Southwest Kansas say hey to one of the youngest All-Americans in America, and he’s one of your own.
Wrestling sensation Tallon Grubbs, an incoming Hugoton High freshman, etched his name in wrestling immortality this spring when he earned All-American honors as an eighth grader.
“Achieving middle school All-American status at the National Heartland Duals was an unforgettable milestone in my athletic career,” Grubbs said. “The sense of accomplishment was profound, a reward for countless hours of hard work, perseverance and dedication.”
“He has accomplished more stuff than most high schoolers ever will,” older brother Von Grubbs, incoming HHS junior, said.
A moment that stood still for a young man who dreams to wrestle someday at Oklahoma State.
“As my coach handed me the All-American plaque, the moment was surreal, his proud smile reflecting the immense pride I felt,” Grubbs continued. “The plaque was more than just an award, it was a symbol of my efforts, my resilience, my blood, my sweat and my tears put into every match. The cheers from my teammates and the applause from the audience added to the moment, creating an atmosphere filled with celebration and excitement. Standing there, plaque in hand, I felt an overwhelming mix of joy, pride and gratitude, knowing that this achievement was a significant step in my path as a wrestler.”
“Tallon walks on the mat believing he can beat anyone,” club coach Cody Hill said. “You can try to force kids to think that way, but you can tell who truly believes it. Tallon truly believes it and his aggression shows from the whistle. His opponent’s first step is backwards no matter who they are or what they have won.”
“I would say he has really grown in his wrestling these past two years more than anyone could have imagined,” Von said. “He just throws kids around like they weigh 90 pounds and it’s just crazy.”
“To achieve All-American status, dedication is essential,” Tallon said. “You must invest time and effort daily, pushing through challenges and staying committed. Hard work and perseverance are crucial, turning every sacrifice into progress toward reaching this accomplishment.”
It was one thing to win gold at Nationals. He went for the grand gold by registering pins in every match.
“Before each Nationals match, nerves would consume me, and my mind would be in the wrong place, filled with doubts and anxieties. I questioned my preparation and worried about the outcome, making it hard to stay calm,” Tallon said. “However, as soon as the match began, everything else faded away. The room seemed to go silent, and my focus sharpened.”
His laser-filled head and 175-pound frame had one thing on its mind.
“All distractions vanished, leaving only the drive and determination to succeed,” he said. “In those moments, my mind was clear and my goal was to pin every single kid. The thrill of competition and the clarity of purpose transformed my nervous energy into a powerful force, propelling me toward victory and I ended up pinning every kid including some State champs.”
He’s fashioned a 51-8 record this year in which he has 34 wins by pin, three techs, four majors and 10 by decision.
“Getting a pin in wrestling feels incredible, a proud accomplishment given its difficulty,” Tallon said. “Each opponent’s unique style of wrestling presents a new challenge, making a pin a testament to skill and adaptability. The moment the referee’s hand hits the mat, the rush of triumph is unbearable, validating all the hard work and strategy that led to that victory.”
“It’s just like it’s nothing to him anymore, he is so used to it,” Von said of his pin machine brother. “It’s as if it’s a regular thing to him.”
This winning thing on the National level is just starting.
“Well It makes me feel good, but I’m hoping of going back next year as a freshman and getting all American as a high schooler,” Tallon noted.
“I think getting All- American status before HS is very cool and a hefty accomplishment, but in HS I have bigger goals of getting different statuses including State champion,” Tallon said.
Tallon’s success on the mat is partly due to his beast mode presence in football. Last year, he had over 26 sacks as a defensive tackle for the middle school that went 14-0.
“Football and wrestling have both played crucial roles in developing my mental toughness,” Tallon said. “In football, the physical demands and strategic problems of the game have taught me resilience in the face of adversity. Whether it’s enduring hot practices or maintaining focus during intense competition, football has sharpened my ability to stay strong under pressure.”
He continued.
“Similarly, wrestling has reinforced mental toughness through its individual mindset and the need for quick decision-making and adaptability on the mat,” he lamented. “Both sports have taught me to fight through challenges, remain disciplined in training and cultivate a mindset that thrives on overcoming obstacles. Together, football and wrestling have shaped me into a stronger, more resilient athlete and individual.”
“Tallon has what many call ‘farm strength’, this means he is stronger than he looks,” Hill said. “That is saying a lot for a kid of his size and stature. That allows him to control opponents and his explosiveness as his weight class sets him apart from others. Another attribute that makes Tallon special is his motor. He never stops. If he is down on points or winning by eight, he never takes his foot off the petal. This breaks opponents and allows him to take advantage.”
Hill said Tallon’s leadership shows in practice.
“He will not allow his partner or others around to mess around,” Hill said. “Practice is a business to him and he does not waste time. I have seen him do another practice of football or track then come wrestle two hours and not complain or show tiredness. He asks how he can do better and in what areas to improve. Most kids his age are not as determined to be great, good is enough. But in wrestling you have to do more than the best to be great.”
Why is wrestling important to Tallon?
“Wrestling is important to me because it significantly enhances both my physical and mental health. The intense physical workouts keep me fit, build my strength and improves my endurance,” Tallon said. “Mentally, wrestling provides a constructive way out for stress and anxiety, teaching me discipline, resilience and focus.
“The challenges on the mat foster a sense of achievement and boost my confidence, while the relationship with teammates offers a strong support system. Altogether, wrestling not only keeps my body healthy but also sharpens my mind and strengthens my emotional well-being. Wrestling has helped me maintain a 4.0 GPA because it keeps my mind focused on not just the sport but more in classes and school work.”
“I’m very proud of my little brother even if I don’t show him,” Von said. “I try my best to push him, but he has done stuff I could only imagine doing myself.”
How does a kid from SW Kansas accomplish what he has?
“By putting in the hard work he has put in without any praise or recognition that some kids are looking for,” Von said. “He doesn’t care, he just grinds it out.”
“Becoming great in wrestling demands hard work, blood, sweat, time, commitment and relentless effort. Every practice involves pushing beyond my limits, enduring physical and mental challenges that test my well being,” Tallon said. “Though I’m not there yet, I train every day, striving to reach greatness. Each session is a step closer, each drop of sweat a reminder to my dedication. The journey is tough, but the pursuit of greatness keeps me motivated, fueling my determination to achieve my goals.”
