By Ken Hansard
Most any fan of wrestling in the state of Kansas is well aware of the success that Goddard High School has enjoyed over the past couple of decades. The Lions have at least 14 state championships dating back to 1999, and in several other years they finished runner-up – or at least in the top five. That kind of success tends to breed success. Goddard 113 pound senior Jayden Grijalva fully appreciates the culture that has been built and his opportunity to share in the Lions’ great history and tradition.
Grijalva has already been a part of one team state championship and owns an individual state championship in his own right. He has had the benefit of getting on the mat daily with numerous other wrestlers who have finished the year on the podium at state, and now he looks to pass that experience on to future generations, “I’m looking forward to mastering the techniques we are shown in the room and to getting better every day to prepare me for wrestling at the state tournament – and then later on, in college. As one of five seniors, I see myself as a leader, and I want the younger guys to be able to learn from me.”
Grijalva, like any other wrestler, has not always enjoyed an easy path. There have been challenges along the journey, “One specific challenge that I have run into was adapting to the Goddard style of wrestling. I transferred from another school, and the Goddard style is just so much more technical. Something else I’ve had to work to master is the mental side of wrestling. I decided to get closer with God, and doing so has helped me to gain confidence.”
Last season, Jayden ended his season with a 36-3 record and a 6A state title. So far this season, Grijalva has compiled a record of 36-6. He is one of six wrestlers who are ranked for Goddard, and with state approaching, the Lions are ranked number one overall in 5A. Jayden would obviously love nothing more than to finish out his high school career once again atop the podium at Hartman Arena, “I believe I’m in a great spot. I’m gaining confidence in my wrestling, trusting God’s plan, and competing well against most of my competition.”
When he is not on the mat for the Lions, Jayden carries a solid 3.5 G.P.A. in the classroom. He is currently in his final semester taking welding through WSU Tech and will finish the semester with all the welding certifications that come with the curriculum. After high school, Grijalva plans to wrestle collegiately and then take up a career in the welding field.
