Previous Tier One Entries:

Mack Mauger, Blackfoot
Aden Attao, Borah
Dedrick Navarro, Nampa
Tanner Frothinger, Eagle
Jaxton Packer, South Fremont
Hoyt Hvass, Lewiston
Hudson Rogers, Meridian
Boden Banta, South Fremont
Ivan Ivanov, Jr., Eagle

Our next 'Hidden Gems/Tier One' series spotlights Nate Gugelman II, an exceptional student-athlete from American Falls High School. This top Idaho middleweight, known for his early commitment to wrestling and impressive accolades, is set to continue his career at Utah Valley University. Nate exemplifies the series' focus on student-athletes with outstanding academic achievements, remarkable athletic success, and future leadership potential.

From the moment he stepped onto the mat at age five, Nate has proven his resilience by confronting every challenge without hesitation. His deep-seated love for wrestling has fueled his journey, leading him to become one of the top high school wrestlers in Idaho. Now in his senior year at American Falls, he continues his unrelenting work ethic to achieve his aspirations in wrestling, academics, and his personal life.

With an exceptional 131-3 career record, Nate is already one of the school's most decorated wrestlers. The senior is a three-time IHSAA district champion and has won major state tournaments like the Tiger-Grizz and Rollie Lane. As he vies for a fourth 4A state title, he is poised to challenge the school's wrestling record, a distinction held by V.J. Giulio from 2008–2011.

My Q&A interview with Nate quickly revealed that his passion for wrestling is matched by his dedication to leadership and academics. Nate's leadership roles include serving as class president in his freshman and sophomore years before becoming the student body president. His remarkable academic record includes an exceptional 4.3 GPA, which he earned while balancing a challenging regimen of college preparatory courses. On top of that, Nate has earned the school’s Academic Excellency Award three times.

In the words of American Falls' head coach, who is also Nate's father, “Nate is a kid that has a deep passion for the sport of wrestling. He wasn’t always the best kid in the room or the strongest, so he found a love for the hard work. He loves to learn from everyone he’s been coached by or trained with. He’s been blessed to have a huge support group that has got him to where he is today. Nate is a great kid with more drive and determination than most, so we are excited to watch him on his wrestling journey. He has one last go in American Falls then off to UVU. I know he will work his tail off to achieve his goals.”

Nate demonstrates a comprehensive commitment to wrestling, extending his focus well beyond the regular season. Guided by the principle that effort directly correlates with results, he fully engages in the rigorous process of succeeding on the mat. This dedication is evident in his off-season training and participation in Freestyle and Greco-Roman competitions throughout the state, regionally, and at the nationals. From his freshman season onward, Nate has consistently excelled on the national stage as a member of Team Idaho. Over the course of his career, he has had strong performances at events like the Cadet National Duals, where he was named All-Tournament, and the USAW Folkstyle Nationals, where he earned All-American honors. His state-level dominance is further highlighted by winning the Idaho Triple Crown three times, a rare accomplishment that signifies a state championship in Freestyle, Greco, and Folkstyle in the same season.

According to Chris Owens, the Director of Operations and Development Coach for Idaho USA Wrestling, “Nate Gugelman II has a good combination of speed, balance, flexibility and wrestling IQ allowing for him to wrestle thru most positions to a position of advantage. I think as he continues to grow and add strength these attributes will continue to be even a bigger advantage for him. Nate has shown a high love for wrestling, always willing to help a teammate, lead by example and has competed in many big events across the country.  Combined with having his dad as a coach, I think Nate is figuring out where wrestling fits into his life and will be able to continue to grow into a very strong college wrestler.  He is a great young man and it’s always a pleasure working with him and helping him chase his goals and dreams on the mat ! I think his best wrestling is still ahead of him.”

It is common for wrestling programs to be a family affair, with multiple siblings and family members participating together. For instance, some of the most famous dynasties in the sport are multi-generational families that include brothers, sisters, children, and grandchildren. This sentiment is echoed by my experience at Livermore High School in the early 1980s, where seven sets of brothers (Cazarez, Conover, Fontes, Nguyen, Peterson, Wong, and Ziegler brothers) wrestled simultaneously.

The Gugelman family exemplifies this deep involvement in wrestling. Nate, Sr. serves as the head coach at American Falls High School, with his wife, Lisa, leading the girl's program. In addition to their coaching roles, all five of their children (three boys and two girls) participate in the sport. This level of participation truly makes wrestling a family endeavor for the Gugelmans.

During our interview, it was a privilege to chronicle Nate's commendable journey. His impressive achievements are a testament to the strong ethical and moral framework instilled by his parents, grounded in values of family, faith, and dedication to excellence. With remarkable maturity, Nate is balancing a rigorous pursuit of a fourth state championship with maintaining a high GPA, all while preparing for his collegiate career. His consistent success in both academic and athletic arenas points toward a very promising future.

As Nate continues his journey, I wish him all the best for the current season and his future endeavors, hoping he finds great success in pursuing his dreams. Discover his wrestling skills, academic triumphs, and the historical statistics of American Falls, dating back to the 1960s, in this exclusive Q&A interview.

Q&A INTERVIEW WITH NATE GUGELMAN II

HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED IN THE SPORT OF WRESTLING?

NATE –  I got involved in the sport when I was 5 years old. My dad put me in wrestling and I fell in love with it from the start. I have always had a love for competition and was always excited to show up at tournaments and compete.

WHO HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCE IN WRESTLING?

NATE –  My biggest influence is my dad. He wrestled when he was in high school, and has been my coach since the beginning. Without his time, effort, and constant support I wouldn’t be where I am today. Having your dad as a coach is a different dynamic than most people have, and it's a dynamic I’ve grown to love. I am very grateful for him in my life, and in my corner.

WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR THE UPCOMING 2025-’26 SEASON?

NATE –  In the high school season I want to score as many points as possible, become a 4x State Champion, and be the hardest worker in the room. In the post season, I want to be the USAW National Champion and Fargo All-American.

HAVING HAD SOME GREAT SUCCESS AT THIS POINT IN YOUR CAREER, DESCRIBE YOUR TRAINING ROUTINE AND YOUR OUTLOOK FOR THE UPCOMING SEASON AND BEYOND.

NATE –  I lift every Monday -Thursday, with weekends as rest/recovery days that consist of light runs, ice baths, and visualization. I practice every day except Saturday and have been wrestling at the UVU RTC on Friday’s. I treat my diet as training as well - consistently keeping my diet clean so I am always ready to compete at a high level.

DESCRIBE YOUR ACADEMIC AND WRESTLING EXPERIENCE AT AMERICAN FALLS HIGH SCHOOL.

NATE –  I love AF. I have lived here since I was in fifth grade and have been very involved. In high school, I have maintained a 4.0 or better all three years, and this year I’m on pace to do the same. While maintaining my grades I was Freshman and Sophomore Class President, Student Body Vice President, and I’m currently the Student Body President. In terms of wrestling, I am a 3x District/State Champion, Rollie Lane Champ, Tiger-Grizz Champ, and have an overall record of 131-3. A large part of my success is due to the amazing coaching staff and partners I have. Our team has always been like a family; we go from wrestling live to watching NCAA’s in my living room. I couldn’t be more grateful for the partners, teammates, and friends I have met here in American Falls.

WHAT ARE YOUR ACADEMIC GOALS ENTERING YOUR SENIOR YEAR AT AMERICAN FALLS?

NATE –  I plan to graduate this year with a 4.2 or better. I am enrolled in many dual credit and AP classes and want to get A’s in all of them. Depending on how many electives I have, my GPA could be anywhere from a 4.2-4.6 so I focus more on making sure I get straight A’s.

WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE GOALS AT THE UTAH VALLEY UNIVERSITY?

NATE –  My goal is to be an NCAA All-American and National Champ. I have always set high goals for myself and I don’t plan to change that now. While wrestling, I have a goal to be an NCAA Academic All-American. Outside of wrestling, I will be pursuing a degree in electrical engineering and want to earn that degree as soon as possible.

IS THERE AN OLYMPIAN, COLLEGIATE-LEVEL WRESTLER, COACH, OR SOMEONE OUTSIDE OF THE SPORT OF WRESTLING THAT YOU WANT TO ASPIRE TO BE SOMEDAY?

NATE –  My role model is my dad. He is the first person to put others before himself. He is always willing to help others and has done so much for me, my family, and each of his athletes and friends. Not only has he raised me; he has coached me, mentored me, and truly is one of my best friends. I aspire to be as influential, hardworking, and god fearing as my dad.

WHAT LIFE LESSONS HAVE YOU LEARNED IN WRESTLING THAT APPLIES IN YOUR DAY-TO-DAY LIFE?

NATE –  Wrestling has taught me many life lessons; grit, resilience, mental toughness, tenacity, and consistency being a few. I find myself relating to wrestling in almost every aspect of life, and continue to learn more each day. One of the most prominent lessons I have learned is the ability to focus on getting 1% better each day - whether that be in wrestling, school, or another aspect of my life.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A YOUNG WRESTLER WANTING TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THE SPORT OF WRESTLING OR IN LIFE?

NATE –  FIND A WAY! This has been my motto for my whole life. When life gets hard, the people who see the most success are the ones who find a way to achieve their goals no matter the situation. I have seen many injuries throughout my career and had many setbacks, but I will always strive to find a way.

ONCE YOU ARE DONE COMPETING, DO YOU HAVE PLANS TO STAY INVOLVED WITH WRESTLING?

NATE –  I definitely plan to stay involved in the sport after I am done competing. I understand that life is unpredictable, but I would love to be a coach and influence the younger generation in a positive way.

OUTSIDE THE SPORT OF WRESTLING, WHAT OTHER HOBBIES, SPORTS, AND FAMILY FUNCTIONS DO YOU ENJOY THE MOST?

NATE –  Outside of wrestling I love to stay active outdoors. I enjoy hunting, fishing, hiking, swimming…pretty much any outdoor activity. My family has always been the same way, but I would say my favorite family activity is boating at family reunions.

IF PROVIDED THE OPPORTUNITY, WHAT WOULD YOU DO TO GROW WRESTLING AT THE GRASSROOTS AND PREP LEVELS?

NATE –   If given the opportunity, I would be a coach. I have seen and felt the way a coach can impact a person’s life and I want to impact people in the same way. I already coach the little kids and middleman school in American Falls and would love to continue coaching throughout my life.

NATE GUGELMAN’S ACADEMIC AND ATHLETIC PROFILE

SCHOOL: American Falls H.S.

GRADE: Senior (Class of 2026)

PROJECTED WEIGHT: 150

ACADEMIC ACCOLADES: 

• GPA: 4.3 (College Prep/Advanced Placement courses)
• Freshman/Sophomore Class President
• Student Body Vice President
• Current Student Body President
• Academic Excellency Award (3x)

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES:

• Community Service (Student council and church activities)

   

  WRESTLING ACCOLADES: 

• Career Record 131-3, 2023-‘25
• 3x 4A Idaho State Champion, 2023-‘25
• 3x IHSAA District Champion, 2023-‘25
• 3x Idaho HS State Triple Crown Champion (2x Cadets, 1x Junior), 2022-‘24
• Rollie Lane Champion/2x Finalist, 2023, ‘25
• Tiger-Grizz Invitational Champion, 2025
• USAW HS Folkstyle Nationals All American, 2023
• Cadet Duals All-Tournament Team – 15-1 record (7-1 Freestyle, 8-0 Greco), 2023
• 2x Idaho National Cadet Team, 2024-‘25
• 2x Idaho National Cadet Team, 2022-‘23

AMERICAN FALLS HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING HISTORY

1966 – 2025

4x STATE CHAMPION

V.J. Giulio, 2008-‘11

3x STATE CHAMPIONS

Nate Gugelman II, 2023, ‘24, 25

Kolter Burton, 2021, ‘22, ‘23

Grayson Williams, 2021, ‘22, ‘23

Boone Giulio, 2015, ‘16, ‘16

Kasey West, 2009, ‘10, ‘11

Paden Johnson, 2007, ‘08, ‘09

2x STATE CHAMPIONS

Mason Aiken, 2024, ‘25

Cooper Evans, 2019, ‘20

Wyatt Kearn, 2019, ‘20

Tate Grover, 2014, ‘16

Tyrell Harris, 2000, ‘01

James Evans, 1997, ‘98

Jason Williams, 1994, ‘95

Abe Boomer, 1993, ‘94

Justin Williams, 1990, ‘91

Dwight Glasscock, 1971, ‘72

1x STATE CHAMPIONS

Blaise Turner, 2025

Courtney Hunt, 2024

Effrain Mendel, 2013

Jullian Gallegos, 2013

Jake Sherburne, 2010

Isaac Gonzales, 2008

Chad Curry, 2008

Murdock Miller, 2007

Clint Call, 2006

Kody Laggis, 2006

Derek Smith, 2001 

Jymes O’Hara, 2001

Jimmy Wagstaff, 2001

Trevor Williams, 1999

Matt Schvaneveldt, 1992

4x STATE PLACERS

Mason Aiken (4, 2, 1, 1), 2022-‘25

Grason Williams (4, 1, 1, 1), 2020-‘23

Ryker Permann (5, 4, 4, 5), 2019-‘22

Boone Giulio (1, 1, 2, 1), 2015-‘18

Tate Grover (5, 1, 4, 1), 2013-‘16

V.J. Giulio (1, 1, 1, 1), 2008-‘11

Jake Sherburn (4, 4, 6, 1), 2007-‘10

Paden Johnson (3, 1, 1, 1), 2006-‘09

Kody Laggis (1, 5, 3, 2), 2006-‘09

Trevor Williams (4, 1, 5, 2), 1998-‘01

Justin Williams (2, 2, 1, 1), 1988-‘91

3x STATE PLACERS

Nate Gugelman II (1, 1, 1), 2023-‘25

Courtney Hunt (2, 1, 4), 2023-’25 (G)

Fabian Avalos (3, 4, 5), 2023-‘25

Allister Dillow (2, 3, 5), 2022-24 (G)

Jordan Kearn (2, 4, 4), 2022-’24 (G)

Kolter Burton (1, 1, 1), 2021-‘23

Cooper Evans (1, 1, 3), 1919-‘21

Wyatt Kearn (2, 1, 1), 2018-‘20

Dillinger Beck (3, 3, 4), 2014-‘16

Kasey West (1, 1, 1), 2009-‘11

Chad Curry (1, 6, 3), 2004-‘06

Clint Call (1, 3, 3), 2004-’06

Tyson Curry (2, 2, 4), 2002-‘04

Logan Lusk (2, 2, 2), 1999-‘01

Trevor Williams (2, 5, 1), 1999-‘01

Tyrell Harris (1, 1, 5), 1999-‘01

Jimmy Wagstaff (1, 6, 3), 1998-‘00

Jymes O’Harra (1, 5, 5), 1996-‘98

Jake Evans (4, 6, 6), 1993-‘95

Jason Williams (1, 1, 3), 1993-‘95

Matt Schvaneveldt (1, 4, 4), 1990-‘92

Travis Williams (2, 3, 3), 1987-‘89

Dwight Glasscock (1, 1, 4), 1970-‘72

2x STATE PLACERS

Wade Williams (2, 4), 2024-‘25

Evan Simms (4, 4), 2024-‘25

Chance Povey (2, 5), 2024-‘25

Blaise Turner (1, 3), 2024-‘25

Kinzie Williams (2, 3), 2024-’25 (G)

Isac Avalos (2, 3), 2020-‘21

Tanner Hansen (4, 5), 2020-‘21

Andrew Adkins (6, 6), 2020-‘21

Luis Cervantes (2, 5), 2015-‘16

Fernando Martinez (5, 6), 2015-‘16

Bo Hoenfield (5, 6), 2012-‘13 

Eddie Reyes (3, 6), 2011-‘12

Travis Wiliams (2, 5), 2010-‘11

Cade Peak (2, 6), 2009-‘10

Carlos Medel (2, 4), 2008-‘09

KC Qualis (2, 2), 2007-‘08

Murdock Miller (1, 2), 2006-‘07

Stetson Smith (4, 5), 2006-‘07

Josh Spanton (3, 2), 2003-‘04

Caleb Harris (3, 5), 2002-‘03

Derek Smith (1, 5), 2000-‘01

 Mike Aiken (4, 5), 2000-‘01

Abe Boomer (1, 1), 1993-‘94

Kent Kearn (2, 4), 1992-‘93

Jeff Dahlke (3, 3), 1990-‘91

Shane Lott (5, 5), 1990-‘91

Kevin Morgan (3, 5), 1971-‘72

1x STATE PLACERS

Salvador Ortiz (5), 2025

Alex Rosales (3), 2025 

Kai Christiansen (5), 2025

Zane Fabrizius (5), 2025

Titus Dillow (5), 2025

Francisco Burrola (3), 2024

Rafael Avalos (3), 2023

Jonathon Todd (5), 2023

Tanner Hartley (5), 2022 

Colby Permann (6), 2021

Jose Cervantes (4), 2019

Cameron Henesh (3), 2017

John Blair (6), 2017

Mason Chacon (4), 2015

Jeremy Glasscock (4), 2015

Tyler Rowberry (4), 2015

Tyson Burgemeister (4), 2013

Abraham Torres (4), 2013

Efferain Medel (1), 2013

Julian Gallegos (1), 2013

Diego Cerna (4), 2012

Micheal Palacios (2), 2012

Austin Hanney (3), 2010

Isaac Gonzales (1), 2008

Kyle Smith (3), 2008

Nate Bernard (4), 2007

Chance Wildin (6), 2007

Martin Gallegos (3), 2006

Chris Brown (6), 2006

Dillon Curry (4), 2003

Kyle Curry (4), 2002

Jason Bailey (4), 2001

T.J. Horton (4), 1997

Adam Boomer(2), 1996

Paul Haderlie (3), 1996

Luke Evans (3), 1996

Aaron Povey (6), 1996

Cody Evans (2), 1993

Devon Dahlke (4), 1993

Eric Hampsten (5), 1992

Andy Glasscock (5), 1992

Dwayne Korrell (5), 1990

Jeff Hunt (4), 1989

Russ Steele (3), 1986

Darren Dalke (4), 1986

Troy Braelton (3), 1982

Bill Curry (3), 1982

Tony Foote (3), 1977

Rex Curry (5), 1971

Dwight Glasscock (4), 1970

Wade Povey (4), 1969

Hank Boomer (4), 1967

Marshall Payne (4), 1966

IDAHO STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS (Top 4 team finishes)

2025 – 2^nd Place

2024 – 3^rd Place

2024 – 2^nd Place (Girls)

2023 – 4^th Place

2010 – STATE CHAMPIONS

2009 – STATE CHAMPIONS

2008 – STATE CHAMPIONS

2007 – 2^nd Place

2006 – STATE CHAMPIONS

2001 – STATE CHAMPIONS

1993 – 3^rd Place

HIGH SCHOOL ALL-AMERICANS

Nate Gugelman II

Blaise Turner

Kolter Burton

Ceasar Palacios

Wade Williams

Grayson Williams

COLLEGE ALL-AMERICANS

Wyatt Kearn (Western Wyoming CC), 8^th  Place ’21 (NJCAA)

V.J. Giulio (North Idaho College), 3^rd Place/National Champion, 2013-’14 (NJCAA)          

Abe Boomer (Western Montana), 3^rd Place ’96 (NAIA)