Wyoming Native and Rock Springs High School 17-Year-Old Wrestler Santiago Cruz Aims for State Championship After Falling Short Twice, Hopes to Inspire Future Wrestlers
December 13, 2026
This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on December 11, 2026
Santiago Cruz, a 17-year-old wrestler from Rock Springs High School, has become one of Wyoming’s most promising wrestling talents, and this year, he has one goal on his mind: winning a state championship.
Beyond personal achievement, Cruz hopes to inspire youths and leave a legacy for future wrestlers, including his younger brother.
Santiago says:
“My favorite thing about wrestling is what you learn through the sport and what you can take away from it. Wrestling has made me into a better person and continues to make me better every day.”
Cruz has faced hardship throughout his career, but each setback has fueled his determination.
As a freshman, he tore a UCL, ending his season early and delaying his dream of winning a state title at 113 lbs.
Undeterred, he returned stronger and earned accolades including 1× All-American, 3× Freestyle State Champion, 2× Folkstyle State Champion, and 1× Triple Crown State Champion.
He has also accumulated 65 career wins. Despite losing close matches in his sophomore and junior state tournaments, Cruz remains focused.
During the off-season, Santiago worked to improve both physically and mentally.
He gained 20 pounds of muscle, ate healthier, lifted daily, and helped teammates improve alongside him.
“I stay after every day to make sure I won’t come up short of my dream a third and final time,” he says.
Cruz’s goals extend beyond personal success. He wants to inspire youths and younger wrestlers in Rock Springs.
“My goal is to leave behind a path for incoming wrestlers and my little brother, hoping they will surpass me.”
the importance of hard work, perseverance, and embracing the small details that make a wrestler successful.
The wrestling culture in Rock Springs has helped shape Santiago’s mindset.
He states:
“Rock Springs is small, and we’re often looked down upon. We use that as motivation. Our team may be small, but every wrestler gives everything on the mat. We wrestle our all each and every time.”
Santiago’s began at age 10 at the WAWA State Championship, where he competed in folkstyle, freestyle, and Greco-Roman wrestling, winning all three and becoming a 3-style state champion.
Through junior high and high school, he overcame injuries—including broken collarbones and a UCL tear—but his commitment never wobbled.
Santiago Cruz is Also a Standout Football Player at Rock Springs High School
In addition to wrestling, , a senior at Rock Springs High School, has been a standout on the Tigers football team throughout his high school career.
Playing both sides of the ball as a cornerback, wide receiver, and running back, Santiago has combined athleticism with passion, making him a leader on and off the field.
Standing 5’6″ and weighing 140 pounds, Santiago’s dedication to football is reflected in his performance.
He has achieved All-State Honorable Mention as a cornerback and played a pivotal role in Rock Springs’ competitions, including winning a national Little League football championship in Las Vegas.
His measurable athleticism includes a 4.8-second 40-yard dash, a 4.3-second shuttle, and impressive strength metrics, including a 205-pound squat and 315-pound deadlift.
Off the field, Cruz maintains a 3.75 GPA and plans to pursue college studies in business or sports medicine, while still deciding whether to continue wrestling or play football.
He credits his family, coaches, and teammates for supporting him:
“I could have never done any of this without my mom and dad, my ‘second father’ Coach Young, my teammates, seniors, and Trainer Jami. Thank you all for your everlasting love and support.”
As Santiago Cruz enters his senior year, he is determined to achieve his dream and inspire youths along the way. With focus, dedication, and a mindset built on strength, the Rock Springs native is ready to leave his mark on the Wyoming sports community.
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Suruchi is a business management student with a strong passion for writing, particularly when it comes to sports. She loves creating articles and blogs that explore various aspects of the sports world. With a curious mind and a love for both academics and creativity, she constantly seeks to expand her knowledge and share her insights through her writing.
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