Freshman wrestler helps Van Buren extend state title streak, wins gold

It was a freshman season to remember for Van Buren wrestler Peyton Boston. He even believed it to be the case before he stepped onto the match for his first-ever varsity match.

Boston capped off that first year by capturing the Class 5A 126-pound weight class championship as part of the Arkansas State Wrestling Tournament held in mid-February at Little Rock. He opened that tremendous title run by getting a pinfall inside the opening minute to win his quarterfinal match. Then in the semifinals, Boston completely dominated to pick up a 16-0 technical fall win, pitting him in the championship round.

Against Searcy’s Jose Altuzar Aguilon, Boston turned in another top-notch performance, pinning his opponent in just 52 seconds to take home the gold.

“I mean it feels great,” Boston said. “I know I’m young and wrestling at 126 is a great weight class all around the state.”

One of the reasons Boston was able to do what he achieved in just his first season of varsity wrestling was his willingness to take on all comers and not backing down against his foes. But even with Boston’s bravado, there was still a great degree of pressure entering the state tournament. As a freshman, Boston was still being heavily counted on to help Van Buren continue its streak of winning team championships, with a fifth straight title at state, despite losing a tremendous group of seniors the year before.

Although Boston was the only Pointer to claim championship gold, it was still more than enough to help Van Buren win its fifth straight Class 5A crown, as the Pointers finished with 148 points, at least 10 more than runner-up Lake Hamilton. Four other Pointer wrestlers finished runner-up in their respective classes, while two others placed third.

“I couldn’t break the streak, the dynasty we have at Van Buren is surreal,” Boston said. “I had no doubt in my mind that we couldn’t do it five times. (One thing that really stood out about his freshman season was) the friendships I made on and off the mat. And my teammates are not just friends, we are brothers.”

Van Buren coach John Petree quickly realized the potential Boston brought to the table.

“Peyton is one of a kind, just a generational talent,” Petree said. “He makes you a better coach. He was voted team captain as a freshman, so he already has the team’s respect. He comes to practice ready to get himself and his teammates better every day. Couldn’t ask much more than that.”

And in turn, Boston gave a tremendous amount of credit to Petree for his role in the youngster’s development on the mat.

“He’s been a huge impact to my freshman year,” Boston said of his coach. “He never doubted me once this season and he helped my confidence a lot.”

His experience stems from a near lifelong obsession with wrestling, which he learned at a very early age.

“My dad asked if I wanted to play wrestling or tee ball when I was like 4,” Boston said. “I chose wrestling and fell in love with it ever since. I’ve also played football, basketball and track, but wrestling is the only sport I’m playing from here on out.”

Boston will spend this summer honing his craft even more with wrestling. Then once the summer ends, Boston will return to Van Buren with hopes of repeating, both for his team and for himself. Boston is looking to take a similar approach his sophomore season what helped bring him a state title as a freshman.

“I would say it’s all about just keeping the same mentality as I did this year,” Boston said.