Bartlesville’s Joshua Vashus
By Elizabeth Contreras
For Joshua Vashus, a sophomore at Bartlesville High School, wrestling began as a pursuit of medals.
“I didn’t want to go to tournaments at first,” Vashus recalled. “But kids in my old club started coming back with medals and trophies, and that made me want to start going.”
He now wrestles for the joy it brings him, which he considers more fulfilling than any medal. What began as a quest for recognition quickly transformed into something deeper.
“Now I just wrestle because it’s fun, and that’s the reward,” he said. Competing, win or lose, is a thrill in itself. “I love wrestling. It’s fun either way,” Vashus explained.
A defining trait for Vashus is his firm refusal to quit.
“If I walk away knowing I didn’t finish and just gave up, it leaves a feeling of guilt I’d have to carry,” he said.
His determination and tenacious spirit are what drive him to overcome his toughest challenge, a lack of early experience.
“I’d say my biggest challenge as a wrestler would be lack of experience, and I’m still trying to overcome it,” Vashus shared. “The guys I’m chasing are light years ahead. They started young with resources I didn’t have until I moved to Oklahoma.”
To prepare for matches, Vashus uses breathing exercises, music, visualization, and hand-fighting to calm nerves. Music helps him stay relaxed and in rhythm, and mental rehearsal allows him to anticipate moves, sharpen reactions, and build confidence. His routine reflects his preparation of controlling what he can so that he can wrestle confidently regardless of the pressure.
His goal this year is to reach state, building on last year’s top eight finish at regionals. As a team, he hopes to achieve a winning record and inspire teammates to push for success. Outside of athletics, he wants to be remembered as a student and a person who continually pushed for more.
“I want to be known as a person with a growth mindset,” he shared. “I also want to be remembered as a good student, not just a wrestler but a kid who is smart, friendly, and makes the right choices.”
Behind Vashus’ drive and dedication is the steady influence of his father, who first influenced him to wrestling as a way to build discipline and work ethic. More than just a supporter, his dad has been a mentor, helping him set goals and develop the mental stamina needed to thrive.
“The most influential person for me would be my dad,” Vashus noted. “He has been the most supportive person and eager to see me succeed.”
With his father’s guidance, a love for the sport, and a mindset focused on growth, Vashus continues to chase excellence while embracing the joy found in the journey itself.
