Washington Junior National Team Coach Anthony Zuniga Reflects on Fargo, Team Culture, and the Future of Washington Wrestling

Anthony Zuniga is no stranger to those who frequent the corner of Team Washington over the last few years. He is always there, regardless of whether he is working with an All-American or with an athlete competing in his first Fargo tournament, filled with the same enthusiasm and help. Zuniga recently returned from yet another successful showing in the U.S. Junior & 16U Nationals in Fargo, North Dakota.

Kade West's Development Built Through Consistency

Kade West, a heavyweight double All-American, has turned into one of the most successful wrestlers of Washington, yet, as Zuniga claims, it took him a few years to get there. Having started off with Ascend Wrestling Club, he transferred to Kulshan Wrestling Club where he got the opportunity to train together with such outstanding athletes of Washington as Mason Phillips and Dominic Damon.

Being acquainted with Kade for years now, Zuniga was able to observe his development personally. "I've been able to watch Kade grow over the years," Zuniga said. "He's had a great room and great practice partners for the last four years. He's been with the same team dynamic, which has really helped him develop."

This consistent environment helped Kade improve as a wrestler through training with the best wrestlers of Washington, among them Odin Schwabenbauer, along with chances to train with Anthony Nava, a three-time state champion of Toppenish. "He's active five to six days a week, goes to camps, and has great coaching around him," Zuniga said.

Washington's Heavyweight Tradition

Washington has been putting out nationally ranked heavyweights for the past 10 years. From Gage Cook, Connor Aney, and Braxton Mikesell now to Kade West, Washington wrestlers have kept the state name alive on the national stage.

As far as Zuniga is concerned, it all boils down to the training atmosphere. "It normally starts with your team," he said. "Having a good team, good coaches, and good training are what make you successful." It is through consistent training along with quality practice opponents and coaches that Washington has kept producing nationally ranked heavyweights.

Coaching Through Every Level

Zuniga has coached athletes starting from Schoolboy and Cadet level all the way up to the Juniors. "I kind of followed my kids all the way up," he stated. "We have had the same team for many years."

The biggest challenge comes when an athlete enters his senior year. "Most of those kids are already committed to colleges," Zuniga said. "It can sometimes be difficult to make them commit to Fargo or Junior Duals since they are already focusing on their next step."

The most important thing, he says, is building the relationship well before athletes reach that stage. "I have always tried to create good relationships with the kids and with their parents," Zuniga explained. "When they know what to expect from me and know that I am here for them, it makes a huge difference." Connection plays a major role for Zuniga — to the parents and coaches he is Zuniga, but to the athletes he is "Sunner."

The Fargo Experience

Another way Zuniga stands out is his presence everywhere, regardless of an athlete's seed, ranking, or experience. "I enjoy working with the elite young men," he said. "I also enjoy coaching the other guys that are just grinding out here."

For first-timers, his philosophy doesn't change much. "You have to wrestle these tournaments," Zuniga said. "Fargo is the biggest tournament in the country. It could be the number one kid in Washington, or it could be your chance, but you're here for a reason." He believes every match offers a valuable learning experience for wrestlers. "You'll see your improvements in your wrestling from these tournaments."

Greco Success Highlights Team Chemistry

Although Washington named only one Junior Freestyle All-American, the state maintained its reputation as a top Greco-Roman wrestling team, with five juniors reaching the podium. "We've always been considered a Greco state," Zuniga said.

Even after the boys struggled in the freestyle competition, the coaches worked to boost morale ahead of the Greco tournament. "We let them know that the tournament is not over," he added. "We had four or five guys who were just one or two bouts away from becoming All-Americans in freestyle."

More than anything, the boys leaned on each other. "These boys have been through so much together," Zuniga explained. "They support each other and so do our coaches; this motivates them." Watching five of them earn All-American status was a highlight. "I was very proud of them. These guys worked so hard."

Looking Ahead

With another Fargo classic in the books, Zuniga's main message isn't about medal counts. His biggest takeaway is what it takes to compete with the nation's best. "My biggest takeaway from this year is just seeing what it takes to be one of the best," he explained. "We always take notes on what the other successful programs do, and see what we can do to keep improving here in Washington."

With another graduating senior class moving on, Zuniga reflected on one more ride with his team. "It's wild knowing this is their last ride," he said. Still, he remains confident in the program's future. "As long as everybody in the state, from the west side to the east side, keeps working together, I feel like we're only going to continue to succeed."

With Anthony Zuniga as a coach, it's clear that Fargo is about more than medals — it's about relationship-building, athlete development, and the continuous improvement of Washington wrestling.