Caleb Beckhart managed to develop into one of Central Valley High School’s most-accomplished male wrestlers despite being slowed by a host of injuries.

Beckhart collected 108 wins during his four-year varsity career.

He ranks third in career victories behind Adrian Vizcaino (class of 2014) and Ruben Valenzuela (class of 2022).

Vizcaino and Valenzuela accumulated 116 and 110 wins, respectively.

“I’m super proud of him,” said Rob Beckhart, Caleb’s father and coach. “To be able to be recognized for what he’s done is pretty cool. I don’t think he’s ever thought about that. It’s not why he’s doing it (wrestling).”

“It’s nice to be remembered for all the time I put in,” Caleb said. “Honestly, I didn’t know I had over 100 wins. I knew I had a lot of matches. I just went out there and wrestled.”

Beckhart enjoyed his best season to date while competing at 150 pounds during his final year with the Hawks.

“I wish I went further in the season,” Caleb said. “I’m a little disappointed.”

Beckhart fell one spot shy of qualifying for the Sac-Joaquin Section Masters Tournament after finishing in sixth place at the Division-IV Championships.

He compiled a 2-3 record.

Beckhart suffered a sternoclavicular sprain while wrestling for fifth place. He had to medical default from the tournament.

“He couldn’t get in a stance and tie up with the other kid,” Rob said. “He just fell to his knees. We knew something was wrong. The bone is actually sticking out. It doesn’t look good. I guess it will heal.”

“Some things are out of your control,” Caleb added. “Nothing you can do about that.”

Beckhart compiled a 38-12 overall record as a senior team captain.

He won four of six matches at the Pac Coast Wrestling Championships in Washington.

He beat two of three opponents en route to a runner-up finish at the Western Athletic Conference finals.

He brought home a second-place medal from Turlock’s Bulldog Classic.

He finished third at the Firebaugh Westside, fifth at the Apple Cider and sixth at the Ceres High tournaments.

Beckhart had a career record of 108-72.

“We knew he’d be a good wrestler for us,” coach Beckhart said. “He was relentless in his approach. He didn’t quit. He tried to get better.”

“Entering high school, I didn’t know much,” Caleb said. “Eventually, I saw improvement. I realized it’s not about the wins and losses. It’s about getting better. I started putting the team first. I made sure I had a good connection with my teammates.”

Beckhart made a name for himself in wrestling despite having his career impacted by multiple injuries.

He broke a wrist sophomore year.

He tore three ligaments in an ankle the offseason before junior year.

He tore muscles in his back leading up to senior year.

He sustained sternoclavicular and elbow injuries his final season.

“I’m proud of him for sticking it out,” Rob said. “He wrestled hurt all the time. That’s just him. He’s a tough kid. Not everybody is like that.

Beckhart’s teams at Central Valley also experienced success.

The Hawks (21-3) set a program record for dual wins in a season this year

Central Valley tied for first place atop the WAC dual standings (6-1) with Grace Davis.

The Hawks finished first at the conference finals for the second year in a row.

Central Valley qualified for Sac-Joaquin Section Team Championships.

The Hawks turned in one of their best performances to date with a second-place showing at the Division-IV Championships.

“It was pretty special,” Caleb said. “It all came from our connection. Everybody wrestled their hardest and best. I love all of my teammates. We always had a great time.” 

“Caleb’s been a huge part of what we’ve done the last few years,” coach Beckhart said. “He helped us get to a different level. We’re going to miss him.”

Rob coached Caleb for seven years, including four seasons at Central Valley and three at Whitmore Charter School.

The son of a coach, Caleb soaked up all the knowledge.

“It’s pretty special,” Caleb said. “It’s hard to put into words. I loved looking in my corner and seeing somebody that cared so much for me cheering for me. He’s the one that taught me humility. He taught me to never be boastful and always think about the team first. He’s my dad. He wants the best for me.”

“It’s been a great experience,” coach Beckhart said. “You have to separate being a dad from being a coach. It’s difficult to coach your own kids. There are a lot of expectations that come from being a coach’s kid. There are raw emotions after wins and losses. He (Caleb) made it easy for me. He knows I’m always rooting for him and want the best for him. I see him for who he is. He’s a great person. He’s my son. I love him.”

Beckhart started wrestling at the age of four.

After taking a lengthy break, Beckhart returned to the sport in middle school.

“I had to come back,” Caleb said. “I missed wrestling. I ended up loving it again.”