Caleb Beckhart has been named Central Valley High School’s Male Golden Hawk Award winner for the class of 2026.

Beckhart received the honor in front of family, friends, teammates, coaches and classmates during the annual Senior Awards and Spring Sports Banquet in May at the Ricardo Campero Performing Arts Center.

“When they said my name, it was pretty surreal,” Beckhart stated. “I didn’t know I was going to get it. I was shocked.”

A point system taking into account athletic and academic achievement determined the winner.

Beckhart’s name will be displayed on a banner inside Central Valley’s gymnasium, along with Nicholas Dominguez (2025), Joey Zuniga (2024), Jayson Casias (2023), Ruben Valenzuela (2022), Isaiah Hidalgo (2021), Thomas Carrillo (2020), Ryan Palecek (2019), Estevan Barragan (2018), Oso Fregoso (2017), Moses Ghiorso (2016), Jaron Dickson (2015), Ja’Quan Gardner (2014), Abraham Navarro (2013), Daniel Ochoa (2012), Tyree Jones (2011), Vince Lopez (2010), Trevor Mew (2009) and Mike Tubera (2008).

“There’s only one person that gets it every year,” Beckhart said. “It’s based on everything you work towards all four years. It’s going to be cool coming back, looking up and seeing my name up there.”

Beckhart earned six varsity letters during his prep athletic career, including four in wrestling and two in water polo.

“I put lots of hours into my sports,” he said. “I practiced four to five hours a day for wrestling. I’m pretty satisfied with what I did and everything I accomplished.”

Beckhart will be remembered as one of Central Valley’s all-time greatest wrestlers.

He collected 108 wins.

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.

“It’s nice to be remembered for all the time I put in,” he 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.

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

“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.

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

Beckhart had a career record of 108-72.

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

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

“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 also 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.

“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.”

“He knows I’m always rooting for him and want the best for him,” coach Beckhart said. “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 lost my love for the sport,” he said. “Seeing my dad coach year after year, I missed it. I had to come back.”

Beckhart played water polo to stay in shape for wrestling.

“I ended up really enjoying it,” he said.

Beckhart had a breakout year during his final season with the Hawks.

He earned second-team, all-WAC honors.

He totaled four goals in a pair of victories versus crosstown-rival Ceres High.

The Hawks compiled a 4-10 record on their way to a sixth-place finish in the WAC standings.

Beckhart was also a member of Central Valley’s inaugural water polo team as a junior.

“Caleb played such a critical role on our team this season,” Hawks’ head coach Tyler Bolton said. “It seemed like every big play we had, Caleb was involved in some way.”

Beckhart had a cumulative grade-point average of 4.3 at Central Valley.

He took a total of nine Advanced Placement classes, including chemistry, statistics, literature, U.S. Government, psychology, U.S. History, pre-calculus, biology and European History.

“My parents supported me,” Beckhart said. “They kept me going. I definitely exceeded what I thought I’d do in academics. I decided to take harder classes because I was wanted to be challenged.”

Beckhart plans to continue his wrestling career and further his education at Modesto Junior College.

He’ll follow in his father’s footsteps and become a firefighter.

“I’ve always wanted to help people,” Caleb said.