The Caution Stalling Podcast

Billie Bonwell, one of Nevada's first 4-time State Champions, joins The Caution Stalling Podcast today. Billie brings one of the most unique stories in Nevada wrestling. While many see an aggressive competitor on the mat, Billie simply loves to compete. Often quiet and reserved, she opens up on the podcast and gives listeners a look at the person behind the wrestler—proving there's much more to her than meets the eye. Billie's journey didn't begin in wrestling. She started in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and initially had no interest in joining the wrestling circuit. Over time, though, that mindset changed. She credits her freshman-year state championship run with helping her realize she had the potential to become much more than just another good wrestler. Throughout high school, Billie faced several eye-opening moments that shaped her career. Rather than letting setbacks define her, she used every challenge as fuel, learning what it meant to be the hunted instead of the hunter. Every loss became motivation to chase her next goal: wrestling in college. That journey wasn't without adversity. Being hundreds of miles away from her support system tested her mentally and emotionally, but Billie persevered through it all. In the end, she accomplished the ultimate goal—becoming a National Champion at the collegiate level. Don't miss this conversation with one of Nevada wrestling's all-time greats.

Daniel and Hocker come together to discuss the brackets! Also, the girls have a surprise addition to match the boys!

The 32 men and women wrestlers for the brackets have been released. Daniel and Zach reveal the wrestlers who made it and shoutout some of those who just missed out. Next, the seed reveals!

Sabino, a catcher from the Las Vegas valley who was in need of a fresh start, switched schools to strengthen his vision for his dream. In hindsight, the decision became the blessing he needed and now, Sabino is a collegiate catcher! Sabino, a young man who trained baseball with his uncle tirelessly, did even know there was a world passed the foul lines in baseball. Baseball was all he knew, it was all he did! Training to be like his cousin, was the normal for young Sabino. Some may remember the frequent visits to the ice cream truck that circled the park, some may even recall Sabino's love for snack time...depends on who you ask but one thing was for certain, between the lines Sabino found purpose. In high school Sabino was struggling on the student side his freshman year. That led to not many times between the lines. His sophomore year showed a different face, a switch of scenery. While Sabino opted to transfer, he made sure he did it with purpose, switching to a magnet school to be apart of a magnet program. While attending Eldorado, Sabino found his stride both in the classroom and on the field. Sabino became a 2x All Conference Catcher, 2x All State Catcher and recreated his GPA to graduate with over a 3.0. While his on the field feats are impressive, the GPA rebuild was his most impressive accomplishment. Bino, a young man who needed a second chance, cashed it in when he got it! How does the saying go? Sometimes all we need is a second chance. Sabino understood what was on the line and decided he would live the way collegiate athletes live. And we got a LIVE Commitment!!!!

Adrian begins Season 3 'Black and White' for the Caution Stalling Podcast. As a college commit to CIU, Adrian brings his story of playing at a non baseball high school in Las Vegas to the podcast. Daniel and Adrian both relate by coming from North Las Vegas schools known for other sports than baseball. Adrian, a hyper young man who shows a ton of character on the field, discusses the fun and joy he gets from those interactions. Sometimes, he is misunderstood and he just is very competitive. Adrian is extremely outgoing and has made many friends in baseball. He even takes it as a compliment when players from strong schools recognize him although he plays at lesser baseball talented high school. Adrian also dives into his college commitment. Adrian discussed some of the opportunities he had and what ultimately made him choose CIU. He discusses how his process went and educates Daniel and the podcast for any of those that may have similar opportunities. Adrian is excited to be a two-way player but he knows, pitching has his heart!

Abe “The Hammer” Coronado joins the Caution Stalling Podcast, giving the show an opportunity to show some much-deserved love to Northern Nevada. With most previous guests coming from Southern Nevada, there was no better person to help bridge that gap than one of Northern Nevada’s brightest wrestling stars. Abe is a young man who moves with purpose. He enjoys solving puzzles, thinking through challenges, and playing strategy-based games—traits that have become a major part of his success on the wrestling mat. Every great wrestler has something that separates them from the pack, and for Abe, it’s his ability to think ahead and approach competition like a mental chess match. He is a true strategist whose wrestling IQ is just as dangerous as his physical skills. During the conversation, Daniel and Abe dive into the ever-popular pound-for-pound debate. Abe has no problem making the case for himself as the best, and honestly, what elite competitor wouldn't? The discussion also takes an interesting turn when Abe shares his plans for life after wrestling. While many athletes dream of continuing to compete beyond college, Abe reveals that once his collegiate career is over, he's finished with the sport. It's a unique and refreshing perspective that offers insight into how he views wrestling, competition, and the next chapter of his life.

Arturo, a Las Vegas native and former Eldorado High School standout, joins the podcast with Daniel to reflect on his baseball journey—a path filled with success, adversity, and ultimately betting on himself. From the moment Arturo stepped into the program at Eldorado, he became a focal point of the team. Between his freshman and senior years, he consistently performed at a high level and experienced the kind of success many athletes dream about. Arturo earned All-Conference honors, was named Eldorado’s Male Athlete of the Year, and received over 20 college offers. Eventually, he chose Chestnut Hill College in Pennsylvania. But for the first time in his baseball career, things became difficult. College brought challenges Arturo had never truly faced before. Being far from his family weighed heavily on him mentally, and it began affecting his performance on the field. Sitting third on the depth chart only added to the frustration. For someone used to success, adversity hit hard. After reflecting on what he wanted for himself and his future, Arturo decided he needed a fresh start. He transferred to California Miramar University, believing it was the right opportunity to rebuild his confidence and rediscover his love for the game. And he did. Through growth, maturity, and learning how to handle difficult circumstances, Arturo regained belief in himself. After two years, he made another bold decision—to leave college baseball behind and chase his dream of playing professional baseball in Mexico. Arturo recently completed his first season playing in Mexico. While the journey was far from perfect, it reflected something deeper: resilience. The willingness to keep fighting, adapting, and refusing to quit. His story is a reminder that challenges don’t have to define the ending. There is always another route, another opportunity, another answer—if you are willing to keep searching for it.

Cole Faircloth, an Minot State University commit, joins the podcast with a story that proves there is far more to him than meets the eye. Cole is the definition of someone willing to pay whatever price greatness demanded. A young man who separated himself from normalcy in pursuit of purpose. A two-time State Champion and four-time State finalist, Cole built an impressive athletic career through relentless dedication. But more than the accolades, Cole became known for his relentless mentality. While many watched him build that mindset brick by brick, not everyone understood it—or liked it. For Cole, wrestling was deeply personal. There were no excuses, no one else to blame. Just him. That mentality became his version of “Mamba Mentality”—the pursuit of perfection, even knowing perfection doesn’t truly exist. Cole opens up about one of the toughest conversations in wrestling: weight cutting. He speaks honestly about some of the poor decisions he made, the consequences that followed, and the lessons those experiences taught him. At the same time, he reflects on how overcoming those obstacles deepened his love for the sport and strengthened his discipline. Now, with maturity and experience, Cole understands the importance of doing things the right way. It’s not an easy subject to talk about, but it’s a necessary one for the wrestling community. Cole’s willingness to speak openly about those experiences may help younger athletes avoid the same mistakes and better understand the balance between discipline and health. And for that, his story carries weight far beyond wrestling.

Ky, an accomplished dual-sport athlete, walks us through his journey as a faith-driven competitor. A three-time State runner-up at heavyweight and a varsity offensive lineman, you might expect an aggressive personality—but Ky is the opposite. While his presence is big, his heart is even bigger. He prides himself on kindness, humility, and living through his faith, saving his aggression strictly for competition. Ky shares how his love for wrestling wasn’t immediate—it was built. Early on, he wanted to quit, but his father stepped in with a simple standard: you don’t quit what you start. Through that, wrestling became more than a sport. It became a bond between father and son—one that shaped Ky into who he is today. Along the way, he learned a powerful truth: once you’ve endured wrestling, everything else in life feels manageable. The podcast also touches on an emotional and meaningful moment from his senior year banquet. After the passing of his father, Kelly Brinkeroff, light was still found in honoring his legacy. An award representing excellence and character was created—one that Ky now helps present each year. Additionally, the Las Vegas High School wrestling room was renamed the K. Brinkeroff Wrestling Room , a lasting tribute to both Ky and his father. Ky is still navigating life after loss, leaning heavily on his faith to guide him forward. His next step after graduation is to serve a two-year mission, spreading the word of Jesus Christ. After that, he plans to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a firefighter. Ky may not claim to have everything figured out, but one thing is clear—he brings light, purpose, and strength to everything he’s a part of.

A wrestler for Cheyenne High School, Walter’s story is one of adversity—one that was headed toward something special before everything took an unexpected turn during his senior year. Walter didn’t grow up in wrestling. He found it almost by accident, sparked by interest from a school assembly. At first, it wasn’t love—it was hard, uncomfortable, and nearly pushed him to quit. But his coach saw something in him and didn’t give him an easy way out. Looking back now, that moment changed everything. Once it clicked, Walter committed. He dedicated himself year-round, pouring time and energy into becoming the best version of himself. After a heartbreaking loss in the blood round at State his junior year, he made a promise—to never feel that moment again. That loss didn’t break him; it sharpened him. His senior year was supposed to be the payoff. And in many ways, it was—Walter began to see the results of his work, finding success and building momentum. But just as things were lining up, his season—and his path—was disrupted by circumstances outside of competition. He didn’t get the chance to finish it the way he envisioned. He didn’t get to compete for a State title. But that’s not where his story ends. Through it all, Walter discovered something bigger than wins and losses—he found his purpose. Wrestling became more than a sport; it became his future. His goal now is to continue competing at the collegiate level and keep building on everything he’s learned. Walter’s story isn’t defined by what was taken from him—it’s defined by how he responded. Resilient. Driven. Unfinished. A true product of the Battle Born state.

An Missouri Valley College commit, Madison opens up about her beginnings in wrestling, the path that shaped her career, and the family dynamic that made the sport such a central part of her life. While wrestling has surrounded her with teammates, coaches, and constant competition, Madison shares that she has always carried a bit of a lone-wolf mentality. It’s part of what has helped shape her identity as both a person and a competitor. Wrestling, she explains, was her family’s sport—and she was the second sibling to take it on. But by staying with it the longest, Madison helped pave the way for her younger siblings to follow. In many ways, she helped build the standard. The podcast also gives us a glimpse into the competitiveness that runs through her family, especially with her sister. Whether it was wrestling for the bigger room or doing push-up challenges to earn the better seat on an airplane, competition didn’t stop when practice ended. But beyond the rivalry, there’s admiration. Madison talks about how rewarding it is to watch her younger sister continue doing what she loves—wrestling—and how much pride she takes in seeing her siblings chase their own goals. She also takes us through her recruiting process, narrowing her decision down to two schools before ultimately signing with Missouri Valley College at Women’s Nationals—a moment that brought clarity to the next chapter of her career. All in all, Madison reflects on her wrestling journey, her family, and the joy she finds not only in her own accomplishments, but in watching the people closest to her achieve great things in their own lives.

Brodee, a junior, is coming off the most successful season of his career—capturing a State Championship at 157 pounds. But his path isn’t one of instant success. It’s a story defined by persistence… by showing up every day without seeing the results right away. It’s a story of being built in the dark. Early on, Brodee found his interest through the UFC. Drawn to fighting, he saw wrestling as the first step toward that path. Once he committed, the journey wasn’t easy. Wins didn’t come quickly. In fact, success was slow to follow. There were moments of doubt. But Brodee kept showing up. Through the struggles, he stayed consistent—refusing to walk away, even when progress felt invisible. Then, his junior year, everything began to shift. He started winning. He started beating quality opponents. And even against top competition, he proved he belonged. Brodee kept “hitting the stone,” and eventually, it cracked—his breakthrough came with a Regional Championship. From there, his focus shifted to State. The nerves were real early on, but by the time he reached the State Finals, something deeper took over. All those unseen hours… all that time spent being built in the dark… it showed. That moment belonged to him. And he took it. Now, heading into the upcoming season, Brodee faces a new challenge. For the first time, he’s no longer the hunter—he’s the hunted. But he welcomes it. With new goals, a stronger sense of purpose, and the opportunity to defend his title, Brodee is ready to embrace what comes next—and prove that his story is far from finished.

Bella, a wrestler for Rancho High School, joins the Caution Stalling Podcast . What started as a way to stay involved while recovering from an injury turned into something much bigger—Bella picked up a camera and began capturing moments at tournaments, and the rest is history. Through that lens, Bella didn’t just stay connected to the sport—she found another way to be part of it. While wrestling runs deep in her family, Bella is focused on carving out her own identity, both on the mat and behind the camera. She continues to develop her skills as a competitor, with the goal of becoming a force in her own right. Her photography page, @b66pix_ , quickly gained attention in the wrestling community. What started as simply taking pictures has evolved into capturing the shot —the moment that tells the story, the emotion, the grind. Beyond that, Bella is balancing it all. As a multi-sport athlete, she manages her academics, social life, and training, all while scheduling shoots and building connections with athletes through social media. At first, Bella was just taking pictures. Now—she’s capturing moments that matter. While Bella is pursuing her own wrestling future, the pictures might have to take a pause.

Jaeden, a young man who first stepped into combat sports simply to protect himself from bullying, eventually discovered something much deeper—a true love for wrestling. His early career was filled with struggles, but it was at his lowest point that everything changed. Hitting rock bottom forced Jaeden to look inward, and through that process, he found passion, discipline, and a commitment to becoming better—not just as an athlete, but as a person. Wrestling became the vehicle that taught Jaeden how to fully invest in himself. It demanded accountability, consistency, and grit—qualities that shaped him into the hardworking competitor he is today. One of the most interesting aspects of Jaeden’s journey is the persona he developed along the way. Known for what we might see as arrogance in training and competition, Jaeden reveals in the podcast that this “alter ego” was built out of fear—specifically, the fear of failure. Instead of letting that fear break him, he transformed it into fuel. That edge, that intensity, became his armor. It pushed him to train multiple times a day, chasing improvement and refusing to settle. Through that grind, Jaeden didn’t just become better physically—he discovered a new version of himself as a competitor. Despite the outward persona, there’s another side to Jaeden that stands out even more. He genuinely cares about the people he trains with. After tough rounds, he’s the one who stays behind to help—breaking down positions, showing adjustments, and pushing his partners to grow. His goal isn’t just to win; it’s to elevate everyone around him. That mindset translated into real results. Jaeden fought his way to becoming a regional finalist and earned a 3rd place finish at State. While a critical mistake kept him out of the state finals, the bigger victory was internal. Earlier in his career, setbacks like that might have caused him to shut down or walk away. This time, he didn’t. He stayed in the fight, regrouped, and finished strong. Because in the end, the most important match wasn’t on the bracket—it was the one against himself. And this time, Jaeden won.

Manny “The Comeback Kid” Saldate, an Oregon State Beavers wrestling standout, finally joins the podcast. Manny gives us the rundown on what it’s like to be one of the best—if not the best—to ever come out of Nevada. He dives into a journey built on relentless work ethic and fully embracing the grind that wrestling demands. Manny takes us back to where it all started. He began with the infamous Team GV wrestling club at just 4 years old. Even as a little kid, Manny was putting in extra work on the side during practice. That dedication caught attention early—until one day, a coach told his parents it was time to get him a pair of wrestling shoes. That moment marked the beginning of something special, making Manny the youngest member in GV history. After his time at GV, Manny transitioned to SLAM Wrestling Club for a short stint before his family found their home at Pistol Petes Wrestling Club—which would soon evolve into Gold Rush Wrestling Club under Chase Pami. Under Pami’s guidance, Manny continued leveling up, chasing bigger goals and capitalizing on every opportunity in front of him. Gold Rush became the perfect environment for his growth, and Manny took full advantage. During his high school career alongside his time with Gold Rush, Manny stacked an elite resume. Just a few highlights include: Fargo Champion, U20 U.S. Open Champion, Doc B finalist, multi-time Fargo All-American, and a consistent top-10 national ranking. And that’s only scratching the surface. While the list goes on, these accomplishments alone make a powerful case—Manny Saldate is arguably the greatest high school wrestler Nevada has ever produced.

Omaree, a young and inspiring coach with a big personality, joins Daniel on the Caution Stalling Podcast. Sharing a strong relationship with the host, Omaree reflects on his journey into the coaching world and how that connection helped shape his path. While he has done an excellent job creating opportunities for himself, he also opens up about the challenges he’s faced—especially the internal battles with feeling ready for those moments. Throughout the episode, Omaree takes listeners through his development as a coach, diving into the origins of his personality and how it translates into his work. He speaks in detail about what he’s learned along the way, while also being honest about the areas he knows he still needs to improve. His mindset as a go-getter stands out, as he shares how he actively seeks growth opportunities—reaching out to programs, attending walkthroughs, and participating in coach-alongs whenever possible. Omaree also emphasizes the importance of every sport he’s involved in, including flag football, football, and baseball. His passion for coaching goes beyond just one game—it’s about impacting athletes across different environments and continuing to grow through each experience. Toward the end of the conversation, Omaree opens up about his bigger aspirations. He and Daniel reflect on his high school days, where he was known for his outgoing personality—often spending more time at school than at home. He shares stories about creating a short film and how much he enjoyed the process, showing another side of his creativity. With that same energy and charisma, Omaree even hints at the possibility of one day stepping into the world of WWE, where his personality could truly shine.

James Zuniga, a multi-sport athlete and the younger brother of Mark Zuniga—a previous guest on the show—joins Daniel on the Caution Stalling Podcast. James reflects on his experiences competing in both soccer and wrestling. While he makes it clear that soccer is his true passion, he also opens up about the grind of wrestling and some of the personal disconnect he has felt with the sport over the years. James has spent a significant amount of time competing in wrestling. Although it has never fully captured his heart, he openly shares that the sport has given him many things to be grateful for. One of the biggest connections he has to wrestling is his brother Mark. That relationship helped keep James tied to the sport and shaped much of his journey on the mat. He reflects on the long road he has traveled in wrestling and how the experience has helped mold him both as an athlete and as a person. When the conversation shifts to soccer, James’ passion immediately becomes clear. He loves the team dynamic and the fact that the sport is played outdoors. James talks about how he first got started with soccer and explains the difference between high school soccer and the club level. Club soccer, in particular, has opened his eyes to the game in a new way—allowing him to learn new positions, grow as a player, and experience the travel that comes with competing at a higher level. By the end of the conversation, James’ story highlights an important reality many athletes face: being talented in multiple sports doesn’t always mean loving them equally. His journey shows the internal battles athletes can experience when balancing family traditions with personal passions. While James isn’t forced to wrestle, he admits that it can be difficult to fully commit when his heart is drawn so strongly toward the game of soccer (which is okay). His story is an example of following your heart.

Kainoa, a multi-sport athlete from Las Vegas High School, joins the podcast to reflect on his athletic journey. A three-year varsity football letterman and four-year varsity wrestler, Kainoa balanced two demanding sports while becoming a key contributor to a strong Las Vegas football program and building an impressive wrestling résumé. The youngest of his siblings, Kainoa often speaks about the importance of family. Coming from a strong foundation, he credits his support system for helping him pursue his goals and become the person he set out to be. His faith has also played a major role in shaping both him and his family, serving as a constant source of guidance and motivation throughout his journey. On the wrestling side, Kainoa is a two-time State Finalist and capped off his senior year by winning the 4A State Championship at 150 pounds. Over time, he developed a deep love for the sport, which led him to focus more heavily on wrestling as his career progressed. While he continued to give everything he had to football, he made sacrifices in the offseason to put himself in better positions on the mat. After practices and during the offseason, Kainoa consistently sought extra work, frequently attending club practices and continuing to train whenever possible. That dedication ultimately paid off, helping him reach the top of the podium in his final high school season.

Ryder, a sophomore in high school, has built himself into a State Champion — not through flash or hype, but through discipline and a willingness to embrace what’s difficult. For much of his early journey, he was simply trying to find his way in the sport. What separated him wasn’t immediate dominance, but his commitment to doing the hard things over and over again. Now, as a State Champion, Ryder speaks with gratitude about the lessons in accountability, toughness, and resilience that wrestling has given him as a young man. Ryder is quick to joke about being a “staller,” embracing the comments with a smile. While the label doesn’t truly define his style, it doesn’t bother him either. In high-level matches, many elite wrestlers become calculated and protective of position. Ryder understands that strategy. Though he confidently expresses his ability to score, he admits he often feels more comfortable shutting down opponents’ attacks than initiating them. It’s a self-awareness that reflects his growth — from youth wrestling, to his freshman season, to now capturing a State Title as a sophomore. He also opens up about early struggles in his career. Without going into deep detail, Ryder shares two pivotal challenges he faced as a child: weight cutting and the pressure to win. At just 11 years old, he experienced a 16-pound weight cut — something that shaped his perspective on the sport. He also put immense pressure on himself to win, driven by his admiration for his coaches and his desire to make them proud. The turning point came in high school under Coach Pineda. Coach Pineda removed the burden of outcome and asked Ryder to focus on one thing — wrestling hard. That shift changed everything. By emphasizing effort over results, Ryder was freed to compete without fear. He learned how to process losses, how to grow from them, and how to separate his identity from the scoreboard. That period became one of the most critical stages of his development. Today, Ryder stands not just as a State Champion, but as an athlete shaped by adversity, perspective, and the right guidance at the right time. His story is a reminder that growth doesn’t always come from winning — it often comes from learning how to handle everything that comes with it.

On this episode of the Caution Stalling Podcast, Daniel is joined by newly crowned State Champion Tylene Tran. They open the show by breaking down Tylene’s championship performance and what it meant to finally get the job done. As a four-time State Finalist, Tylene reflects on the differences between her previous finals appearances and this year’s title run. She shares insight into her strengths, the struggles she’s faced along the way, and why she feels ready to transition into freestyle competition. The conversation then shifts to a full recap of the Girls State Tournament. Daniel lists the State Champions and placers at every weight, followed by a fun segment where he and Tylene hand out superlatives from the girls’ side of the bracket. They explain the reasoning behind each selection and close out the segment by naming their top three pound-for-pound wrestlers to watch moving forward. To wrap up the episode, they turn their attention to the boys’ tournament. Since Tylene wasn’t able to thoroughly watch the boys’ matches, they take a broader approach — giving an overall assessment of the tournament, handing out a few superlatives, and highlighting key storylines. Daniel then runs through the State Champions and placers to round out a complete State recap.