It takes more than talent to transform an 11-person wrestling team into a 5-time state champion program with more than 125 students.
Van Buren Wrestling Head Coach John Petree arrived at the Van Buren School District in 2017. He, alongside his brother, Assistant Coach Dakota Petree, work to create a familial-like culture that develops students into talented athletes, as well as confident young men and women on and off the mat.
Senior Evelyn Romero, who served as the girls’ team captain this year, was skeptical about the sport in the beginning. She joined her freshman year after losing a bet with a friend who was in the program. Despite her hesitant start, Romero grew to love the challenge wrestling presented her. In 2025, she captured a state title and earned the runner-up spot this year.
“I have learned how much I can accomplish as a person both inside and outside of the wrestling room,” said Evelyn.
Similarly, senior Deanna Ramirez was also initially resistant to the sport. As a freshman living in California, she was actually interested in boxing. “I went to a sportsfest and there I tried wrestling,” she noted. She soon discovered that the sport pushed her outside her comfort zone not just physically, but also mentally, emotionally, and socially. “I was very introverted, but it was my teammates who helped me set goals and encouraged me.” That support instilled confidence in Deanna but also made it difficult to leave when her family decided to relocate to Arkansas.
Wanting her daughter to continue in the sport she loved, Deanna’s mom reached out to Coach Petree to learn more about Van Buren’s wrestling program and its reputation for excellence. “I resented the move at first. I was nervous about getting a new wrestling family,” remembered Deanna. But it wasn’t long before she found that same kind of connection in her Pointer teammates. “I realized they really are a family here.” Deanna concluded her successful high school wrestling career with a win at regionals and as the individual state runner-up. The Van Buren girls’ team also had back-to-back second place finishes.
Three-time individual state champion Eva Garcia has played a pivotal role in the Van Buren Girls Wrestling team’s success. With 122 career victories, she holds the girls’ school record for wins. She also helped lead the team to back-to-back runner-up finishes at the 5A Dual State and State tournament contests. When asked about the most impactful part of the sport, Eva is quick to acknowledge the camaraderie. “My team…100%. With wrestling, I have gained an incredible community of people. I have never been around such a like-minded community of girls. This is the most girls we have ever taken to state and had place at state. It’s just incredible.”
For freshman Peyton Boston, wrestling is “in his blood.” At age four, he was given the choice between t-ball and wrestling. “I picked wrestling and fell in love with it,” noted Peyton. His aptitude for the sport showed early, as he wrestled in tournaments across the country. He was previously ranked second in the nation and was named to the 2025 14U Freestyle National Duals All-Tournament Team after going undefeated at the USA Wrestling competition.
Peyton’s inaugural high school season was equally impressive. In February, he captured the individual state championship title and helped lead the boys’ team to its fourth dual state win and its fifth consecutive state championship.
As a youth, Bryson Keirsey dreamed of playing sports, but was instead fighting a battle for his health. Ten days after his ninth birthday, Bryson was diagnosed with leukemia. He underwent chemotherapy and treatments over the next five years. Middle school came during the height of the COVID pandemic, requiring that Bryson primarily stay home and do schooling online to protect his immune system. Once in remission, Bryson knew he wanted to go out for athletics.
“My parents were nervous, as I didn’t have an athletic bone in my body,” joked Bryson. He joined the wrestling team as a freshman and began setting new goals to gain strength and skills. It required tremendous discipline, but Bryson found success in a lower weight class, competing in varsity as a junior and senior. Participation also proved to be healing on a physical and emotional level. It gave him the socialization he had longed for, and conditioned his body, improving his stamina and overall health. “This has probably given me years on my life.”
Wrestling is also opening doors for his future. Bryson received a wrestling scholarship to attend Williams Baptist College where he hopes to study health and physical education.
Wrestling Facility
These student athletes are among many who have found success through the Pointer wrestling program. With its rise in popularity and in participation, the need for a larger practice space became inevitable under Petree’s direction. In the beginning, players rolled out practice mats in the Freshman Academy’s courtyard. The program later transitioned to the campus’ safe room, but even that became too small to accommodate the teams. In 2024, the district announced it would invest more than $3 million to add 8,000 square feet and renovate an additional 17,000 square feet for a dedicated wrestling area at Van Buren High School.
The Pointer wrestling facility opened its doors in January. The space includes a 5,736-square-foot practice room, locker rooms, coach’s office, and training room. The area also includes a new lobby, concession area, restrooms, and vestibule entrance.
Petree is grateful to have a space where his team can “hang their hat” and to VBSD and the community for making such a tremendous investment in their program. “Not many high schools or even college wrestling rooms look like this,” stated Petree. “It means a lot.”
Coaching
It’s clear that the Van Buren wrestling program’s success directly correlates to the passion, energy, and knowledge the Petree brothers bring to it. Both came from wrestling backgrounds as students and in college. Their unique bond as brothers helps them understand one another and makes the coaching experience even more meaningful.
“To have the Petrees as my coaches…whenever they are out on the mat, you feel that energy. When they are coaching you, whenever in the wrestling room they are showing you move by move what it is like, there is truly nothing like it,” said Bryson.
VBSD Athletics and Activities Director Drew Cone also recognizes how Pointer Nation has benefited from the duo’s leadership. “John and Dakota Petree set the bar high. They consistently break records and produce talented student-athletes who excel in their sport and beyond. They have elevated our program and put Van Buren on the map for wrestling. VBSD shares in the Petrees’ vision and is proud to now have a top-notch wrestling facility that will benefit generations to come.”
John Petree’s contribution to the sport was recognized at the state tournament where he was named 5A Coach of the Year. While thankful for the prestigious honor, Petree feels the most rewarding part of his job is having a hand in developing students into productive citizens who will make their own mark on the world.
“I want them to take away from it that life is hard, but what we do in here can definitely transition into life lessons. Having that mental toughness when things don’t go your way. Getting back up after you have been knocked down. Having integrity. Having discipline. You get all that through this sport.”
Follow on Facebook & Instagram @VBSDPointers and online at VBSD.us.
