4×4: Spanish Fork’s Karson Shelley earns Valley Wrestler of the Year
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- Spanish Fork’s Karson Shelley celebrates winning a state title at the 5A finals at the UCCU Center in Orem on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025.
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- Spanish Fork’s Karson Shelley competes in the 120-pound title match at the 5A finals at the UCCU Center in Orem on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025.
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- Spanish Fork wrestler Karson Shelley (top) competes against Salem Hills wrestler Breyton Banks in the 120-pound finals at the 2024 5A boys wrestling finals at the UCCU Center in Orem on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024.
Spanish Fork has reigned supreme the last two years in 5A wrestling, and the centerpiece of this Don resurgence to the top has been Karson Shelley.
Shelley made his own history by becoming the first ever four-time state champion in school history. He also recently competed at the National High School Coaches Association (NHSCA) Senior Nationals in Virginia Beach and took home a silver medal at 120 pounds grappling against the best high school wrestlers in the country.
These are among many accolades for this Don senior who was named as the 2024-25 Daily Herald Utah Valley Boys Wrestler of the Year.
“That’s pretty cool,” Shelley said about being named as the valley’s top high school wrestler.
Shelley has been wrestling in the Spanish Fork program since the first grade, and he remembered when in second grade he and future teammate Kyler Spencer, the son of current Don head coach Kip Spencer, got to go out on the mat with the captains for the coin toss.
“I just thought that was the coolest thing, and that’s where I first wanted to be part of it and make history in the program.”
Kip Spencer has plenty of effusive praise for Shelley and what he has meant to the Spanish Fork wrestling program and community.
“Simply put, he (Shelley) is amazing,” Spencer said. “He has a positive effect on others that is contagious.”
It wasn’t that Shelley was just a great wrestler, Spencer said he’s been a great example and teammate.
“He’s a leader and does it through example and every way possible. Karson gets to know everyone he can and is willing to help anyone on the team get better by spending time with them to help them accomplish their goals,” added Spencer.
Spencer also related how Shelley is well known in the Spanish Fork wrestling community and an athlete the younger wrestlers really look up to.
“Not only is he a celebrity because of his accomplishments, but he also will come and help coach the youth wrestlers in practice,” said Spencer. “So he gets to even know the future Don wrestlers too.”
And Shelley had plenty of positive things to say about Spencer, not just as a coach but as a person.
“He’s just the best coach I’ve had but he’s also a great teacher,” Shelley said. He’s about everyone’s favorite teacher because he’s so positive and kind to all the kids, not just the wrestlers.”
Shelley was completely dominant at this year’s 5A tournament. He had three falls and then won his championship match against Roy’s Kaleb Blackner by technical fall to make history for the Dons. And Blackner is no slouch as he’s made both the 5A and 6A championship finals as a wrestler. But Shelley simply overwhelmed the Royal junior putting up 17 points in less than four minutes of wrestling to earn the technical fall victory, 17-0.
Shelley is known for his aggressive wrestling and putting up the points. And his head coach had a colorful analogy to describe Shelley’s style
“Watching Karson wrestle is like watching a wolverine that has been caged, teased and not fed,” said Spencer. “Just let it go and let it go after the house cat. He is so explosive, balanced and smart. By the time his opponents figure out what he’s doing and try to counter, he’s three moves down his chain of tools.”
After making history for the Don program, Shelley then set his sights on Virginia Beach and returned playing second at this event which has helped him get on the radar for more college programs.
“I’m not sure where I’m going (to wrestle college) but placing second at this tournament was big for me,” said Shelley.
Like any successful wrestler, Shelley doesn’t shy away from work and believes doing things right is the key to success.
“You can’t cut corners,” said Shelley. “Whether it’s wrestling or school or chores or life, you have to do things right.”
Shelley is also cognizant that his successes didn’t come without support or without self-confidence.
“Believe in yourself, listen to your parents and to your coaches, they know what is good for you.”
By the way, the opposition isn’t done with the Shelley family as his younger brother Easton won the 103-pound title for Spanish Fork this season as a sophomore.
“I was actually more excited for him (taking state) than I was for me,” said Shelley. “I was also more nervous for him. But it was great to see my brother do it and all that hard work paid off.”
NHSCA National Tournament Notes: Besides Shelley’s second place finish, Pleasant Grove’s Ian Fritz (152 pounds) placed third in the Senior Nationals. Westlake’s Zion Borge took home the gold in the Junior Nationals at 132 pounds, while younger brother Israel also won gold competing at 138 pounds in the Sophomore Nationals.
Karson Shelley profile
- Four-time 5A state champion.
- Four-time divisional champion.
- 47-3 2024-25 record.
- 175-10 career record.
- Second place NHSCA Senior Nationals in 2025.
- Eighth place NHSCA Junior Nationals in 2024.
- Third place USA Wrestling Folkstyle Nationals 2024.
- Three-time participant and two-time winner in the Russ Brunson All-Star Dual.
