This is a perfect example of legacy. The Brooks family has strong roots in wrestling, beginning with Grandpa Brooks at Carson High School and stretching down I-80 through Sparks, Fernley, Lovelock, and Winnemucca. Throughout northern Nevada, you will find the Brooks name deeply embedded in wrestling
Pershing County High School, along with the NIAA and the NFHS would like to recognize Coach Mike Brooks, who was selected as the Nevada 2025-2026 Wrestling Coach of the Year. This honor may have his name on it, but Coach Brooks is the first to say it belongs to the entire team. Without his assistant coaches, Old Man, Buzz, Hiram, Axel, and most importantly, the athletes who put in the work every day, none of this success would be possible.
The 2025-2026 wrestling season was one for the history books. The Mustangs finished their dual season undefeated at 11-0, won the Sparks Railroader Tournament, captured the Northern 2A Regional Championship, and became the Nevada 2A State Champions. The team brought home three individual boys state championships and had 11 state placers. Two Lady Mustangs qualified for state, with one becoming the first girls state placer in school history. PCHS also celebrated its first Nevada Queens Tournament champion, first Reno WOW champion, and first Reno WOW girls placer.
Over 10 seasons as head wrestling coach, Coach Brooks has led PCHS to two state championships, two regional championships, four state runner-up finishes, and three league dual championships. He also coached only the second four-time state champion in school history. His estimated league dual record stands at nearly 90 wins and only 20 losses.
His influence reaches far beyond the high school wrestling room. Coach Brooks serves as PCHS Athletic Director, Northern 2A League President, PCHS head football coach, middle school wrestling coach, youth wrestling coach, summer strength and conditioning coordinator, and volunteer track coach. He hosts wrestling and football camps, organizes flag football events, supports Little League, and creates opportunities for hundreds of local students and athletes. He also represents Nevada through the NIAAA, the National Wrestling Coaches Association, the Northern 2A Wrestling Rules Committee, and the Tah-Neva Wrestling League.
Coach Brooks believes athletics are about much more than wins and losses. His athletes are taught to work hard, remain accountable, face adversity, accept challenges, and understand that the process is greater than the outcome. He meets athletes where they are, walks beside them through their individual journeys, and reminds them that they represent their teammates, families, school, and community.
Championships matter, and this program has certainly earned them. But the true legacy is found in the relationships, lessons, friendships, and pride built along the way. Above all, Coach Brooks wants every athlete who enters his program to know they are challenged, valued, and loved.
Congratulations, Coach Brooks, your assistant coaches, your athletes, and the entire Mustang wrestling family. This award may carry one name, but it represents generations of hard work, a deeply rooted wrestling tradition, and an entire team that continues to accept the challenge.
