Men's Wrestling Coach Beau Vest Inducted Into Topeka High School Hall of Honor

Missouri Valley College wrestling coach Beau Vest has added another honor to his decorated career, as he was recently inducted into the Topeka High School Hall of Honor.

Vest, a 1995 graduate of Topeka High, said the recognition came as a surprise.

"I was very flattered and caught off guard. My time at Topeka High was a great experience. I was able to be around some amazing people that had a huge impact on my life. To be recognized by the school is a huge honor and I am very proud of it."

As an athlete, Vest went on to become a men's wrestling national champion and four-time All-American at Missouri Valley College, but he has also built an impressive career as a coach. He launched the men's and women's wrestling programs at Midland University in 2010 and 2011, earning Conference Coach of the Year honors twice and Region Coach of the Year in 2012 while coaching multiple All-Americans and national champions. He later started the men's wrestling program at NJCAA Cowley College, where his teams recorded four top-15 national finishes, produced six All-Americans, and a national champion.

Despite his collegiate and coaching success, Vest says his foundation was built during his high school years, especially through the people around him.

"The people that were in my life during my time at Topeka High were amazing. I had more support than anyone deserves. Coaches, teachers, friends, and teammates collectively created a situation where the whole time there were amazing memories."

That support, along with high expectations from his coaches, shaped both his athletic career and his approach to coaching today.

"My high school coaches were great men that supported me as an athlete and a person. Their high expectations and belief in me were felt every time I competed. They taught me the correct way to treat an athlete and a student."

Vest credits that environment with building the confidence that carried him to success at the collegiate level.

"From my very first day of high school, I had an entire group of people supporting me. That support built a faith in myself, a faith that made me feel like I could achieve anything. It was that same feeling I had when I came to Missouri Valley College."

One defining moment from his high school career continues to shape his perspective. Vest lost in the state finals during his senior season, one of only two losses in his high school career.

"That loss motivated me to continue wrestling and ultimately set me on a path that led me to Missouri Valley. I am actually thankful for that loss looking back."

Now recognized among the school's most accomplished alumni, Vest said the honor carries special meaning.

"There have been amazing people and athletes that have come through the halls of Topeka High, School. Being recognized with them in the Hall of Honor means a lot to me and something I will always value."

Today, the lessons he learned at Topeka High continue to influence his coaching philosophy.

"I never understood what others saw in me. But I felt their belief. That feeling is what I want our athletes to feel, that we believe in them and what they can achieve."

For current student-athletes, his message is simple.

"Value those teachers, coaches, and friends that believe in you. Strive every day to prove they are right. If you believe in yourself as much as they do, greatness will come."

Article written by Kylian Galtier