CANYON, Texas (KFDA) - Canyon High School wrestler Dallen Clift signed with Frank Phillips College on Tuesday, committing to the Borger school’s startup wrestling program.
Clift will wrestle at 197 pounds for the Plainsmen under head coach Mario Vasquez.
For Clift, the signing marks the realization of a longtime goal.
“It means everything to me. I’ve been dreaming of this since I started wrestling,” Clift said. “I’ve always wanted to wrestle in college and wrestle at the next level, so I’m just glad that I got the opportunity and the chance to go compete.”
As part of Frank Phillips College’s inaugural wrestling class, Clift said he’s ready to help build the program from the ground up.
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“It really is cool. I’m so glad that I’m [one of] the first people to get to actually go and wrestle, and I’m ready to go make history,” he said.
Several factors influenced Clift’s decision, including the school’s location and campus.
“It’s a beautiful college. It’s close to home, but not too close,” Clift said.
Clift also praised the recruiting approach taken by Frank Phillips College’s coaching staff.
“[Coach Vasquez] was real nice. He was always around trying to recruit me and be a part of my life and my wrestling, and not just kind of, it’s just another kid getting recruited,” Clift said. “He’s actually trying to be a part of my life, so I chose that.”
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Canyon head wrestling coach Dalton Clear played a significant role in preparing Clift for college competition.
“Clear was always the best to me. Got me through everything. Always there through every loss, every win... whatever. He was always there, and this whole school has been supportive through everything,” Clift said. “He got me ready for everything. He’s just been a great coach, been there by my side through everything, no matter what.”
Clear emphasized the rarity of wrestling at the college level.
“One percent of high school athletes go to play sports at the college level, and that’s even less for wrestlers,” Clear said. “There’s not very many opportunities, and you’ve got to be a real stud to be able to do that.”
Clear also highlighted Clift’s perseverance during his senior season.
“I can’t tell you how proud I am of this guy, of what he’s been able to do. What he did as a senior, going out there with half a body that worked sometimes, got over it and did it anyway,” Clear said.
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