Catching up with Local LEgends: Rosa Flores

Rosa Flores: Making History on the Mat at Spring Creek

By Chris Radford (published by Trey Scott)

When Rosa Flores stepped onto the wrestling mat at Spring Creek High School, she was doing more than competing. She was helping make school history.

A 2026 graduate of Spring Creek, Flores was a member of the school’s inaugural girls’ wrestling team. In less than a year of training, she progressed from a newcomer to a state championship competitor, proving to herself that hard work and determination can turn ambitious goals into reality.

Flores competed in both the boys’ and girls’ divisions, primarily at 106 pounds. While she enjoyed the challenge of wrestling boys, what attracted her most to the sport was its individual nature.

“Wrestling is different because it’s just you,” Flores explained. The results on the mat depend on preparation, technique and effort.

That individual accountability became a major source of motivation for Flores. The more she practiced, the more she wanted to improve.

Her rapid development eventually carried her to the state playoffs. The significance of reaching the state championship level didn’t fully hit her until she arrived at the stadium.

Seeing the size of the venue, the crowds and everything surrounding the event made Flores realize just how far she had come.

But before she left for the state competition, her hometown gave her a reminder that she wasn’t making the journey alone.

Spring Creek students and teachers lined the hallways for a special send-off, cheering Flores as she walked through the school. The celebration was a powerful reflection of what her accomplishment meant—not only to her, but to the entire school community.

For Flores, reaching the state level was about much more than a wrestling result.

It changed the way she viewed what was possible.

Her experience taught her that goals that initially seem out of reach can become achievable when someone is willing to work for them.

Coaches Who Made a Difference

Flores credits several coaches for helping shape her athletic journey.

Coach Joe Borgquist played an important role throughout her high school career, coaching her in both soccer and wrestling. Flores also developed under Coach Channing Rouse, who helped her improve her wrestling technique while supporting the demanding training schedule she embraced.

Flores regularly participated in double practices, including sessions at the LaGrange Community Center, putting in the work necessary to compete at a high level.

Coach Channing’s brother, Everette, also played a role in her development, teaching Flores technical moves that became important parts of her wrestling repertoire. One of her favorite techniques is the head-and-arm throw.

The combination of coaching, repetition and competition helped Flores grow quickly in a sport she had only recently discovered.

Taking Wrestling to Mount Olive

Flores’ wrestling journey isn’t ending with high school.

She plans to attend the University of Mount Olive, where she will continue competing on the wrestling team while pursuing a degree in criminal justice.

Her interest in criminal justice began in the classroom. Flores took public safety and criminal justice courses taught by Coach B, and those classes helped spark her interest in pursuing the field professionally.

Her goal is to build a career in criminal justice after college.

For now, however, wrestling will remain an important part of her life.

The transition to collegiate wrestling is one Flores is approaching with encouragement from the coaches who helped her get this far. Coach B and Coach Channing have both supported her plans to continue competing at the next level.

A Message for the Next Generation

Flores’ story is ultimately about perseverance.

She entered a brand-new girls’ wrestling program, competed in both divisions, trained intensely and reached the state championships—all in less than a year of wrestling experience.

Her advice to young athletes is simple: don’t give up.

Flores believes that athletes who continue working toward their goals will eventually see that effort pay off.

Her time at Spring Creek has already proven that lesson.

As one of the school’s first girls wrestlers, Flores helped open a door for those who will follow. She leaves Spring Creek not only as a state-level competitor, but as a pioneer whose journey demonstrated what can happen when an athlete believes in herself and refuses to stop working.

Now, she gets the opportunity to write the next chapter at the University of Mount Olive—continuing her wrestling career, pursuing criminal justice and carrying with her a lesson learned on the mat:

Anything is possible when you’re willing to work for it.