Photo by ACP Media
Former BHS wrestler and coach Scott Pickert will be inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame—Colorado Chapter.

Photo by ACP Media
Former BHS wrestler and coach Scott Pickert will be inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame—Colorado Chapter.

By Angie Purdy
The Surveyor

In the heart of Colorado, amidst the towering peaks of the Rockies, there lies a man whose dedication and passion for wrestling have left an indelible mark on the sport. Scott Pickert, a former wrestler turned coach, is set to be inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame-Colorado Chapter, a fitting tribute to his nearly three decades of tireless commitment to the sport he loves. For Pickert, wrestling isn’t just a sport; it’s a way of life. From his earliest memories of watching his older brothers grapple on the mat to his own illustrious career as a wrestler and coach, wrestling has been a constant companion, shaping his journey in profound ways.”I remember going to wrestling tournaments in second grade,” Pickert recalls. “It’s always been a part of my life, for as long as I can remember.” Growing up in a family where athletics was deeply ingrained within his brothers and sister, Pickert found himself drawn to wrestling from an early age. Inspired by his brothers and fueled by a competitive spirit, he embraced the challenges of the sport with gusto.”My family encouraged us to be involved in sports,” Pickert explains. “We were all multiple sport athletes, so it was just natural for me to gravitate towards wrestling.”

As a wrestler, Pickert experienced both triumph and adversity. He competed at the collegiate level and even qualified for nationals three times, a testament to his skill and dedication. But it was as a coach that Pickert truly found his calling.

In 1991, Pickert took on the role of head coach at Berthoud High School, where he would spend the next 27 years shaping the lives of young athletes. Under his guidance, the wrestling program flourished, producing numerous state champions, and instilling in its members a sense of discipline, determination and camaraderie.

“Win or lose, you have nobody else to blame,” Pickert says of his coaching philosophy. “It’s all on you. That’s just the way it is sometimes.”

But Pickert’s impact extended far beyond the wrestling mat. He fostered a positive team culture, emphasizing hard work, dedication and above all, fun. Whether it was playing music in the wrestling room or covering fees for athletes in need, Pickert went above and beyond to create an inclusive and supportive environment for his team.

“We were like a family,” Pickert reflects. “We worked hard, but we also had a lot of fun along the way.”

When asked how he’d advise coaches who coach their own sons, Scott said, “For me, it was always more about the relationship and the bond with my children, with my sons, more than any win or loss or any outcome of a match. It was always about continuing to have that strong bond as a father and a son, son to father, hopefully.

As Pickert prepares to be honored by the National Wrestling Hall of Fame – Colorado Chapter, he remains humble, attributing his success to the unwavering support of his family, his athletes and his community.

“It’s humbling,” Pickert says of the prestigious honor. “But it’s not just about me. It’s about all the people who have supported me along the way.” One of those people Scott spoke of was sitting by his side with a smile on her face and tears in her eyes reminiscing of wrestling days past, his loving wife, Linda.

Coach Scott Pickert will be inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame – Colorado Chapter on Saturday, May 11, 2024, in Colorado Springs, Colo.