Arlington Wrestling
Our Coaching Staff
Our coaching staff brings a tradition of excellence, leadership, and dedication to every practice and competition. With decades of combined experience, our team of coaches have a proven track record of developing and mentoring student-athletes who succeed not only on the mat, but also in the classroom and beyond.
Our coaches are more than instructors—they are mentors who instill discipline, resilience, and character in every wrestler who walks through our doors. Their commitment to high-level training, personal growth, and team unity ensures that each athlete is prepared to face challenges both in wrestling and in life.
Whether guiding a first-year wrestler or training a state champion, the Arlington Wrestling coaching staff is focused on building strong, confident, and respectful young men who proudly represent our program and community.
Meet The Coaches
Jonny Gilbertson
Head Coach
Coach Gilbertson enters his 10th season as Head Coach at Arlington High School, where he has established a tradition of excellence, guiding numerous athletes to the state podium, including multiple state champions, while receiving SCWOA Coach of the Year Award in 2024.
A lifelong student of the sport, Coach Gilbertson began wrestling at the age of 4 and by 7 was training at USA Everett Wrestling Club under the legendary Coach Ron Bessemer. His early dedication to wrestling took him across the country to compete in major national-level tournaments. He captured multiple Freestyle and Greco-Roman state titles and earned USA Wrestling Fargo All-American honors in both styles.
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As a standout at Cascade High School, Coach Gilbertson built an exceptional prep career—becoming a Pac-Coast Champion, 4-time WESCO District Champion, 4-time state placer, and state finalist, compiling an impressive 145-13 career record.
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From 2006 to 2010, while attending Central Washington University, he served as an assistant coach at Ellensburg High School, helping develop state champions, placers, and a Cadet National Greco-Roman champion. He graduated from CWU with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Coach Gilbertson’s competitive spirit extended beyond wrestling. He trained in Mixed Martial Arts under renowned coach Charlie Pearson at Charlie’s Combat Club, capturing three MMA titles and making his professional MMA debut in Zhangzhou, China. He retired from competition with a record of 11-2.
Off the mat, Coach Gilbertson works as a Project Manager in Supply Chain at The Boeing Company. He lives with his wife, Liz, and their three children: Gavin, Nolan, and Addison.
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Favorite Quote: "To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift." - Steve Prefontaine.
Kenny Sanders
Assistant Coach
Coach Sanders is entering his 9th season as an assistant coach at Arlington High School and brings a decade of coaching experience to the program. A lifelong wrestler, he began competing at the age of 5 and quickly rose through the ranks, earning multiple Freestyle and Greco-Roman state titles and achieving USA Wrestling Fargo All-American honors in both styles.
As a standout at Ellensburg High School, Coach Sanders was a CWAC District Champion, 3-time state placer, and state finalist, demonstrating both talent and tenacity throughout his prep career.
Since joining the Arlington coaching staff, Coach Sanders has played a key role in developing numerous state placers and champions. In 2023, he expanded his impact to the national stage, serving as a Fargo National Team coach for Team Washington, where he has helped guide athletes to All-American finishes in both Freestyle and Greco-Roman. He also contributes as a member of the National Junior Duals coaching staff for Team Washington.
Coach Sanders lives in Arlington, Washington with his son, Noah, and his partner, Eline.
Gary Niklason
Assistant Coach
Coach Gary Niklason is a proud Arlington High School alumnus and a cornerstone of the Arlington Wrestling Community. With over 15 years of coaching experience, Coach Niklason brings a deep passion for the sport and a wealth of knowledge to the program.
As a student-athlete, he was a standout on the mat—earning a Junior Olympic National Greco Title, and was a state finalist for Arlington High School in 1981. Gary went on to wrestle at the NCAA Division I level on a scholarship at Washington State University where he was a NCAA D1 National Tournament Qualifier in 1982.
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Coach Niklason has been instrumental in developing young talent in the Arlington area, serving as the Head Coach at Post Middle School and helping shape the future of the high school program. His dedication to mentoring athletes both on and off the mat has made him an invaluable part of the coaching staff.
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In addition to his wrestling background, Coach Niklason spent over 20 years competing as a PGA Golf Professional. Outside of coaching, he enjoys quality time with his daughter and his two grandbabies.
Seth Henderson
Assistant Coach
Coach Seth Henderson is entering his 6th season on the Arlington High School wrestling staff and is a proud alumnus of the program. As a student-athlete at Arlington, Coach Henderson was a state competitor, an Edmonds Invitational Champion, and placed at the prestigious Rocky Mountain Classic in Missoula, Montana.
Before joining the high school coaching staff, Coach Henderson started his coaching career as the head coach at Haller Middle School for five years, where he played a key role in developing young talent and laying the foundation for future success at the high school level. His impact continues to be felt through his mentorship and dedication to growing the sport in the Arlington community.
In addition to his work on the mat, Coach Henderson is passionate about promoting the program and plays an active role in assisting with the team’s social media outreach. Professionally, he serves as a fire marshal for Snohomish County. On top of spending quality time with his wife and their three kids, he enjoys hiking, fishing, and doing anything outdoors in his free time.
Brantly Stupey
Assistant Coach
Coach Brantly Stupey is entering his 6th year on the Arlington High School wrestling coaching staff, where he has already proven to be instrumental in the development of high-level athletes. An Arlington High School graduate, Brantly was a standout multi-sport athlete known for his relentless work ethic, grit, and determination. As a wrestler, he earned a reputation for his punishing pace and dramatic come-from-behind victories, embodying the heart of a true competitor.
A respected leader and teammate, Brantly served as team captain during his senior season, setting the tone both on and off the mat. Brantly was a 3 time District placer, Regional placer and a member of the 2016 State Championship team. During his high school career, Brantly was undefeated in Battle of the Bull matches. His passion for the sport and commitment to the team have made him an integral part of Arlington Wrestling’s culture.
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Coach Stupey continued his academic journey at Western Washington University and Northwest University, where he earned his teaching degree. He now combines his love of wrestling with his dedication to education, helping develop the next generation of student-athletes.
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Favorite quote: “It’s not the size of the dog in the fight; it’s the size of the fight in the dog.”
Randy Davidson
Assistant Coach
Coach Randy Davidson brings a strong competitive background and a passion for the sport to the Arlington High School wrestling program. He began wrestling in middle school and quickly found success, becoming a state finalist for Wenatchee High School. His dedication and talent led him to compete at the NCAA Division I level in the PAC-10 for Portland State University, where he became a PAC-10 Champion and a two-time National Tournament qualifier.
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Following his collegiate wrestling career, Coach Davidson spend a year as a Grad Assistant coach at Portland State University. He later transitioned into Mixed Martial Arts, training at Arlington Kickboxing Academy. He compiled a 5-1 record in MMA competition, continuing to showcase the toughness and discipline he developed on the mat.
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In addition to coaching, Coach Davidson is a successful entrepreneur and the owner of Rock Wall Countertops. His work ethic and competitive mindset make him a valuable mentor to student-athletes at Arlington High School.
John Deaver
Assistant Coach
Coach Deaver brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the Arlington Wrestling program. A former wrestler at Bothell High School, he went on to compete at the collegiate level for Yakima Valley Community College, continuing to develop his skills and passion for the sport.
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With over five years of head coaching experience at Marysville-Getchell High School, Coach Deaver played a key role in transforming the program into a competitive and resilient team. His efforts were recognized with multiple League Coach of the Year honors, a testament to his impact both on and off the mat.
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In addition to his coaching career, Coach Deaver serves as a lieutenant in the Bothell Fire Department, exemplifying service and dedication in all areas of his life. Outside of work and coaching, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters.
