Doug Bettger’s senior season was filled with a number of highlights including one final cherry on top to end the year. He was named the Powell High School Outstanding Male Athlete of the Year for the Class of 2025 in May.

“I was definitely kind of anticipating it a little bit. Because I think that my athletic achievements spoke pretty loudly when compared to everything else that was going on,” Bettger said. “So I wasn’t really shocked, but there were definitely some other contenders that were in there … I’m extremely honored and proud. Both sports [football and wrestling] pushed me and it just means a lot to be recognized for my achievements.”

ATHLETIC ACHIEVEMENTS

Throughout his time as a Panther, Bettger was a staple in both the football and wrestling programs at PHS while also participating in track as a thrower his freshman year.

During his freshman year, Bettger qualified for the state tournament in wrestling at 220 pounds, finishing with a 13-12 record while winning one match at state.

His sophomore year Bettger broke into the varsity football lineup as a defensive lineman, finishing with 16 defensive points, including four tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and one sack.

In wrestling he made the leap to 285 pounds, making it to the quarterfinals at the state tournament and falling just short of placement but finishing with a much improved 26-18 record.

The following year in his junior seasons, Bettger took a significant step in both sports.

“I think I’ve represented the school really well through football, through wrestling and everything I’ve done,” Bettger said. “Through the years, it’s been a process and I represented to the best of my ability. Definitely better competitively my junior and senior years — but, it was a process to get there.”

Bettger finished with 26 defensive points, finishing with 13 tackles, five tackles for loss and one sack while eating up double teams as a defensive lineman for the Panthers.

He earned All-State honors for his efforts.

In wrestling he continued to show improvement, advancing to the state semifinals at 285 pounds before an eventual third place finish with a record of 38-17.

Bettger attributed much of his growth throughout high school on and off the playing field to his coaches and their ability to challenge him.

“My coaches helped a ton. I can’t tell you how much the coaches have helped me in both my personal life and challenging me in my athletic life, they definitely just merge,” Bettger said. “When you’re a student athlete, just being able to stay disciplined through it all was huge, and they played a huge part in that. Just keeping me motivated and trying as hard as I do.”

Finishing his career as a Panther, Bettger once again was named All-State in football as a defensive lineman, recording 39 defensive points including 17 tackles, five solo, as well as two tackles for loss and two sacks. He added two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble in his final season.

Heading onto the mat his senior year, Bettger put together a campaign to remember.

He finished with a 46-4 record, winning several tournaments including the Ron Thon Memorial, earning his 100th win, finishing with 123 total for his career, as well as helping the Panthers win the team title at state for the first time in 10 years and winning an individual title at 285.

“It meant so much to me, having the whole team be able to enjoy that together and then get the individual championship as well,” Bettger said. “Being able to win a state championship was huge … I think it definitely meant a lot to the school to be back winning a championship.”

STRONG CONNECTIONS

With Bettger being named the outstanding senior athlete for his class, he felt like there were a number of connections which helped both him and this senior class succeed in their athletics, starting with the connection between the seniors and their support of each other.

“I feel like as a class, we were always together through everything, even at the state (wrestling) championships,” Bettger said. “I thought it was really neat. There were basketball kids who had come from Powell, and kids who played all different sports there to cheer us on. I feel like that was just kind of a shared experience, that we were all rooting for each other.”

Another connection that has rung true recently is the success of the PHS wrestling program, as this is the second consecutive year a state champion wrestler was named the athlete of the year after a state championship.

“I think it speaks a lot to the wrestling program. Because I don’t think Jimmy (Dees) or I started our freshman year as state champions or Ron Thon champions or anything like that,” Bettger said. “But obviously, over four years, we were able to work hard enough and in a good enough program to where we could get there. So I think it speaks volumes to how good our wrestling program is in Powell.”

ADVICE AND MOVING FORWARD

Finishing out his career Bettger knows what it takes to get to the top, and had some advice for Panthers just starting or in the midst of their careers.

“My advice would be to stay disciplined, work hard every day, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it,” Bettger said. “Whether that’s from your coaches, friends or family, but if you need it, just ask for help.”

Discipline remained one of the most important lessons that Bettger said he learned from his time as a Panther, and is one he plans to take forward with him moving to his next step studying accounting at the University of Wyoming.

“Discipline is huge. Being able to show up to practices and work hard every day. I think time management too is a huge one that you need in everyday life. That really came to play in the sports that we were taught was discipline and then you’ve got to manage your time really well and just do the right things,” Bettger said. “That was something we talked about a lot in our wrestling season: just doing the correct things, staying on the right course to where you could find yourself in an opportunity to win a state title.”