Athlete of the Month
Cash Mcfate

Pictures and Content courtesy of Cash Mcfate

Cash McFate: Built by Wrestling, Grounded by Family: I, Cash McFate, was born and raised in Las Vegas, and I’ve been immersed in wrestling for nearly as long as I can remember. I was born on March 16, 2010, and first stepped onto the mat at just five years old, beginning a journey that has shaped not only my athletic career but my character.
My introduction to the sport came through the Gladiators Wrestling Club under Coach Jose Sosa. A year later, I continued developing my skills at the House of Centennial, also coached by Sosa. By the age of nine, I became one of the first wrestlers to join Gold Rush Wrestling Academy, where I continue to train today under Head Coach Chase Pami. At 14, I began wrestling at the high school level for Bishop Gorman High School, competing under Head Coach Tyler Perry. I currently represent both Bishop Gorman and Gold Rush Wrestling Academy, balancing school, year-round training, and competition.
I’ve had many people support my wrestling journey. Coach Chase Pami has played an important role, teaching me almost everything I know about wrestling. I used to struggle when I joined his club, but because I showed great commitment and consistency, he never gave up on me and helped me become who I am today. Coach Tyler Perry continues this support by pushing me to better myself as a wrestler and a person. He holds me accountable at all times and is constantly working to get me to the next best place on and off the mat.
My Mom has also been a significant person in my wrestling career. She records my matches for me and helps with my social media, which has been extremely helpful for building my online presence. She is a source of comfort for me, always showing empathy and understanding. She is the best Mother I could ever ask for–caring, supportive, and she never gives up on me. My Dad has done the most for me throughout my wrestling career. Whenever I felt like quitting, he always reminded me of how much I love the sport and how grateful I am for everything it’s taught me: discipline, respect, responsibility, resilience, and more. Through this, he also taught me that giving up is never an option in any situation; I must always find a way and give maximum effort no matter what I am doing in life. He always found ways to get me to high-level tournaments and gain experience, and he always made a point to do something fun on these wrestling trips to balance wrestling and life. He has never given up on me and has always supported me, whether in wrestling or school.
Those who know me describe me as a relentless worker on the mat and a humble leader off of it. I am known for my coachability, discipline, and willingness to help teammates, qualities that have earned me respect from peers and coaches alike. Whether pushing the pace in practice or encouraging others during competition, I lead by example and consistently put the team first.
Academically, I take as much pride in the classroom as I do in competition. I currently maintain a 3.75 GPA, demonstrating strong time management, focus, and commitment as a student-athlete.
Wrestling has also given me the opportunity to travel across the country for major tournaments—experiences my family fully embraces. Rather than focusing solely on competition, my family makes a point to turn these trips into mini-vacations, exploring new cities, beaches, and outdoor adventures together. These experiences have helped shape my love for travel, new challenges, and trying things outside my comfort zone.
Outside of wrestling, I am a curious and well-rounded teenager with a wide range of interests. I enjoy playing the drums, fishing, collecting Pokémon cards, and spending time outdoors. When I am not indoors, I love being in the water: swimming, paddleboarding, spending time at the beach, and even trying amateur surfing. I have a natural love for trying new things and am always open to new adventures.
Family plays a central role in my life. I come from a big, close-knit family and am especially proud of my role as a big brother to my little twin siblings, Ryan and Scarlett, as well as my baby brother, Duke. At home, I can often be found spending time with my family’s miniature schnauzer, Smokey. My family describes me as a kind, thoughtful, and genuinely caring member, the type of young man who looks for ways to support others without seeking recognition.
That same sense of compassion extends into my community. I volunteer my time with both The Burn Foundation and the Coast to Coast Foundation, giving back and supporting causes that help others during difficult times. My involvement reflects the values I live by every day: humility, service, and gratitude.
My dedication and consistency have translated into success at the State, Regional, and National levels. My accomplishments include: • Multiple-time Nevada State Youth Champion in Folkstyle, Freestyle, and Greco-Roman • 2024 Nevada State Outstanding Wrestler • Rocky Mountain Nationals (RMN) Champion and Placer: • 2023 Folkstyle & Freestyle Champion • Freakshow: • 2023 Placer & 2024 Champion • 2021 USA Wrestling King of the Mountain Champion • 2022 UWW Futures Freestyle Champion • USAW Salt Lake Slam: • 2023 Champion (2021 & 2022 Placer) • 2023 Reno Worlds Runner-Up • 2024 PNL Champion • 2024 USAW Western States Freestyle & Greco-Roman Champion • 2024 Damien Classic Runner-Up • 2025 U.S. Open All-American • 2025 USAW Western States All-American • 2025 Layton Invitational Champion • 2026 5th place Rollie Lane Invitational
As I continue to grow as both a wrestler and a young man, my goals are clear and uncompromising. I plan on wrestling Division I and pursuing not only an NCAA Title but a World Title. I want to major in Engineering and Business, which will hopefully lead to opening my own Engineering Firm. Grounded in discipline, humility, and strong family values, I approach each day with purpose–understanding that consistent effort on and off the mat is what turns goals into reality. I believe I represent one of the very best of Nevada wrestling, not only for my accomplishments but for the character and work ethic behind them.