Coaches
Coach Art Castillo enters his 17th season as Head Wrestling Coach of the Western Wyoming Community College Mustangs, having established one of the most successful wrestling programs in the NJCAA. Under his leadership, the Mustangs have achieved unprecedented success on the national stage while maintaining a strong commitment to academic excellence and student-athlete development. In 2026, Castillo guided the Mustangs to an NJCAA National Runner-Up finish, scoring 188 team points—the second-highest total in NJCAA history—and producing nine All-Americans. This accomplishment followed the program's first-ever National Duals Championship in 2025 and back-to-back NJCAA National Championships in 2023 and 2024. The 2023 title marked not only the wrestling program's first national championship but also the first national championship in any sport in Western Wyoming history. Throughout his coaching career, Castillo has earned numerous individual honors, including three NJCAA National Coach of the Year awards (2021, 2023, and 2024) and eight Region Coach of the Year selections. He has led the Mustangs to nine consecutive Region IX/Plains District Championships and was inducted into the NJCAA Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2022. Castillo's coaching accomplishments include developing eight individual National Champions and 88 All-Americans, including 23 two-time All-Americans. Two of his wrestlers have garnered NJCAA Outstanding Wrestler honors: Ken Astle at 149 pounds in 2018 and Cody Phelps at 133 pounds in 2024. In 2021, Castillo led Western Wyoming to an NJCAA-record 10 All-Americans and a National Runner-Up finish. Beyond competition, Castillo has played a significant role in fostering academic achievement within the program. During his coaching career, the Mustangs have earned three Academic National Championships (2005–06, 2009–10, and 2019–20). Four of his wrestlers have also been recognized as the Outstanding Graduates of Western Wyoming College: Ken Astle (2018), Tyce Raddon (2022), Wyatt McDermott (2025), and Ryker Gibson (2026). A Bronze Level Certified USA Wrestling coach, Castillo also serves as Director of the Mustang Wrestling Club. In 2026, he was named the President of the NJCAA Coaches Association. His coaching experience extends beyond collegiate wrestling, having worked as an MMA wrestling coach with athletes competing in the UFC, Bellator, and other professional organizations. Castillo earned his Bachelor's degree in Physical Education and Sports Management from Dana College and his Master's Degree in Coaching and Athletic Administration from Concordia University Irvine. Outside of his love for coaching wrestling, Castillo’s other passions include golfing, working out, traveling, and spending time with his wife, Jess, and his cat, Louden.
Coach William Hodges is in his 8th year as a Mustang Assistant Coach under Coach Castillo. Coach Hodges was the head coach of the Western Wyoming Community College Spartan wrestling teams from 2002-2006. During that time, he led Western Wyoming Community College to a 4th place finish at Nationals in 2016. This team included three All-Americans and one National Champion (Cody Eardley) Hodges also recruited and coached Western Wyoming Community College’s first national champ, Mike Casperson, in 2005. Hodges is a longtime Green River native who taught history at Green River High School for over 30 years. In his 19-year coaching career Hodges led his teams to nine State Championships including 48 Individual State Champions. Hodges coached current head Coach Art Castillo and current Assistant Rick Yoak during their high school careers. Coach Hodges was a state champion for Green River High School and then wrestled at the University of Wyoming where he was a WAC champion. Coach Castillo says, “I am thrilled that Coach Hodges came back to Western. Hodges was my high school coach, freestyle/greco coach and gave me my first shot at coaching when he brought me on as an assistant. Hodges has done so much for me as a wrestler and professional and for so many in the community. Our athletes are lucky to have him as their coach and mentor. He makes a huge impact on our team with his wealth of knowledge and love for teaching and coaching.”
Tucker Tomlinson is from Vernal, Utah where was 3x State Placer and State Champion. After graduation, he attended Western Wyoming and wrestled for Coach Castillo. In 2020, Tucker won the NJCAA National Championship at 197lbs. Tucker earned his Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice in the spring of 2020. After graduation, he wrestled at the University of Wyoming. He finished his career at Ottawa University where he earned All-American honors and a received his Bachelor’s degree in Applied Psychology. In his free time, Tucker likes to wrestle, lift weights, and spend time with his family and his wife, Chloe.
Cooper Palmer is from Green River, WY, and earned a BA in Kinesiology from Colorado Mesa University. He was part of the Carroll College football program in 2011–2012 and played for Colorado Mesa in 2013. In 2016, he opened Iron Cowboy CrossFit in Rock Springs, where he continues as owner and head coach. For nearly a decade, he has worked with athletes of all levels, helping them build strength, improve conditioning, and prepare for the demands of competition. Over the last five years, he has also coached football at Rock Springs High School and Green River High School, giving him first-hand experience in developing athletes to perform at their best. His focus is strength and conditioning, supported by certifications including NSCA CSCS, CrossFit Level 3, and Westside Barbell Special Strengths. This background allows him to tailor training to the specific needs of wrestlers—building power, endurance, and resilience in a safe and effective way. Outside of coaching, Cooper spends time training, hunting, and enjoying the outdoors with his wife Kylar, their three children, and their three labs. “I am grateful to be part of this program and to use my experience in strength and conditioning to help Western Wyoming wrestlers improve as individuals and as a team.”