For Gavin Warner, the mat has always been a place of grit, but his journey from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the North Country of New York and back again has proven that his greatest strength might just be his resilience.
The Draper native and former Pulaski County High School standout is currently cementing his legacy at Emory & Henry University, where he is bridging the gap between a decorated high school career and the rigorous demands of NCAA wrestling. 
The Foundation: 94 Wins in Dublin
Warner first made a name for himself as a cornerstone of the Pulaski County High School wrestling program. A senior co-captain for the Cougars, Warner was a consistent force in the 113, 120, and 126-pound weight classes.
During his time in Dublin, Warner became a three-time Region 4D Runner-Up (2021-2023) and a perennial state qualifier. He finished his high school career with an impressive 94 wins—placing him among the elite in Cougar history and just six victories shy of the prestigious 100-win club.
The North Country Chapter
Following his graduation in 2023, Warner took his talents to Jamestown Community College (JCC) in New York. The transition to the junior college level saw Warner expand his game, competing at 133 and 141 pounds.
At JCC, Warner’s hard work outside the practice room began to garner as much attention as his performance on the mat. He was named an NJCAA Men’s Scholar All-American, an honor reserved for student-athletes who maintain a high GPA while competing in at least 15 matches. 
On the mat, he earned Region 3 Athlete of the Week honors in January 2024 and secured a podium finish at the "Defend the Lake" Open. He concluded his two-year stint at JCC with a winning record and a reputation as a relentless worker.
"JCC wrestling taught me that in order for me to be good, I need to put in the time outside of the room and be the hardest worker," Warner said upon his transfer.
The Return to Southwest Virginia
In late 2025, Warner returned to his roots, signing with Emory & Henry University. Now a junior majoring in Political Science with an emphasis on Crime and Law, Warner has stepped up to the 141 and 149-pound divisions for the Wasps.
His first season at the NCAA level has been a "baptism by fire." Facing nationally-ranked programs like No. 6 Lander University, Warner has shown flashes of the dominance that defined his high school years. On Jan. 20, he secured a marquee 16-9 decision over Lander’s Dominic D’Ambrosio, proving he can compete with the best in the South Atlantic Conference. 
By the Numbers
High School Career Record: 94 wins (Pulaski County HS)
Collegiate Career Record: Approximately 15–24 (Combined JCC and E&H)
Major: Political Science (Criminal Justice focus)
Key Honors: 3-time Region Runner-Up, NJCAA Scholar All-American, Region 3 Athlete of the Week.
As Warner enters the final stretch of his junior season, his focus remains on the same principles that carried him through Pulaski County: leading by example and outworking the room. For the boy from Draper who grew into a Scholar All-American, the record is only half the story.