Reece Barnhardt was a four-time North Dakota wrestling state champion for St. Mary's Central High School in Bismarck, North Dakota, becoming the 28th wrestler in North Dakota history to win four state championships.

Named North Dakota Mr. Wrestler in 2021, he was also an all-state linebacker in football and helped St. Mary's win the 2020 North Dakota high school state football championship.

Barnhardt lettered in baseball, football, track and wrestling in high school.