This past weekend, I had the great opportunity to return to James Logan High School for the 2026 CIF North Coast Section Wrestling Championships. Since moving to Idaho six years ago, this was my first time back at the tournament, and it felt like a massive reunion with family, mentors, and lifelong colleagues from my high school and college years. As a Livermore High School (LHS) alumnus and former coach, it was inspiring to watch the exceptional young talent representing my alma mater. The Cowboys wrestling program has a storied legacy dating back to 1963 (inaugural season), and it remains one of the most successful programs in the East Bay, consistently producing state qualifiers and individual champions. 

Huge shoutout to our State Qualifiers! Elham Hashimi (NCS Champ) and Ronan McCallister (NCS Finalist) are headed to Bakersfield this weekend for the CIF State Wrestling Championships. Another big congrats to Diana Zarco for medaling at NCS. Job well done, Cowboys! The following is a historical summary of my alma mater dating back to the early 1960s.

KEY HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS

• State-Level Success (CIF California State Championships, since 1973): The program boasts one CIF State Champion — Garen McDonald at 191 lbs in 1980 (the only LHS wrestler to win this title to date). 

Additional state medalists include:

• Clark Conover (5th at 160 lbs, 1990)
• Scott Page (8th at 145 lbs, 1990)
• Peter Matheson (7th at 171 lbs, 1992)
• Marc Kavanagh (7th at 125 lbs, 1993)
• Stephen De La Cruz (8th at 135 lbs, 2008)
• Timothy Cowan (6th at 160 lbs, 2021)

• Multiple wrestlers qualified for states 2–3 times, including Marc Kavanagh (3x), Clark Conover (3x), Bryan Vashus (3x), Timothy Cowan (2x), Tyler Rardon (2x), and others.

• Northern California / CIF North Coast Section (NCS): Strong performances here include multiple section champions (e.g., Timothy Cowan 2x at 145 lbs in 2020 & 2022, Tyler Rardon 2x at 152 lbs in 2012 & 2013, Bryan Vashus, Clark Conover, Frisbee Goodall, Garen McDonald, and recent ones like Elham Hashimi at 106 lbs in 2026 and Asher Nischke at HWT in 2025). The program has produced numerous finalists, placers (top 8), and consistent qualifiers over decades.
• League Dominance (East Bay Athletic League — EBAL): LHS has a storied record in EBAL competition:
• Dual Meet Team Champions multiple times (e.g., 2003, 1998, 1997, 1994, 1993, 1992, 1991, 1990, 1989, 1988, 1986, and earlier years like 1977, 1972, 1971, 1970, 1969, 1967, 1965; some as co-champions).
• Tournament Team Champions in several seasons (e.g., 2008, 2003, 1998, 1997, 1993, 1992, 1991, 1990, 1989, 1977, 1974, 1972, 1971, 1970, 1967, 1965).
• Individual EBAL champions include standout 4x champion Bryan Vashus (98/112/119 lbs, 1986–1989), several 3x champions (e.g., Richard Ybarra, Derek Bowerman, Clark Conover, Gary Turner), and many 2x and 1x winners spanning decades.
• Recent and Ongoing Success: The program remains competitive into the 2020s, with recent NCS Division II East Bay team titles (champions in 2025, 2nd in 2024), individual placers, and qualifiers like Elham Hashimi (106 lbs NCS champion 2026), Ronan McCallister (190 lbs), Asher Nischke (HWT), and Tallon Chambers (113 lbs). Girls’ wrestling has grown, with placers and champions (e.g., Diana Zarco at 110 lbs NCS Division II East Bay champion in 2026).
• Beyond High School: Many alumni achieved success at higher levels, including Freestyle/Greco-Roman/Folkstyle All-Americans (e.g., Timothy Cowan, Clark Conover 3x, Bryan Vashus, Scott Page) and collegiate All-Americans (e.g., Stephen De La Cruz 2x at Chabot CC, Garen McDonald 2x at Chabot/NCAA DII, others at Chabot).

Overall, the Livermore wrestling program has built a legacy of consistency, family involvement (multiple sibling sets and generational ties), and excellence since its early days under coaches like Bob Bronzan (who helped rebuild it in the late 1960s). It has produced one state champion, dozens of section and league titleholders, and a tradition of developing wrestlers who compete at regional, national, and collegiate levels. The program’s history reflects strong team championships in the 1980s–1990s and renewed momentum in recent years.

LIVERMORE HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING PROGRAM HISTORY 1963 – 2026

CALIFORNIA “CIF” STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS – MEDALISTS (Since 1973)

160 – Timothy Cowan, 6^th Place ’21*

135 – Stephen De La Cruz, 8^th Place ’08 

125 – Marc Kavanagh, 7^th Place ’93 

171 – Peter Matheson, 7^th Place ’92 

160 – Clark Conover, 5^th Place ’90 

145 – Scott Page, 8^th Place ’90 

191 – Garen McDonald, State Champion ’80 

*Open State Championships (held during COVID). 

3x CALIFORNIA “CIF” STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS – QUALIFIERS (Since 1973)

112/119/125 – Marc Kavanagh, 1991, ’92, ’93 

165 – Clark Conover, 1988, ’89, ’90 

98/112/119 – Bryan Vashus, 1987, ’88, ’89 

2x CALIFORNIA “CIF” STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS – QUALIFIERS (Since 1973)

145/160 – Timothy Cowan, 2020, ’22 

195/220 – Xavier Williams, 2019, ’20 

152 – Tyler Rardon, 2012, ’13 

130 – Alec Fraser, 2008, ’09 

189 – Shawne Hoehne, 2008, ’09 

130 – Nexi Delgado, 2003, ’04

152/160 – Derek Bowerman, 1995, ’96        

160/171 – Peter Matheson, 1991, ’92 

145/152 – Scott Page, 1990, ’92 

175/191 – Garen McDonald, 1979, ’80 

141/145 – Naish Piazza, 1977, ’78 

1x CALIFORNIA “CIF” STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS – QUALIFIERS (Since 1973)

106 – Elham Hashimi, 2026

190 – Ronan McCallister, 2026

HWT – Asher Nischke, 2025 

113 – Tallon Chambers, 2022

152 – Ryan Petersen, 2017

145 – Nico Lang, 2013

140 – Aaron Sanchez, 2009

135 – Brisk Kannel, 2009

135 – Stephen De La Cruz, 2008

152 – James Coats, 2004

103 – Richard Ybarra, 2003

125 – Zach Dickinson, 1999

135 – Tony Chavira, 1997

125 – Donny Kavanagh, 1995

152 – Richard Naval, 1994

160 – Ken Zanotto, 1994

130 – Armando Gutierrez, 1992

145 – Kermit Philbrick, 1992

135 – Nick Chavez, 1991

138 – Aaron Fontes, 1986

98 – Frisbee Goodall, 1984

175 – Darryl Hansen, 1978

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA STATE MEDALIST (Pre-CIF State)

103 – Gary Turner, 3^rd Place, 1967 

2x CIF NORTH COAST SECTION CHAMPIONS

145 – Timothy Cowan, 2020, ’22 

152 – Tyler Rardon, 2012, ’13 

1x CIF NORTH COAST SECTION CHAMPIONS

106 – Elham Hashimi, 2026

HWT – Asher Nischke, 2025 

113 – Tallon Chambers, 2022 

145 – Nico Lang, 2013

103 – Richard Ybarra, 2003

160 – Derek Bowerman, 1996

165 – Clark Conover, 1990

119 – Bryan Vashus, 1989

98 – Frisbee Goodall, 1984

175 – Garen McDonald, 1979

145 – Naish Piazza, 1978

106 – Gary Turner, 1967

3x CIF NORTH COAST SECTION FINALISTS

165 – Clark Conover, 1988, ’89, ’90 

2x CIF NORTH COAST SECTION FINALISTS

145/160 – Timothy Cowan, 2020, ’22 

152 – Tyler Rardon, 2012, ’13 

152/160 – Derek Bowerman, 1995, ’96 

160/171 – Peter Matheson, 1991, ’92 

112/119 – Bryan Vashus, 1988, ’89 

1x CIF NORTH COAST SECTION FINALISTS

106 – Elham Hashimi, 2026

190 – Ronan McCallister, 2026

HWT – Asher Nischke, 2025 

113 – Tallon Chambers, 2022 

145 – Nico Lang, 2013

130 – Alec Fraser, 2009

103 – Richard Ybarra, 2003

125 – Donny Kavanagh, 1995

152 – Richard Naval, 1994

160 – Ken Zanotto, 1994

119 – Marc Kavanagh, 1992

152 – Scott Page, 1992

138 – Aaron Fontes, 1986

98 – Frisbee Goodall, 1984

175 – Garen McDonald, 1979

145 – Naish Piazza, 1978

175 – Darryl Hansen, 1978

103 – Gary Turner, 1967

103 – Dale Turner, 1966

3x CIF NORTH COAST SECTION PLACERS

119/130 – Alec Fraser (6^th, 3^rd, 2^nd), 2007, ’08, ’09 

130 – Nexi Delgado (5^th, 3^rd, 3^rd), 2002, ’03, ’04 

145/152 – Joey Silva (5^th, 5^th, 5^th), 1997, ’98, ’99

112 – Zach Philbrick (6^th, 4^th, 6^th), 1997, ’98, ’99 

112/119/125 – Marc Kavanagh (4^th, 2^nd, 3^rd), 1991, ’92, ’93

165 – Clark Conover (2^nd, 2^nd, 1^st), 1988, ’89, ’90 

98/112/119 – Bryan Vashus (3^rd, 2^nd, 1^st), 1987, ’88, ’89 

130/141/145 – Naish Piazza (4^th, 3^rd, 1^st), 1976, ’77, ’78

2x CIF NORTH COAST SECTION PLACERS

106 – Elham Hashimi (5^th, 1^st) 2025, ’26 

HWT – Asher Nischke (5^th, 1^st) 2024, ’25  

106/113 – Tallon Chambers (5^th, 1^st), 2020, ’22 

145/160 – Timothy Cowan (1^st, 1^st), 2020, ’22 

195/220 – Xavier Williams (3^rd, 3^rd), 2019, ’20 

HWT – Adam Lebish (7^th, 4^th), 2017, ’18 

152 – Jacob Roach (5^th, 5^th), 2014, ’15 

220 – Matthew Neale (8^th, 4^th), 2013, ’14 

182/195 – Cody McNaney (7^th, 6^th), 2013, ’14 

152 – Tyler Rardon (1^st, 1^st), 2012, ’13 

138/145 – Nico Lang (6^th, 1^st), 2012, ’13 

140/145 – Alex Baxter (8^th, 8^th), 2010, ’11 

189 – Shawne Hoehne (3^rd, 3^rd), 2008, ’09 

145/135 – Stephen De La Cruz (5^th, 3^rd), 2007, ’08

103 – Richard Ybarra (5^th, 1^st), 2002, ’03

152/160 – Derek Bowerman (2^nd, 1^st), 1995, ’96 

152 – Richard Naval (4^th, 2^nd), 1993, ’94 

160 – Ken Zanotto (5^th, 2^nd), 1993, ’94 

160/171 – Peter Matheson (2^nd, 2^nd), 1991, ‘92

145/152 – Scott Page (3^rd, 2^nd), 1990, ’92

130/125 – Minh Nhat Le (6^th, 6^th), 1991, ’92

121/126 – Jack Villagomez (5^th, 4^th), 1985, ’86 

98/112 – Frisbee Goodall (1^st, 4^th), 1984, ’85

175/191 – Garen McDonald (1^st, 3^rd), 1979, ’80 

95/103 – Gary Turner (3^rd, 1^st), 1966, ’67

1x CIF NORTH COAST SECTION PLACERS

190 – Ronan McCallister, 2^nd Place ’26 

115 – Adam Rezeik, 7^th Place ’25 

217 – Adrian Rodriguez, 6^th Place ’25 

182 – Daltin Silva, 5^th Place ’23 

195 – Aiden Ochoa, 7^th Place ’23 

120 – Josiah Hurd, 5^th Place ’20 

152 – Ryan Petersen, 3^rd Place ’17

182 – Dillon McNaney, 6^th Place ’16

119 – Ryan Hasting, 6^th Place ’11

152 – Terin O’Callaghan, 5^th Place ’11

135 – Brisk Kannel, 4^th Place ’09

140 – Aaron Sanchez, 3^rd Place ’09

215 – Maurice Aufderheide, 7^th Place ’09

160 – John Nagel, 7^th Place ’08

171 – Rodney Neale, 6^th Place ’08

152 – Jason Clark, 8^th Place ’07

160 – Dustin Murtagh, 8^th Place ’07

215 – Glen Finch, 6^th Place ’07

152 – James Coats, 3^rd Place ’04

HWT – Daniel Sellars, 5^th Place ’03

112– Steve Karlotski, 4^th Place ’02

135 – Sean Plunkett, 5^th Place ’01

125 – Zach Dickinson, 3^rd Place ’99

130 – Casey Moreland, 4^th Place ’99

135 – John Iacono, 4^th Place ’98

152 – Matt Richardson, 5^th Place ’98

135 – Tony Chavira – 3^rd Place ’97

140 – Josh Dickinson, 5^th Place ’96

125 – Donny Kavanagh, 2^nd Place ’95

171 – Jerry Bohlander, 5^th Place ’93

130 – Armando Gutierrez, 3^rd Place ’92

135 – Noel Le, 6^th Place ’92

145 – Kermitt Philbrick, 3^rd Place ’92

135 – Nick Chavez, 3^rd Place ’91

189 – Peter Stull, 6^th Place ’91

138 – Chris Ornellas, 5^th Place ’90

132 – Andy Koponen, 5^th Place ’89

HWT – Kevin Phillips, 5^th Place ’89

HWT – Kelly Ayers, 6^th Place ’88

134 – Andy Conover, 5^th Place ’86

138 – Aaron Fontes, 2^nd Place ’86

191 – Eric Kauwe, 5^th Place ’86

126 – Pedro Cazarez, 5^th Place ’85

175 – Darryl Hansen, 2^nd Place ’78

136 – Ray Jenkins, 4^th Place ’76

178 – Doug Pope, 4^th Place ’75

98 – Jack Baird, 6^th Place ’74

168 – Brad Charbonneau, 4^th Place ’71

148 – Nick Dovick, 5^th Place ’70

136 – Royce Curtis, 4^th Place ’69

141 – Greg Newbury, 4^th Place ’69

HWT – Steve Sanders, 4^th Place ’69

165 – Dan Bihl, 4^th Place ’67

103 – Dale Turner, 2^nd Place ’66

CIF NORTH COAST SECTION DIVISION II EAST BAY PLACERS

106 – Elham Hashimi, CHAMPION ‘26

126 – Nicholas Murray, 7th Place ‘26

138 – Eric Elola, 7th Place ‘26

190 – Ronan McAllister, CHAMPION ‘26

NORTH COAST REGIONAL II PLACERS (Sub-Section)

130 – Naish Piazza, 2^nd Place ’76

136 – Ray Jenkins, 3^rd Place ’76

168 – Darryl Hansen, 4^th Place ’76

HWT – Gary Tennyson, 4^th Place ’76

178 – Doug Pope, CHAMPION ’75

98 – Jack Baird, 3^rd Place ’74

178 – Mike Michaels, 5^th Place ’73

123 – Don Baird, 6^th Place ’72

191 – Dave Willis, 6^th Place ’72

4x EAST BAY ATHLETIC LEAGUE CHAMPION

98/112/119 – Bryan Vashus, 1986, ’87, ’88, ’89

3x EAST BAY ATHLETIC LEAGUE CHAMPIONS

192 – Aiden Ochoa, 2022, ’23, ’24

103 – Richard Ybarra, 2001, ’02, ’03

119/130 – Casey Moreland, 1997, ’98, ’99 

103/112 – Zach Philbrick, 1996, ’97, ’99 

145/152/160 – Derek Bowerman, 1994, ’95, ’96 

165 – Clark Conover, 1988, ’89, ’90 

95/103 – Gary Turner, 1965, ’66, ’67*

178 – Tim Vargas, 1965, ’66, ’67* 

*Shares first-time status.

2x EAST BAY ATHLETIC LEAGUE CHAMPIONS

HWT – Asher Nischke, 2024, ’25 

145/160 – Timothy Cowan, 2020, ’22 

220 – Matt Neale, 2013, ’14

152 – Tyler Rardon, 2012, ’13

119/130 – Alec Fraser, 2008, ’09

HWT – Daniel Sellars, 2002, ’03

145/152 – Joey Silva, 1998, ’99 

130/135 – John Iacono, 1997, ’98

135 – Tony Chavira, 1996, ’97

112/119 – Ferrier Le, 1995, ’96 

HWT – Shane Page, 1995, ‘96

160 – Ken Zanotto, 1993, ’94 

119/125 – Marc Kavanagh, 1992, ’93

160/171 – Peter Matheson, 1991, ’92

145/152 – Scott Page, 1990, ’92

132/135 – Nick Chavez, 1990, ’91

140 – Chris Ornellas, 1990, ’91

121/126 – Jack Villagomez, 1985, ’86 

175/191 – Garen McDonald, 1979, ’80

103/112 – Robert Baird, 1978, ’79 

138/145 – Naish Piazza, 1977, ’78

154/165 – Dale Hansen, 1977, ’78 

130 – Ray Jenkins, 1975, ’76 

112/123 – Larry Olsen, 1973, ’74

191 – Nelson Ranney, 1969, ’70

148/165 – Dan Bihl, 1966, ’67 

136/154 – Steve Brandt, 1965, ’67

106 – Dale Turner, 1965, ’66 

1x EAST BAY ATHLETIC LEAGUE CHAMPIONS

108 – Elham Hashimi, 2026

115 – Adam Rezeik, 2025

146 – Troy Nichols, 2025

152 – Jayden Butikofer, 2025 

113 – Tallon Chambers, 2022

195 – Xavier Williams, 2019

152 – Ryan Petersen, 2017

120 – Aaron Cortez, 2014

152 – Jacob Roach, 2014

195 – Cody McNaney, 2014

145 – Nico Lang, 2012

152 – Terin O’Callaghan, 2011

145 – Josh Laursen, 2010

135 – Brisk Kannel, 2009

140 – Aaron Sanchez, 2009

189 – Shawne Hoehne, 2009

215 – Maurice Aufderheide, 2009

125 – Jake Benedict, 2008

135 – Stephen De La Cruz, 2008

171 – Rodney Neale, 2008

215 – Glen Finch, 2007

152 – James Coats, 2004

130 – Nexi Delgado, 2003

121 – Tyson Moreland, 2002

135 – Nate Laursen, 2002

154 – Jason Beaudrow, 2002

135 – Sean Plunkett, 2000

125 – Zach Dickinson, 1999

130 – Gilbert Perez, 1998

171 – Ryan Rebmann, 1998

152 – Matt Richardson, 1997

HWT – Tony Lazzarini, 1997

125 – Jason Anderson, 1996

125 – Donny Kavanagh, 1995

125 – Justin Crawford, 1994

152 – Richard Naval, 1994

171 – Jerry Bohlander, 1993

189 – David Ochse, 1993

103 – Tim Rankin, 1992

130 – Armando Gutierrez, 1992

145 – Kermitt Philbrick, 1992

189 – Peter Stull, 1991

105 – Justin Andrade, 1989

191 – Niguel Hicks, 1989

HWT – Kevin Phillips, 1989

154 – Dave McPherson, 1988

HWT – Kelly Ayers, 1988

138 – Andy Conover, 1987

175 – Erik Kauwe, 1985

98 – Frisbee Goodall, 1984

126 – Pedro Cazarez, 1984

147 – Shawn Peterson, 1984

165 – Al Fontes, 1984

141 – Pablo Cazarez, 1983

103 – Scott Kannel, 1980

165 – Todd Berg, 1979

191 – Jim Sampson, 1979

191 – Dave Farfan, 1978

145 – Jeff Newton, 1977

175 – Darryl Hansen, 1977

120 – Darryl Payne, 1976

145 – Mike Lewis, 1976

HWT – Gary Tennyson, 1976

141 – Roger Capri, 1975

178 – Doug Pope, 1975

98 – Jack Baird, 1974

148 – Ken Mendoza, 1974

145 – Mike Dimon, 1972

175 – Mike Michaels, 1972

191 – Dave Willis, 1972

165 – Brad Charboneau, 1971

95 – Steve Migliore, 1970

145 – Nick Dovick, 1970

133 – Royce Curtis, 1969

HWT – Steve Sanders, 1969

133 – Rich Buddington, 1968

191 – Darrell Bluhm, 1968

HWT – George Halyak, 1968

112 – Tom Dodd, 1967

145 – Neal Enard, 1967

123 – Percy Del Castillo, 1966

115 – Mark Dodd, 1965

141 – Ralph Ammendolia, 1965

148 – Del Lounsbury, 1965

157 – Ray Newbury, 1965

168 – Warren McPherson, 1965

194 – Scott Humphrey, 1965

EAST BAY ATHLETIC LEAGUE DUAL MEET CHAMPIONS 

2003, ’98, ’97, ’94*, ’93, ’92, ’91, ’90, ’89 ’88, ’86*, ’77, ’72*, ’71, ’70, ’69*, ’67, ’65

*Co-Champions

EAST BAY ATHLETIC LEAGUE TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS

2008, ’03, ’98, ’97, ’93, ’92, ’91, ’90, ’89, ’77, ’74, ’72, ’71, ’70, ’67, ’65

CIF NORTH COAST SECTION DUAL MEET TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS

• CHAMPIONS (Div. II East Bay), 2025 
• 2^nd Place (Div. II East Bay), 2024 
• 4^th Place (Div. II East Bay), 2022
• 3^rd Place (Div. II East Bay), 2016
• CHAMPIONS (Div. II East Bay), 2014
• 2^nd Place (Div. I East Bay), 2008

FREESTYLE/GRECO-ROMAN/FOLKSTYLE ALL-AMERICANS 

• Timothy Cowan – USA Wrestling Nationals (Folkstyle)
• Ximena Pulido – Cadet Nationals (Girl’s Folkstyle)
• Clark Conover – Cadet/Junior/Espoir (Greco) 3x
• Andy Koponen – 2x Espoir (Greco)/3^rd Olympic Festival (Greco) 
• Bryan Vashus – AAU Grand Nationals Champion (Greco)
• Scott Page – Espoir (Freestyle)

COLLEGIATE LEVEL ALL-AMERICANS

• Stephen De La Cruz – 2x 3C2A (Chabot CC)
• Peter Matheson – 1x 3C2A(Chabot CC)
• Marc Kavanagh – 2x 3C2A (Chabot CC)
• Clark Conover – 2x 3C2A (Chabot CC)
• Garen McDonald – 2x 3C2A (Chabot CC) / NCAA Div. II (CS Bakersfield)

CALIFORNIA “CIF” STATE QUALIFIERS (GIRLS)

126 – Francee Richmond, 2022 

131 – Mya Waechtler, 2019 

126 – Ximena Pulido, 2019 

132 – Amanda French, 2012

3x CIF NORTH COAST SECTION PLACERS (GIRLS)

121/126/131 – Ximena Pulido (8^th, 4^th, 6^th), 2018, ’19, ’20 

121/131 – Mya Waechtler (6^th, 7^th, 3^rd), 2017, ’18, ’19 

2X CIF NORTH COAST SECTION PLACERS (GIRLS)

121/126 – Francee Richmond (4^th, 2^nd), 2019, ’22 

106 – Emma Kavanagh (7^th, 7^th), 2019, ’20 

170 – Kayla Smith (5^th, 6^th), 2014, ’15 

1x CIF NORTH COAST SECTION PLACERS (GIRLS)

110 – Diana Zarco, 6^th Place ’26 

152 – Rocio Ortiz, 8^th Place ’23 

132 – Amanda French, 3^rd Place ’12 

138 – Meagan Parker, 8^th Place ’12 

CIF NORTH COAST SECTION DIVISION II EAST BAY PLACERS (GIRLS)

100 – Lily Houle, 6th Place ‘26

105 – Diana Garcia, 5th Place ‘26

110 – Diana Zarco, CHAMPION ‘26

EAST BAY ATHLETIC LEAGUE CHAMPIONS (GIRLS)

143 – Romy Clevenger ‘23