From Dave Schultz’s statement pin in ’77 to Angelo Posada’s gritty clinch in ’25, California has consistently sent its hammers into the lion’s den of Pennsylvania wrestling. Across 50 years of the Pittsburgh Wrestling Classic (formerly the Dapper Dan), the West Coast has proven that Cali grit can go toe-to-toe with PA tradition any day of the week.

The Mendoza Dynasty Continues

This year, the legacy grows. Three-time California state champion Moises Mendoza (Gilroy High) will make his debut on this prestigious stage, following in the footsteps of his older brother, Daniel, who competed in the event last year.

Moises isn’t just a state standout; he is a Super 32 and Fargo Freestyle Junior National Champion. Currently committed to the University of Michigan, Mendoza looks to close out his high school career with a win in the nation’s premier showcase.

The Matchup:

Mendoza faces a formidable test in Camden Baum (Bishop McDevitt). Baum is a Purdue committee ranked No. 5 nationally at 138 lbs. A three-time state finalist and reigning PA state champion, Baum brings a staggering 132-10 career record into the AHN Arena.

By The Numbers: California’s All-Time Record

In the 52-year history of the event, California representatives have built a winning tradition. Head-to-head against Pennsylvania’s finest, California holds a narrow 14-11 lead.

Total Record: 14 Wins – 11 Losses

Victory Breakdown:

2 Falls (Pins)

4 Major Decisions

8 Regular Decisions

A Legacy of Hammers

California’s history at the Classic is a “Who’s Who” of wrestling legends. It began in 1977 with Dave Schultz, who set the tone with a pin in 4:39. After a lean period in the 80s and early 90s, Ty Wilcox (Calvary Chapel) and Alex Tirapelle (Clovis) reignited the flame.

The journey wasn’t without its setbacks. The Classic has also seen major upsets, such as Darrell Vasquez falling to Brian Baglio in 2002 and Justin Mejia dropping a major decision to Austin DeSanto in 2017. Yet, the resilience of the Golden State remains. Recent victories by Miguel Estrada (2024), Ronnie Ramirez, and Angelo Posada (2025) have kept the momentum firmly in California’s corner.

Event Details

What: The 52nd Annual Pittsburgh Wrestling Classic

When: March 28 | Women’s Dual followed by WPIAL vs. Oklahoma (4 p.m.) | USA vs. Pennsylvania (6 p.m.)

Where: Peters Township High School – AHN Arena

California’s Historic Results at the Classic

Classic III – 1977

155lbs – Dave Schultz (Palo Alto, CCS) Pinned Mark Barrett (Moon) 4:39

Classic – 1979

HWT – Joe Guinn (Rancho Cotate, NCS) Maj. Tony Elhajj (Steelton Highspire) 14-4

Classic X – 1984

167lbs – Mark Sidonick (Phillipsburg-Osceola) Dec. David Lee (Bella Vista, SJ) 9-4

Classic XII – 1986

HWT – Steve Schannauer (Wilson) Dec. Trent Barnes (Clovis West, CS) 11-5

Classic XX – 1994

189lbs – Scott Stay (Council Rock) Dec. Casey Strand (College Park, NCS) 13-9

Classic XXIII – 1997

160lbs – Ty Wilcox (Calvary Chapel, SS) Dec. Vince DeAugustine (Hemfield Area) 7-5 overtime

Classic XXVII – 2001

140lbs – Alex Triapelle (Clovis, CS) Dec.  Ron Doppelheuer (Connellsville) 8-6 overtime

Classic XXVIII – 2002

125lbs – Brian Baglio (Red Land) Dec. Darrell Vasquez (Bakersfield, CS) 5:45

Classic XXX – 2004

130lbs – Nathan Morgan (Bakersfield, CS) Maj. Jared Royer (Cedar Cliff) 13-5

Classic XXXIV – 2008

119lbs – Thomas Williams (South Hills, SS) Dec. Kegan Handlovic (Easton) 1-1 TB

160lbs lbs – Jason Welch (Las Lomas, NCS) Maj. Jonathan Brothers (Redbank Valley) 22-11

Classic XXXVlI – 2011

160lbs – Bryce Hammond (Bakersfield, CS) Dec. Travis McKillop (Burell) 4-2 overtime

189lbs – Morgan McIntosh (Calvary Chapel, SS) Fall. Ryan Hembury (Muncy) 2:59

Classic XXXIX – 2013

160lbs -Isaiah Martinez (Lemoore, CS) Maj. Cody Law (Forrest Hills) 20-8

Classic XL – 2014

285lbs – Nick Nevills (Clovis, CS) Dec. Thomas Haines (Solanco) 5-3

Classic XLIII – 2017

126lbs – Austin De Santo (Exeter) dec, Justin Mejia (Clovis, CS) 18-5

152lbs – Cameron Coy (Penn Trafford) dec. Quentin Hovis (Poway, SD) 3-1

Classic XLVI – 2020 Canceled Due To Covid-19

152lbs – Chase Saldate (Gilroy, CCS)

Classic XLVII – 2021

120lbs – Brett Unger (Notre Dame-Green Pond) Dec. Richard Figueroa (Selma, CS) 5-2

Classic XLVIII – 2022

120lbs – Mason Leiphart (Dover Area) Dec. Joey Cruz of Clovis North (CS) 6-2

Classic L – 2024

112lbs – Ayden Smith (Notre Dame-Green Pond) Dec. Abraham Cline (Granite Hills, SD) 3-1

152lbs – Miguel Estrada (Frontier, CS) Dec. Ryan Garvick (Central Dauphin) 12-6

Classic I – 2025

127lbs – Ronnie Ramirez (Walnut, SS) Dec. Nathan Desmond (Wyoming Seminary) 6-5

145lbs – Eren Sement (Council Rock North) Dec. Nikade Zinkin (Clovis, CS) 4-2

152 lbs – Maddox Shawn (Thomas Jefferson) Dec. Daniel Zepeda (Gilroy, CCS) 8-5

215 lbs – Angelo Posada (Poway, SD) Dec. Austin Johnson (Muncy) 4-1

Photo Credit: John Sachs