History isn’t just the past—it’s our foundation. It connects us, teaches us, and fuels the drive to push forward, ensuring the stories, standards, and spirit that define us endure. For over 30 years, preserving wrestling history has been my passion. From chronicling California’s collegiate and prep All-Americans to documenting the sport in Idaho, I’ve dedicated my life to keeping wrestling legacies alive. Along the way, I collaborated with my brother Aaron to capture Livermore High School wrestling history and helped my mentor, Coach Zack Papachristos, tell his story in PAPACHRISTOS. Most recently, I published Chabot College Wrestling History 1962–2025, celebrating the athletes, coaches, and milestones that shaped this storied program.

The Foundation of a Wrestling Tradition

Since 1962, Chabot College wrestling has exemplified toughness, loyalty, and excellence. Four head coaches over six decades guided the Gladiators to five state team titles, 32 individual state champions, 193 state medalists, 114 All-Americans, and 40 hall-of-fame affiliates.

It all began with Bob Thomsen. Without a dedicated wrestling room, his athletes trained at a local boys club—but Thomsen built a powerhouse. His teams won four conference titles, four Northern California championships, and 48 consecutive dual meets. Thomsen produced 20 state placers, 14 All-Americans, and coached JC All-American Buck Deadrich, who competed for the United States in Greco-Roman wrestling at the 1972 Olympics.

The Zack Papachristos Era

By the end of the 1960s, Chabot wrestling was solid—but Papachristos redefined the program. Already a proven winner at Canyon High School, he arrived with energy, passion, and a blueprint for sustained excellence. In 1971, Bert Dalton became Chabot’s first state champion under Papachristos, sparking a streak of All-Americans.

The Gladiators captured back-to-back state team titles in 1972 and 1973 and added another in 1980. By 1982, Chabot achieved national recognition, producing multiple state champions and All-Americans and earning the #1 junior college wrestling ranking in the country. Papachristos finished with five state titles and a 96.3% dual meet win rate—a standard that would define Chabot wrestling for generations.

The Steve Siroy Era – 50 Years of Grit

In 1983, Chabot welcomed Steve Siroy, a two-time state champion and alum who brought unparalleled experience: NCAA qualifier at UCLA, two-time All-American, Pan Am champion, and Olympic freestyle alternate. From his first season, Siroy molded champions.

The 1985 squad became legendary: two individual champions, four All-Americans, and a state runner-up finish. Over five decades, Siroy’s Gladiators produced 10 state champions, 94 state placers (22 two-time), 40 All-Americans, multiple top-five state finishes, and conference titles. Beyond the numbers, Siroy left a culture of toughness, loyalty, and excellence that still defines Chabot wrestling.

Michael Grijalba – Building the Future

In 2023, Michael Grijalba became the fourth head coach since 1962, bringing a decade of collegiate coaching experience and a national champion’s mindset. His first season produced Isaiah Perez, an undefeated state champion, and multiple All-Americans.

By 2025, Chabot thrived: second in the Big 8 South, six state championship qualifiers, and Rafael Roman-Amador capturing a state title at 184 pounds. Grijalba credits his staff: “A program is only as strong as the people in the room.” Under his leadership, Chabot wrestling isn’t just competing—it’s thriving.

A Legacy Beyond Wins

Chabot College wrestling is more than titles—it’s a family. Grit, excellence, loyalty, and pride carry from the mat into life. Preserving that legacy ensures every Gladiator, past and future, remembers where they came from and what it takes to be great.

Why History Matters

Preserving wrestling history isn’t optional—it’s essential. Digital platforms offer instant visibility, but tangible archives—photos, programs, books—secure a legacy that lasts. Every book I’ve published exists because previous generations preserved records, enabling the next generation to honor their roots. My work continues with the upcoming History of the East Bay Athletic League, 1965–2026.