Legacy of family, excellence, and championships built over decades, where winning isn’t just the goal—it’s the expectation.

California doesn’t do easy.
Eight hundred fifty-plus programs. One state. One bracket. No second chances. Survive your league, grind through CIF, battle through Masters—and maybe, just maybe, you earn a shot at the State Championships.

This is a system built to break the best. Most crumble. Some survive. Few rise.

Temecula Valley? They didn’t wait to survive. They arrived to dominate.

Founded in 1985, the Golden Bears hit the mat hard under Coach Matt Craven. League titles. CIF placings. A spark. Then came proof: Ronnie Long—fourth in the state in 1990, back to the finals in ’91. Not a flash. A warning.

J.T. Mendoza. Dan Long. State podium finishes stacking year after year. While most programs spend decades chasing relevance, Temecula Valley was already knocking on the door.

Few witnessed that foundation more closely than Bud Kane—original faculty member, head football coach, and father of two-time state champion Ryan Kane—who reflected on the program’s early vision:

“Our original vision for Temecula Valley was to establish excellence in both academics and athletics… With that in mind, we brought in Arnold Alpert and Lyndon Campbell to build upon an already successful foundation and take it to the next level. In time, that vision proved itself.”

Then 1995 happened.

Arnold Alpert didn’t arrive to maintain—he came to accelerate. A CIF state placer at Edison, a 3C2A State Champion and All-American at Rancho Santiago College (now Santa Ana College), and later a Cal State Fullerton competitor, Alpert brought credibility—and expectation. Decades later, his impact would be cemented with induction into the California Wrestling Hall of Fame.

Under his leadership, the Golden Bears surged. They advanced through CIF Divisionals, Masters, and State—every step intentional. Breakthroughs followed: Mendoza’s second state medal. Mark Perryman, third. This was no longer a program producing contenders—it was producing legacy.

And it became a family.

Wrestling at Temecula Valley wasn’t just passed down—it was lived. Ronnie and Dan Long set the tone. The Flores brothers carried it forward. The Mendozas, the Bristols, the Navaretes—names that didn’t just appear, but reappeared. The Meridiths turned it into a trio of state competitors. Perryman became a multi-year standout. The Gaitans established a lineage that continues today.

For Temecula Valley, greatness wasn’t taught—it was inherited.

As Lyndon Campbell explains:

“We’ve built a system and culture that brings out the best in our athletes. It’s a family—multiple generations have competed in our program. With strong support from our administration, more student-athletes are drawn to what we do. They know we support them not just on the mat, but in the classroom and in preparing for their future.”

Justin Flores reflects on that foundation:

“Arnold Alpert was my first wrestling coach and truly embodied leadership… Coach Campbell later introduced a meticulous style that reshaped how I approached wrestling—and life. In many ways, he was the Yin to Alpert’s Yang.”

By 1996, the door was gone. Temecula Valley had kicked it in.

By 1997, the program was primed for another leap. That year, Lyndon Campbell, a recent California Wrestling Hall of Fame inductee, joined as co-head coach—and everything changed. A two-time CIF State Champion, national honoree, and three-time NCAA Division I qualifier at Cal State Fullerton, Campbell didn’t just match the moment—he elevated it.

His connection with Alpert ran deeper than titles: training partners, competitors, now co-architects. Together, they didn’t just build a program—they built a philosophy.

“We shape people—future parents, workers, citizens,” Alpert said. “It’s not about you—it’s about us.”

That philosophy became the backbone.

Ryan Kane remembers:

“They didn’t just build a winning program; they built a culture… Thirty years later, many of my closest friends are still my teammates. That brotherhood never left.”

By the late 1990s, the program had outgrown the state stage. Their next challenge was national—competing against powerhouses at events like the Beast of the East in Delaware. Blair. Northampton. Easton. Programs others hesitate to face. Temecula Valley didn’t hesitate.

Top five as a team. Justin Flores? He didn’t just compete—he dominated his bracket.

But it wasn’t just performance. It was identity. Bleached blond hair. Every wrestler. A team that refused to blend in—one that demanded to be remembered. From that moment on, they were.

Because at Temecula Valley, it’s never just about winning—it’s about response.

In 2002, Jeff Bristol walked off the CIF State Championships short of his goal. Weeks later, at NHSCA Senior Nationals, he fought his way back—match by match—to earn All-American honors.

That’s the standard: not perfection—resilience.

Looking back, Jeff said it best:

“Wrestling didn’t just teach me to compete—it forged the person I am today: a parent, husband, and business owner. Coaches Alpert and Campbell showed me what it means to push limits, embrace the grind, and own every challenge. Their lessons carried me through the toughest battles and have transformed thousands of lives. I owe them everything, and I’ll be forever grateful!”

Under Alpert and Campbell, the Golden Bears became a machine—38 consecutive league titles [state record], 36 CIF championships, three Masters titles, multiple All-Americans, and 50 state placers since 1990.

Consistency wasn’t the goal—it was the standard.

In 2008, they raised it again with the Battle for the Belt, bringing California’s elite to their doorstep and cementing their role as leaders of the sport.

At the state level: six top-10 finishes. From 4th in 1998 to 6th in 2022. Champions like Ethan Perryman and M.J. Gaitan leading the way.

Since 1997, state champions have become expected: Justin Flores, Ryan Kane [2x], Calvin Devault, Patrick Martinez, Ethan Perryman, M.J. Gaitan. Not moments. A system.

And it didn’t stop there.

M.J. Gaitan made history—Iowa State Cyclones’ first NCAA Division I All-American for Temecula in 2026.

Patrick Martinez went global—U.S. World Team, Senior World Championships.

Justin Flores leveled up—national judo champion, world team member, Olympic alternate—now coaching at the highest level.

Jeff Bristol turned grit into business—building entrepreneurial success in the fitness industry.

And that’s just the surface—there are countless more success stories far beyond the Temecula program.

This isn’t just wrestling. It’s impact everywhere.

And it’s not just the boys.
Leah Gaitan. State champion with multiple state medals. Cheyenne Youngblood. Two-time medalist. Olive Lechiara. Another podium finish in 2026.

Excellence here isn’t selective—it’s systemic.

Today, the standard still holds.

Alpert remains a guiding force. Campbell continues to lead. Alongside him, Mario Decario [new co-head coach with Campbell] helps carry the torch.

And the results don’t slow:
2026—Ashton Lassig, 6th. Olive Lechiara, 7th at the CIF State Championships. Another year. Another statement.

Because at Temecula Valley, success isn’t chased—it’s built, sustained, and expected.

In a state that doesn’t do easy, they made dominance inevitable.

They didn’t enter the conversation—
they defined it.

A LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE

TEAM | INDIVIDUAL STATS

• 38 consecutive League titles [State Record]
• 41x CIF Champions [Duals | Individual]
• 3x Southern Section Masters Champions
• First CIF state placer – 1990 [138 – Ronnie Long, 4^th Place]
• 50 CIF State Placers since 1990 [#12 school – CA All-Time total]

6 TOP 10 FINISHES AT CIF STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS [850+ CA Schools]

• 6^th Place, 2022 [6 Placers | 2 CHAMPIONS]
• 7^th Place, 2006 [3 Placers]
• 8^th Place, 2004 [4 Placers | 1 CHAMPION]
• 6^th Place, 2001 [3 Placers]
• 4th Place, 1998 [4 Placers | 1 CHAMPION]
• 6^th Place, 1997 [2 Placers | 1 CHAMPION]

INDIVIDUAL CIF STATE CHAMPIONS [7] 

• 120 – Ethan Perryman, ‘22
• 160 – M.J. Gaitan, ’22 
• 160 – Patrick Martinez, ’09 
• 160 – Calvin Devault, ‘04
• 160 – Ryan Kane, ‘99
• 145 – Ryan Kane, ‘98
• 119 – Justin Flores, ‘97

MOST CIF STATE PLACERS IN A SINGLE SEASON: [6], 2022

• 120 – Ethan Perryman, STATE CHAMPION
• 132 – Devin Avedissian, 7^th Place 
• 138 – Abel Gaitan, 7^th Place 
• 145 – Alec Peralta, 7^th Place 
• 152 – Mark Takara, 6^th Place 
• 160 – Manuel Gaitan, STATE CHAMPION

CIF STATE PLACERS 1990-’26 [TOP 8]

175 – Ashton Lassig, 6^th Place ‘26

285 – Justice El Sayad, 8^th Place ‘24

120 – Ethan Perryman, STATE CHAMPION ‘22

132 – Devin Avedissian, 7^th Place ‘22

138 – Abel Gaitan, 7^th Place ‘22

145 – Alec Peralta, 7^th Place ‘22

152 – Mark Takara, 6^th Place ‘22

160 – M.J. Gaitan, STATE CHAMPION ‘22

106 – Ethan Perryman, 5^th Place ‘20

170 – Ryan Cosio, 3^rd Place ‘19

182 – Ryan Cosio, 4^th Place ‘18

138 – Joshy Cortez, 5^th Place ‘15

132 – Joshy Cortez, 8^th Place ‘14

145 – Marco DeCaro, 8^th Place ’10 

160 – Patrick Martinez, STATE CHAMPION ‘09

285 – Eduardo Marquez, 8^th Place ‘08

171 – Jake Meridith, 2^nd Place ’08 

160 – Patrick Martinez, 6^th Place ‘08

171 – Jake Meridith, 7^th Place ‘07

189 – Ryan Smith, 6^th Place ’07 

125 – Aaron Navarete, 4^th Place ‘06

145 – Ted Bristol, 7^th Place ‘06

171 – Ryan Smith, 3^rd Place ’06  

140 – Kipp Bowman, 5^th Place ‘05

152 – Corey Beeson, 6^th Place ‘05

103 – David Navarrete, 7^th Place ‘04

135 – Kipp Bowman, 7^th Place ‘04

160 – Calvin Devault, STATE CHAMPION ’04 

130 – Morgan Atkison, 4^th Place ’03 

119 – Jeremy Mendoza, 6^th Place ‘02

140 – Jeff Bristol, 5^th Place ‘02

125 – Tyler Morgan, 2^nd Place ‘01

140 – Angelo Lago, 4^th Place ‘01

215 – Aaron Coman, 2^nd Place ’01 

125 – Tim Risen, 7^th Place ‘00

160 – Ryan Kane, STATE CHAMPION ‘99

125 – Nathan Hope, 5^th Place ‘98

130 – Justin Flores, 3^rd Place ‘98

145 – Ryan Kane, STATE CHAMPION ‘98

189 – Joe Vetromile, 5^th Place ‘98

119 – Justin Flores, STATE CHAMPION ‘97

189 – Joe Vetromile, 7^th Place ‘97

112 – Justin Flores, 6^th Place ‘96

130 – Jacob Flores, 7^th Place ‘96

130 – Mark Perryman, 3^rd Place ‘95

140 – J.T. Mendoza, 7^th Place ‘95

135 – Dan Long, 3^rd Place ‘94

140 – J.T. Mendoza, 8^th Place ‘94

145 – Ronnie Long, 2^nd Place ’91 

138 – Ronnie Long, 4^th Place ‘90

SENIOR LEVEL WORLD TEAM 

Patrick Martinez

3x U.S. World Team Member – Greco-Roman [2015, ’16, ’18]

2x Pan-American Bronze Medalist

FARGO ALL-AMERICANS [Freestyle | Greco-Roman]

160 – M.J. Gaitan, NATIONAL CHAMPION [JR GR], 2021

145 – Joshua Cortez, 5^th Place [JR GR], 2015

171 – Patrick Martinez, 4^th Place [JR FS] | 7^th Place [JR GR], 2009

160 – Patrick Martinez, 5^th Place [JR GR], 2008

132 – Jeff Bristol, 4^th Place [16U GR], 1999

154 – Ryan Kane, 6^th Place [16U GR], 1997

ASICS TIGER HIGH SCHOOL ALL-AMERICAN

160 – Ryan Kane [Honorable Mention] ‘99

NHSCA HS ALL-AMERICANS [Frosh-Senior]

106 – Brandon Baldonado, 7^th ’21 [Junior]

152 – M.J. Gaitan, 3^rd Place ’21 [Junior]

152 – Mark Takara, 6^th Place ’21 [Junior]

182 – Ryan Cosio, 4^th Place ’19 [Senior]

126 – M.J. Gaitan, 5^th Place ’19 [Frosh]

138 – Joshy Cortez, 5^th Place ’15 [Senior]

103 – David Navarette, 5^th Place ’04 [Senior]

135 – Jeff Bristol, 7^th Place ’02 [Senior]

125 – Tyler Moran, 4^th Place ’01 [Senior]

130 – Justin Flores, 4^th Place ’98 [Senior]

WRESTLING USA MAGAZINE ALL-AMERICANS [Seniors]

• Ethan Perryman, ‘22
• M.J. Gaitan, ‘22
• Patrick Martinez, ‘09
• Calvin DeVault, ’04 [HM]
• Ryan Kane, ‘99

COLLEGIATE ALL-AMERICANS [NCAA | NAIA | NCWA]

174 – M.J. Gaitan [Iowa State]: NCAA Division I [8th Place, 2026]

184 – Matthew Porras-Diamond [Menlo]: NCWA [5th ’26]

174 – Michael Scarponi [Doane University]: NAIA [6th ’24]

174 – Patrick Martinez [Nebraska-Kearney]: 2x NCAA Div. II [5th, ’13 | 3rd ’14]

157 – Ted Bristol [Grand Canyon]: NCAA DivII [5th ’11]

TOP 8 FINISHES AT CIF STATE 

[100+ schools have achieved this feat since 1973]

1. Clovis [CS]: 39 [1973-‘26]
2. Poway [SD]: 36 [1986-‘26]
3. Buchanan [CS]: 21 [1996-‘26]
4. Bakersfield [CS]: 20 [1980-‘24] 
5. Gilroy [CC]: 18 [1993-‘26]
6. Calvary Chapel [SS]: 16 [1997-’22] 
7. Clovis West [CS]: 14 [1982-’14]
8. Selma [CS]: 13 [1988-’20] 
9. St. John Bosco (SS): 12 [2012-’26]
10. Vacaville (SJ): 11 [1986-’14] 
11. Ponderosa (SJ): 8 [1992-’07] 
12. Valhalla [SD]: 8 [1983-’98] 
13. Hughson [SJ]: 7 [1977-’05] 
14. Tied w / 6: Temecula Valley, S [1997-’22], Overfelt, CC [1979-’91], Bella Vista, SJ [1978-’84], and Merced, SJ [1974-’80].

CIF STATE PLACERS [Girl’s Division] 

115 – Olive Lechiara, 7^th Place ‘26

106 | 111 | 121 – Leah Gaitan, State Champ ’19 | 3^rd ’20 | 3^rd Place ’22  

132 – Cheyenne Youngblood, 5^th Place ‘12

138 – Cheyenne Youngblood, 2^nd Place ‘11