A Closer Look at California’s Top Tier Talent

by Al Fontes

In 2015, I set out to capture California wrestling history in one sweeping piece—ranking the state’s best from the inaugural CIF State Championship in 1973 through 2015 (California Dreamin’, A Panoramic View of the Last 40 Plus Years). I broke it down like a roster of legends: a Dream Team at the top, followed by Second and Third Teams, Honorable Mentions, and even a nod to those who never captured a CIF state title but still carved out elite collegiate careers or rose to international success.

Now, ten years later, it’s time to expand the record.

I’m taking that original 2015 foundation and building the next chapter—layering in another decade of talent and rewriting the story decade by decade. We start where it all began: the 1970s, and move forward from there, tracking how each era reshaped California wrestling’s legacy.

California wrestling in the 1970s wasn’t just strong—it was a pipeline to greatness. Beneath the surface of CIF state medals and high school accolades, this era quietly produced Olympians, world medalists, NCAA champions, and some of the most influential wrestlers in American history. What stands out isn’t just the volume of talent—it’s how that talent evolved.

At first glance, the list is packed with CIF State champions across every weight class. But a deeper look reveals something more interesting: high school dominance didn’t always predict long-term success. Wrestlers like Gary Bohay and Mark Fuller never won state titles, yet went on to reach the highest levels of the sport—Bohay as a World silver medalist and Fuller as a four-time Olympian. Add in Jesse Reyes, who was not a CIF state champion or placer but became both an NCAA Division I and II champion, and the pattern sharpens: California’s system wasn’t just producing winners—it was producing developers.

Still, a handful of names rise far above even this elite field. Brothers Dave and Mark Schultz anchor the era as two of the greatest wrestlers the United States has ever produced. Both claimed Olympic gold in 1984 and dominated internationally, with Dave amassing six World medals and Mark adding multiple world titles to his résumé. Even before his final CIF State tournament in 1977, Dave had already proven himself on a global trajectory—defeating two-time NCAA Champion and Outstanding Wrestler Chuck Yagla at the Great Plains tournament to earn a spot competing in Tbilisi, in the former Soviet Republic of Georgia, widely regarded at the time as the toughest tournament in the world. Mark’s path was, in its own way, just as remarkable. Prior to his 1978 CIF State title run, he had never won a high school tournament or even placed at state, making his rise not just improbable, but almost unprecedented for an athlete who would later reach the very pinnacle of the sport. Their presence alone elevates this group into historic territory.

They weren’t alone. Tim Vanni carved out a remarkably long international career as a two-time Olympian and multi-time U.S. national champion. John Azevedo and Joe Gonzales exemplified dominance across collegiate divisions, each winning NCAA titles and representing the U.S. on the Olympic stage. Dan Cuestas built one of the most decorated dual-division NCAA careers of the era, while Harlan Kistler added Division I All-American honors and international experience.

Wrestling excellence in the decade often ran through families, and the Kistlers stand as one of its strongest examples. Harlan’s success at the collegiate and international levels was mirrored by his brother, Jackson Kistler (Notre Dame HS, S), who captured the 1977 CIF State title after previously placing fifth. Jackson went on to earn two NCAA Division I All-American honors at Arizona State, giving the family a rare dual imprint on both the state and national stages (brothers Lindley and Marty excelled in the 1980s).

That pattern—shared training environments, competitive households, and built-in training partners—quietly reinforced California’s developmental edge. While not always as visible as individual champions, these family pipelines contributed to the depth that defined the era and hinted at a trend that would become far more pronounced in later decades.

This small cluster of athletes represents the tip of the spear—only a fraction of the list, but undeniably world-class.

A major reason for this success lies in the collegiate pipeline. Programs like California State University, Bakersfield played an outsized role in developing California talent, especially during its Division II dominance. Wrestlers such as Mark Loomis and Joe Gonzales thrived there, turning high school success into NCAA titles. At the same time, elite wrestlers branched out to national powerhouses such as Oklahoma State University, University of Oklahoma, and California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Athletes like Steve Barrett and Eric Wais, both NCAA Champions at Oklahoma State, and Scott Heaton(DI All-American at Cal Poly) proved California athletes could thrive anywhere in the country.

The distribution of success across weight classes tells its own story. The middle weights—roughly 112 through 167 pounds—emerge as the sport’s proving ground. This range produced the majority of NCAA champions, Olympians, and international medalists, including the Schultz brothers, Vanni, and standouts like Glenn Cooper, a two-time state champion and Junior National star. Lower weights featured highly skilled competitors such as Bruce Terry, a two-time state champion and national-level standout, while upper weights saw strong but less internationally prominent figures like Fred Bohna, an NCAA champion for UCLA. If there was a “sweet spot” for long-term success, it was squarely in the middle.

Geography mattered, too. Central California—particularly the Bakersfield region—appears again and again, establishing itself as a wrestling hotbed. Programs produced athletes like Mike Bull and Percy Richard, while Merced and Clovis consistently turned out elite competitors such as Adam Cuestas and Rod Balch. Palo Alto, of course, gave rise to the Schultz dynasty—proof that excellence could emerge from multiple pockets across the state.

Another defining trait of this era was stylistic versatility. Many of these wrestlers didn’t limit themselves to folkstyle. Freestyle and Greco-Roman competition—especially at Junior Nationals—show up repeatedly in their résumés. Wrestlers like Eric Wais and Tim Vanni built international résumés on that foundation, while others used it to elevate their collegiate success. That cross-training proved critical, giving California wrestlers a broader technical base and a smoother transition to global competition.

Zooming out, the numbers tell a striking story. Dozens of state champions. Scores of NCAA All-Americans. Multiple NCAA champions. And a select few—perhaps 5–7 percent—who reached the pinnacle of Olympic and World success. Yet even beyond the headliners, the depth is remarkable. Wrestlers like Jeff Barksdale, Lou Montano, and Perry Shea built outstanding collegiate careers, reinforcing the strength of the era from top to bottom.

1973 – Inaugural CIF State Champions

1977 CIF State Champions (3 future NCAA Champs/4 All-Americans/1 Olympian)

1978 CIF State Champions (6 future NCAA All-Americans/3 Champs/1 Olympian)

But taken together, this group represents something bigger than individual achievement. It marks a turning point. The 1970s laid the groundwork for California’s rise into a national wrestling powerhouse, proving that the state could not only produce champions, but sustain excellence across levels—high school, college, and beyond.

This wasn’t just a generation of winners. It was a generation that built the blueprint.

Taken as a whole, the 1970s represent the foundation of California’s modern wrestling identity—a decade that produced champions, international standouts, and a developmental system that would shape generations to come. From CIF state medalists to NCAA champions and Olympic medalists, this era established the depth, reach, and competitive standard that future decades would build upon.

What follows is a comprehensive list of the top-tier wrestlers from the 1970s, compiled to reflect both high school achievement and long-term success at the collegiate, national, and international levels.

98 – Bob Contreas (Kingsburg HS, CS), 1973

• CIF State Champion

103 – Mike Flemming (El Dorado HS, S), 1973

• CIF State Champion 
• Junior Nationals All-American 

112 – Ernie Flores (Madera, CS), 1973

• CIF State Champion
• Wrestling USA Magazine All-American

112 – Dwight Miller (Gunn, CC), 1973

• CIF State Medalist (3rd)
• NCAA Division III All-American (Humboldt State)

120 – Leon Iannarelli (Fairfield HS, SJ), 1973 

• CIF State Champion
• NCAA Division II All-American (Cal Poly, SLO)

133 – Roger Roberts (Merced HS, SJ), 1973

• CIF State Champion 
• Amateur Wrestling News H.S. All-American 
• Wrestling USA Magazine All-American 

138 – Steve Barrett (Miraleste HS, S), 1973

• CIF State Champion
• Wrestling USA Magazine All-American 
• NCAA Division I Champion | 3x All-American (Oklahoma State)

167 – Jon Jackson (Miraleste HS, S), 1973

• CIF State Champion
• Wrestling USA Magazine All-American (HM)

175 – Fred DeLeon (Oak Grove, CC), 1973

• CIF State Champion
• Wrestling USA Magazine All-American 

195 – Mike Bull (South Bakersfield HS, CS), 1973

• CIF State Champion 
• Junior Freestyle National Champion 
• Wrestling USA Magazine All-American 
• NCAA Division II Champion | 3x All-American (CSU Bakersfield)

98 – John Siscon (Mt. Miguel, SD), 1974

• CIF State Champion | 2x State Finalist 

112 – Brad Morton (Mira Costa, S), 1974

• 4^th CIF State
• NCAA Division II All-American (Chico State)

133 – Joe Lopez (Shafter HS, CS), 1974

• 3^rd CIF State
• NCAA Division II All-American (CSU Bakersfield)

138 – Rod Balch (Clovis HS, CS), 1974

• CIF State Champion
• Wrestling USA Magazine All-American
• 2x NCAA Division II All-American (CSU Bakersfield)

145 – Steve Cook (Crestmoor HS, CC), 1974

• 4^th CIF State
• NCAA Division II All-American (San Francisco State)

154 – Mike Anderson (Foothill-Bakersfield, CS), 1974

• 4^th CIF State
• NCAA Division II All-American (CSU Bakersfield)

175 – Fred Bohna (Clovis HS, CS), 1974

• CIF State Champion 
• Wrestling USA Magazine All-American (HM)
• Junior Nationals All-American (Freestyle)
• NCAA Division I Champion (UCLA)

195 – Rich Blanton (San Lorenzo HS, NC), 1974

• CIF State Champion
• 3C2A State Medalist/All-American (Chabot College)

195 – Eric Woolsey (Arcata, NC), 1974

• CIF State Medalist (5th)
• 2x NCAA Division III Champion | 2x All-American (Humboldt State)

98 – Jacinto Gonzales (Millikan, S), 1975

• CIF State Champion

112 – John Azevedo (Grace Davis HS, SJ), 1975

• 2x CIF State Champion 
• Wrestling USA Magazine All-American
• Amateur Wrestling News H.S. All-American
• Junior National Champion (Freestyle) 
• 3x NCAA Division II Champion (CSU Bakersfield)
• 1x NCAA Division I Champion/2x DI All-American (CSU Bakersfield)
• 1980 OLYMPIC TEAM 

112 – Joe Gonzales (Montebello HS, S), 1975

• 3C2A State Champion (East LA College)
• Junior National Champion (Freestyle)
• 2x Junior All-American (Freestyle)
• NCAA Division I Champion | 2x All-American (CSU Bakersfield)
• 2x NCAA Division II Champion | 2x All-American (CSU Bakersfield)
• 1982 World Bronze Medalist (Freestyle)
• 1984 Olympian (Freestyle)

127 – Erick Gritz (El Capitan HS, SD), 1975

• 6^th CIF State ‘75
• NCAA Division II All-American (UC Davis)

127 – Marty Maciel (Paramount HS, S), 1975

• 5^th CIF State
• 2x NCAA Division II All-American (CSU Bakersfield)

145 – Bill Cripps (Leuzinger HS, S), 1975

• 3^rd CIF State
• 2x NCAA Division II All-American (Arizona State)

167 – Terry Markou (Pacific HS, NC), 1975

• 2x CIF State Champion
• Amateur Wrestling News H.S. All-American
• Wrestling USA Magazine All-American 

103 – Gary Fisher (Dos Pueblos HS, S), 1976

• CIF State Champion 
• Wrestling USA Magazine All-American (HM)
• 2x NCAA Division I All-American (Cal Poly, SLO)

138 – Glenn Cooper (San Juan HS, SJ), 1976

• 2x CIF State Champion
• 2x Junior National Champion – FS/GR 
• Amateur Wrestling News H.S. All-American
• Wrestling USA Magazine Dream Team 

138 – Lee Noble (CSU Bakersfield), 1976

• 3^rd CIF State 
• NCAA Division II All-American (CSU Bakersfield)

138 – Mike Fredenburg (Campbell, CC), 1976

• CIF State Medalist (2nd)
• NCAA Division III Champion | 2x All-American (Humboldt State)

145 – Scott Heaton (San Luis Obispo HS, S), 1976

• CIF State Champion | 2x State Medalist (2^nd, 1^st)
• Amateur Wrestling News H.S. All-American 
• Wrestling USA Magazine All-American
• NCAA Division I All-American (Cal Poly, SLO)

167 – Rande Coste (Claremont HS, S), 1976

• CIF State Champion
• Amateur Wrestling News H.S. All-American 

175 – Donald Brown (Oakland HS, OS), 1976

• 3^rd CIF State Championships 
• NCAA Division I All-American (University of Oregon)

195 – Eric Wais (Woodland HS, SJ), 1976

• 2x CIF State Champion 
• 3x Junior Nationals All-American (FS/GR)
• Wrestling USA Magazine All-American
• Amateur Wrestling News H.S. All-American 
• NCAA Division I Champion | 3x All-American (Oklahoma State)

98 – Percy Richard (East Bakersfield, CS), 1977

• CIF State Champion 

112 – Dan Cuestas (Merced HS, SJ), 1977

• 2x CIF State Champion 
• Wrestling USA Magazine All-American
• Amateur Wrestling News H.S. All-American 
• 2x NCAA Division I Champion/2x All-American (CSU Bakersfield)
• 2x NCAA Division II Champion/2x All-American (CSU Bakersfield)

112 – Mike Erb (Monte Vista, CC), 1977

• 4th CIF State

• NCAA Division I All-American (University of Oregon)

112 – Marty Nellis (Poway, SD), 1977

• CIF State Medalist (6th)
• NCAA Division III All-American (Humboldt State)

120 – Jackson Kistler (Notre Dame HS, S), 1977

• CIF State Champion | 2x State Medalist (5^th, 1^st)
• 2x NCAA Division I All-American (Arizona State)

133 – Perry Shea (Bellflower HS, S), 1977

• CIF State Qualifier 
• 3C2A State Champion (Cerritos College)
• 2x NCAA Div. DII Champion | 2x NCAA Div. I All-American (CSU Bakersfield)

167 – Dave Schultz (Palo Alto HS, CC), 1977 

• CIF State Champion *OW | 3x CIF State Placer (4^th, 4^th, 1^st)
• Junior Nationals All-American (FS)
• Wrestling USA Magazine Dream Team
• Amateur Wrestling News H.S. First Team All-American 
• Dapper Dan Classic – Team USA (winner)
• NCAA Div. I Champion | 3x All-American (Oklahoma St./Univ. of Oklahoma)
• 1984 Olympic Gold Medalist (Freestyle)
• World Champion | 6x World Medalist (Freestyle)

195 – Bruce Kopitar (Clayton Valley HS, NC), 1977

• CIF State Champion 
• Amateur Wrestling News H.S. All-American 
• 3C2A State Champion | 2x All-American (Diablo Valley College)

103 – Adam Cuestas (Merced HS, SJ), 1978

• 2x State Champion
• Junior National Champion (Freestyle)
• 2x Junior All-American (Freestyle)
• Wrestling USA Magazine Dream Team
• 3x NCAA Division II Champion | 3x All-American
• NCAA Division I Champion | All-American

103 – Alfred Gutierrez (Redwood HS, NC), 1978

• CIF State Medalist (3^rd)
• NCAA Division I All-American (Cal Poly, SLO)

103 – Gary Bohay (Fountain Valley HS, S), 1978

• 3^rd CIF State Championships 
• NCAA Division I All-American (Arizona State)
• World Silver Medalist (FS)

112 – Harlan Kistler (Notre Dame HS, S), 1978

• CIF State Champion | 2x State Medalist
• Wrestling USA Magazine All-American 
• Junior Nationals All-American (Greco)
• 2x NCAA Division I All-American (UCLA/Univ. of Iowa)

112 – Mike Erb (Cupertino, CC), 1978

• 2x CIF State Medalist (4th, 3rd)
• NCAA Division I All-American (Oregon)

120 – Warren Turnage (Clayton Valley HS, NC), 1978

• CIF State Champion | 2x State Finalist 
• Amateur Wrestling News H.S. All-American 
• Wrestling USA Magazine All-American

127 – Eddie Baza (Fremont HS, CC), 1978 

• State Qualifier
• 2x NCAA DI All-American (San Jose State)

133 – Jeff Barksdale (Chaffey HS, S), 1978

• CIF State Champion 
• Amateur Wrestling News H.S. All-American 
• NCAA Division I All-American (Cal Poly, SLO)

133 – Steve Nickell (East Bakersfield, CS), 1978

• 6^th CIF State 
• NCAA Division II All-American (CSU Bakersfield)

133 – Pat O’Donnell (Pacific Grove, CC), 1978

• CIF State Medalist (2nd)
• NCAA Division I All-American (Cal Poly, SLO)

145 – Lou Montano (Calexico HS, S), 1978

• CIF State Medalist (3^rd)
• 2x NCAA DI All-American (Cal Poly, SLO)

154 – Mark Schultz (Palo Alto HS, CC), 1978

• CIF State Champion
• 3x NCAA Division I Champion (University of Oklahoma)  *OW
• 1984 Olympic Gold Medalist (Freestyle)
• 2x World Champion (Freestyle) 

167 – Mark Loomis (Bella Vista HS, SJ), 1978

• CIF State Champion | 2x State Medalist (5^th, 1^st)
• Amateur Wrestling News H.S. All-American 
• 3C2A State Champion (Sacramento City CC)
• NCAA Division II Champion | 3x All-American (CSU Bakersfield)

98 – Bruce Terry (Loara HS, S), 1979

• 2x State Champion
• Wrestling USA Magazine Dream Team

98 – Tim Vanni (Monache HS, CS), 1979

• 2x CIF State Medalist (5^th, 2^nd)
• 2x Olympian (Freestyle)
• 4^th 1988 Seoul Olympics (Freestyle)
• 2x World Cup Medalist (Freestyle)
• 3x Pan American Games Medalist (Freestyle)
• 5x U.S. Senior National Champion 

98 – Adam Cohen (Riordan, CC), 1979

• CIF State Medalist (3rd)
• NCAA Division I All-American (Arizona State)

103 – Mark Fuller (Lincoln HS, SJ), 1979

• 2x CIF State Medalist (4^th, 3rd)
• 4x Olympic Team Member (GR)

127 – Jesse Reyes (Bakersfield, CS), 1979

• 2x NCAA Div. II Champ | 1x NCAA Div. I Champ | 3x AA (CSU Bakersfield)

133 – Eric Lessley (San Marin, NC), 1979

• CIF State Medalist (6^th)

• NCAA Division II National Champ | 2x All-American (Humboldt St.)

154 – Sylvester Carver (Encinal, NC), 1979

• 3rd CIF State
• 2x NCAA Division I All-American (Fresno State)

195 – Jerry Morrison (LeLand HS, CC), 1979

• CIF State Champion 
• Amateur Wrestling News HS All-American 

HWT – Craig Schone (Crestmoor HS, CC), 1976

• 5^th CIF State
• NCAA Division II All-American  (CSU Bakersfield)

Non–State Champs → NCAA All-Americans 

Gary Bohay — 3rd CIF State; NCAA Div. I AA (Arizona St.); World Silver Medalist 

Sylvester Carver — 3rd CIF State; 2x NCAA Division I All-American (Fresno State.)

Adam Cohen — 3rd CIF State; NCAA Div. I AA (Arizona St.)

Brad Morton — 4th CIF State; NCAA Division II All-American (Chico State) 

Mike Erb — 2x CIF State Placer: NCAA Div. I AA (Oregon)

Joe Gonzales — NCAA Div. I Champion; 2× NCAA All-American 

Erick Gritz — 6th CIF State; NCAA Division II All-American (UC Davis) 

Marty Maciel — 5th CIF State; 2× NCAA Div. II AA (CSU Bakersfield) 

Eddie Baza — State qualifier; 2× NCAA Div. I All-American (San Jose State) 

Jesse Reyes — NCAA Champion; 3× NCAA All-American (CSU Bakersfield) 

Joe Lopez — 3rd CIF State; NCAA Division II All-American (CSU Bakersfield) 

Perry Shea — CIF SQ/ 3C2A Champ; 2× NCAA Div. I AA + 2× DII Champion 

Steve Nickell — 6th CIF State; NCAA Div. II All-American (CSU Bakersfield) 

Lee Noble — 3rd CIF State; NCAA Division II All-American (CSU Bakersfield) 

Steve Cook — 4th CIF State; NCAA Div. II All-American (San Francisco State) 

Bill Cripps — 3rd CIF State; 2× NCAA Division II All-American (Arizona State)

Lou Montano — 3rd CIF State; 2× NCAA Div. I All-American (Cal Poly SLO) 

Mike Anderson — 4th CIF State; NCAA Div. II All-American (CSU Bakersfield) 

Donald Brown — 3rd CIF State; NCAA Division I All-American (Oregon) 

Craig Schone — 5th CIF State; NCAA Div. II All-American (CSU Bakersfield)

Next I’ll explore the talent from the 1980s. Stay tuned!

Photo images: CSU Bakersfield, NWHOF, Oklahoma State, Cal Poly, SLO, Clovis HS., Monache HS, Loara HS and archives.