LAS VEGAS, NEV. – The standard for California wrestling continues to climb. After two grueling days at the U.S. Open U20 Freestyle Division, the Golden State has stamped its authority on the national stage, crowning three champions and sending five grapplers to the finals.

Leading the charge were the Cortez brothers and heavyweight standout Coby Merrill, who all secured their spots in the World Team Trials Finals in Geneva, Ohio, this May.

The Cortez Connection: 57 KG & 61 KG Dominance

The tournament belonged to the Cortez family early on. Isaiah Cortez battled through a tactical final at 57 KG, using a slick crotch lock in the first period to establish a lead. Displaying the poise of a veteran, he secured a late takedown in the closing seconds to walk away with a 4-1 victory.

Not to be outdone, Elijah Cortez put on a clinical performance at 61 KG. Elijah wasted no time, using a trap arm to explode to a 6-0 lead. He didn’t let up, securing a technical fall in just four minutes. Watching the brothers win back-to-back titles was a clear reminder of the elite training depth currently residing in the state.

Merrill Slays the Giant at 125 KG

Perhaps the most storied win of the weekend came from high school senior Coby Merrill. Coming off a monumental victory over 2024 Olympian Mason Parris, Merrill faced his long-time nemesis, Dreshaun Ross of Iowa.

Entering the match 0-3 against Ross, Merrill wrestled with something to prove. He jumped out to a commanding 8-2 lead, and while Ross mounted a furious late-match comeback, Merrill held firm for the 8-6 win. It was a career-defining performance that proves Merrill is ready for the international stage.

Podium Power: California’s Medalists

California’s presence was felt far beyond the top of the podium. Brock Mantanona (86 KG) and Robert Platt (97 KG) both reached the finals, finishing as runners-up after tough matches against elite competition.

In total, 12 California grapplers earned All-American status.

Weight	Athlete (Affiliation)	Place
57 KG	Isaiah Cortez (SCRT)	Champion
61 KG	Elijah Cortez (SCRT)	Champion
125 KG	Coby Merrill (NYAC)	Champion
86 KG	Brock Mantanona (CKWC)	2nd Place
97 KG	Robert Platt (THWC)	2nd Place
57 KG	Henry Asilikyan (CKWC)	4th Place
61 KG	Ronnie Ramirez (CRTM)	4th Place
92 KG	Levi Bussey (California)	5th Place
57 KG	Sammy Sanchez (TMWC)	6th Place
97 KG	Brockton Borrelli (CAR)	6th Place
61 KG	Arno Vardanyan (WTTC)	8th Place
86 KG	Mason Ontiveros (VABR)	8th Place

What’s Next?

The journey doesn’t end in Vegas. Our five finalists—Isaiah Cortez, Elijah Cortez, Coby Merrill, Brock Mantanona, Robert Platt, and the rest of the grapplers that earned All-American status—now turn their focus to Geneva, Ohio, for the U20 World Team Trials (May 28-31). They are now just one step away from wearing the “USA” singlet on the world stage.

California wrestling is in good hands. Stay tuned to Simple Man Wrestling for more updates as these athletes prepare for the trials.