By Al Fontes, NWHOF Writer

The 1970s represent one of the most accomplished and talent-rich decades in the history of Chabot College wrestling. During this era, the program evolved into a premier destination for elite North Coast Section (NCS) athletes, establishing a pipeline that consistently delivered 3C2A state champions, multiple-time All-Americans, and future NCAA Division I and II competitors.

What defined Chabot wrestling in this decade was not only success at the junior college level, but the caliber of athlete entering the program. Many arrived as proven high school standouts—state champions and sectional champions—who transitioned seamlessly into national-level collegiate performers. The result was a sustained run of Hall of Fame-caliber careers that elevated Chabot into one of California’s most respected wrestling programs.

1970–1972: Establishing the Standard

The decade opened with immediate impact from some of the most technically accomplished wrestlers in Northern California.

Bill Bolar (Canyon HS, 1970) set an early benchmark for excellence. A two-time 3C2A All-American, Bolar captured two Far Western Conference titles and earned qualification to NCAA Division II competition at CSU Chico. His success reflected the strength of the Canyon HS pipeline and the high-performance standard already forming at Chabot.

Bert Dalton (Tennyson HS, 1971) continued that momentum, becoming a 3C2A State Champion and All-American before advancing to NCAA Division II All-American honors at Northern Colorado University. Dalton exemplified the transition from California junior college dominance to national collegiate success.

In 1972, John Needham (Castro Valley HS) added another layer to Chabot’s growing reputation, winning a 3C2A State Championship and earning two-time All-American honors. His performance reinforced Castro Valley’s emergence as a consistent contributor to Chabot’s elite roster.

1973: A Breakout Year of Dual-Level Excellence

The 1973 class marked a major expansion of Chabot’s dominance, producing athletes who achieved success across both junior college and NCAA levels.

Steve Siroy (Arroyo HS) became a 3C2A State Champion and two-time All-American, later advancing to Pac-8 finalist status and competing at NCAA Division I level for UCLA. His success highlighted the program’s ability to prepare athletes for the highest collegiate stage.

Brent Jacinto (James Logan HS) delivered one of the most decorated résumés of the decade, becoming a two-time 3C2A All-American and capturing a Pac-8 Championship at UC Berkeley, where he also competed at NCAA Division I level. Jacinto’s career represents one of the clearest examples of Chabot-to-Power-Five conference progression.

Paul Schantz (Castro Valley HS) added depth to the 1973 class as a 3C2A All-American, contributing to one of the strongest team cores of the decade.

1974–1975: Sustained Dominance and State-Level Depth

The mid-1970s continued the program’s steady production of elite competitors.

Brad Johnson (Arroyo HS, 1974) became a 3C2A State Champion and All-American, reinforcing Arroyo High School’s growing impact on the program’s success. John Plant (Arroyo HS, 1974) also earned 3C2A All-American honors, adding depth and consistency to the roster.

In 1975, Chris Anaya (San Lorenzo HS) elevated the program further, becoming a 3C2A State Champion, two-time medalist, and All-American. His achievements underscored the increasing competitiveness of NCS athletes within the state junior college system.

1976–1978: The Peak of the Decade

The late 1970s represent the peak of Chabot’s Hall of Fame production, with multiple athletes achieving repeated All-American honors and NCAA advancement.

Rich Blanton (San Lorenzo HS, 1976) earned 3C2A All-American honors, continuing the program’s consistent medal production.

The 1977 class stands as one of the strongest single-year groups in program history:

• Mark Needham (Castro Valley HS) – 3C2A All-American
• Curtis Bledsoe (Mt. Eden HS) – 3C2A State Champion, 2x All-American
• Dave Shaw (San Leandro HS) – 3C2A State Champion, 2x All-American

This trio represented a dominant competitive core across multiple weight classes, contributing significantly to Chabot’s regional and state-level success.

In 1978, the program sustained its elite output with another deep Hall of Fame class:

Les Santos (Mt. Eden HS) – 3C2A All-American
Brad Vadnais (Castro Valley HS) – 3C2A All-American

Kevin Dugan (Dublin HS) emerged as one of the most accomplished athletes of the decade, becoming a two-time 3C2A All-American and later a two-time NCAA Division II All-American at CSU Bakersfield. His career bridged junior college dominance with sustained national-level success.

Bill Choate (Irvington HS) capped the decade as a 3C2A State Champion and All-American, later competing at NCAA Division II level for CSU Bakersfield.

Legacy of the 1970s Chabot Hall of Fame Class

The collective accomplishments of Chabot College’s Hall of Fame wrestlers from the 1970s reflect a program operating at an exceptionally high level of sustained excellence. Across the decade, athletes routinely progressed from:

• NCS high school dominance
  → 3C2A state championships
  → Multiple All-American honors
  → NCAA Division I and II competition

This progression was not incidental—it was systemic. The NCS pipeline provided a steady influx of elite wrestlers, while Chabot served as the proving ground where that talent was refined, tested, and elevated.

By the end of the decade, Chabot College had established itself as one of California’s premier junior college wrestling programs, defined by a Hall of Fame legacy built on state champions, national qualifiers, and athletes who succeeded far beyond the junior college level.

The 1970s remain a foundational era—one that shaped the identity of Chabot wrestling and set a standard of excellence that continues to define the program’s history.

CHABOT COLLEGE’S HOF MEMBERS FROM THE 1970s

167 – Bill Bolar (Canyon HS, NCS), 1970

• 2x 3C2A All-American
• 2x Far Western Conference Champion
• NCAA Division II Qualifier (CSU Chico)

167 – Bert Dalton (Tennyson HS, NCS), 1971

• 3C2A State Champion / All-American
• NCAA Division II All-American (Northern Colorado University)

177 – John Needham (Castro Valley HS, NCS), 1972

• 3C2A State Champion / 2x All-American

118 – Steve Siroy (Arroyo HS, NCS), 1973

• 3C2A State Champion / 2x All-American
• Pac 8 finalist / NCAA Division I Qualifier (UCLA)
• 1976 Olympic Alternate (FS)

142 – Brent Jacinto (James Logan HS, NCS), 1973 

• 2x 3C2A All-American
• Pac 8 Champion / NCAA Division I Qualifier (Cal Berkeley)

190 – Paul Schantz (Castro Valley HS, NCS),  1973

• 3C2A All-American

158 – Brad Johnson (Arroyo HS, NCS), 1974

3C2A State Champion / All-American 

190 – John Plant (Arroyo HS, NCS), 1974 

• 3C2A All-American 

167 – Chris Anaya (San Lorenzo HS, NCS), 1975

• 3C2A State Champion / 2x Medalist / All-American 

177 – Rich Blanton (San Lorenzo HS, NCS), 1976 

• 3C2A All-American 

134 – Mark Needham (Castro Valley HS, NCS), 1977 

• 3C2A All-American 

190 – Curtis Bledsoe (Mt. Eden HS, NCS), 1977

• 3C2A State Champion / 2x All-American

HWT – Dave Shaw (San Leandro HS, NCS), 1977 

• 3C2A State Champion / 2x All-American 

150 – Les Santos (Mt. Eden HS, NCS), 1978 

• 3C2A All-American 

150 – Brad Vadnais (Castro Valley HS, NCS), 1978 

• 3C2A All-American

167 – Kevin Dugan (Dublin HS, NCS), 1978

• 2x 3C2A All-American
• 2x NCAA Division II All-American (CSU Bakersfield)
• 177 – Bill Choate (Irvington HS, NCS), 1978
• 3C2A State Champion / All-American 
• NCAA Division II Qualifier (CSU Bakersfield)

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