FARGO, N.D. — Team California made a resounding statement on the national stage, securing a third-place team finish in the highly competitive 16U Division at the 2026 U.S. Marine Corps Junior Nationals. Finishing only behind tournament champion Pennsylvania and runner-up Iowa, the California squad relied on top-tier finals performances and deep runs through the consolation brackets to cement their spot on the podium.

The team pushed three wrestlers into the championship finals under the lights in the Fargodome, ultimately walking away with two national titles in the lighter weight classes.

Championship Finals Highlight California’s Lightweight Dominance

The 106-pound bracket featured an all-California showdown, guaranteeing the team a national title before the whistle even blew. In a tense, back-and-forth battle between teammates, Sebastian Gutierrez edged out Cameron Bartlow with a tight 6-5 decision to claim the 106-pound crown.

Shortly after, 2026 CIF State Champion Michael Bernabe took the mat at 113 pounds. Bernabe found himself in a gritty dog fight against Diego Robertty. The match ended in a 4-4 tie, but Bernabe’s relentless pace and strategic mat returns earned him the victory on criteria, handing Team California its second 16U national title of the night.

Deep Roster Yields Seven Additional All-Americans

While Gutierrez and Bernabe took home the stop signs, California’s third-place team finish was heavily bolstered by its depth. Seven additional wrestlers battled their way onto the podium to earn coveted All-American honors.

The 138-pound weight class proved to be an absolute powerhouse for the Golden State, with three different California wrestlers navigating the massive bracket to place in the top eight. Raymond Castillo led the charge by battling back for an impressive 3rd place finish, while Marco Costa (5th) and Gullien Holguin (7th) joined him on the podium.

At 165 pounds, California successfully placed two wrestlers, with Adrian Cruz Barboza and Chase Young securing 7th and 8th place, respectively.

2026 16U Division All-Americans — Team California:

Weight Class	Wrestler	Placement
88 lbs	Zander Melendez	5th Place
106 lbs	Sebastian Gutierrez	1st Place
106 lbs	Cameron Bartlow	2nd Place
113 lbs	Michael Bernabe	1st Place
138 lbs	Raymond Castillo	3rd Place
138 lbs	Marco Costa	5th Place
138 lbs	Gullien Holguin	7th Place
165 lbs	Adrian Cruz Barboza	7th Place
165 lbs	Chase Young	8th Place
190 lbs	Mason McDonnell	3rd Place

With two champions, a finalist, and seven additional All-Americans, Team California leaves Fargo having proven once again that the West Coast remains a premier pipeline for the nation’s elite wrestling talent.

Photo courtesy of Clovis High