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More Than a Half-Century of Excellence: The Evolution of CIF State Through Top 5 Team Finishes (1973–2026)

—

by

coachal777
in
Al Fontes, NWHOF Writer

For more than five decades, the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) State Wrestling Championships have represented one of the most demanding high school wrestling tournaments in the nation. Unlike most states that separate schools into multiple classifications based on enrollment, California has historically operated under a single championship structure, requiring every wrestler—regardless of school size, resources, or enrollment—to compete within the same championship bracket.

An examination of every Top Five team finish from 1973 through 2026 provides a unique statistical window into the evolution of California wrestling. The data reveals a transformation from an era of widespread competitive balance into one defined by sustained dynasties, nationally recognized programs, and increasing concentration of elite talent among a select group of schools.

The 1970s: Competitive Balance and the Foundation of CIF Wrestling

The inaugural decade of the CIF State Wrestling Championships was defined by remarkable competitive balance. While several programs enjoyed successful seasons, no single school established long-term control of the tournament. Programs such as Clovis, Monte Vista, Merced, Bella Vista, Andrew Hill, Overfelt, Notre Dame, and Clayton Valley regularly appeared among the state’s elite, but championships were distributed among numerous schools.

The statistical landscape of the decade demonstrates how balanced California wrestling was during its formative years. Top Five teams accounted for only approximately 13 to 19 percent of all state medalists, while producing between 8 and 46 percent of the state’s individual champions. Eight different schools captured state team championships during the decade, illustrating the absence of a dominant program.

The tournament itself also looked considerably different than today’s event. California utilized 24-man brackets, 13 weight classes, six medalists per weight class, and the controversial Carry Tournament consolation system. With only 78 medals awarded annually, each placement represented a significant achievement.

The defining characteristic of the 1970s was competitive diversity. Success was spread throughout the state, and no single program or section controlled the championship landscape.

The 1980s: The Emergence of Power Programs

The 1980s marked the beginning of California’s transition from competitive parity toward the development of sustained powerhouse programs. Schools such as Clovis West, Poway, Valhalla, Bella Vista, El Dorado, and Overfelt began establishing themselves as consistent contenders.

Several structural changes during this period permanently influenced the tournament’s future. In 1983, California briefly experimented with an eight-man state bracket. In 1987, the tournament expanded from 24 to 32 wrestlers, increasing participation and depth. In 1989, the CIF eliminated the Carry Tournament and introduced the True Third Place format, creating a more traditional championship structure.

These changes, combined with improved coaching systems and year-round athlete development, allowed elite programs to build sustained success rather than simply producing isolated championship seasons.

The 1980s represented the birth of California’s modern powerhouse era. Programs were beginning to develop recognizable identities, strong feeder systems, and championship expectations.

The 1990s: The Era of Dynasty Building

The 1990s represented one of the most transformative decades in California wrestling history. Tournament expansion, improved competitive structures, and the emergence of elite coaching programs created the foundation for the modern dynasty era.

The implementation of the True Third Place format, expansion to eight medalists, and the addition of fourteen weight classes in 1996 increased opportunities for deeper teams to score significant team points. Programs such as Calvary Chapel, Clovis, Independence, Poway, Buchanan, James Logan, and Ponderosa emerged as dominant forces.

The decade witnessed the rise of programs capable of qualifying six, seven, and sometimes eight wrestlers into the state tournament, creating a competitive advantage that would define future championship teams.

Calvary Chapel established itself as one of the great Southern Section dynasties, while Clovis returned to national prominence. Buchanan began its emergence as a future powerhouse, Poway became a perennial championship contender, and Independence established itself as one of Northern California’s premier programs.

During the 1990s, Top Five teams accounted for approximately 15 to 21 percent of all state medalists, reflecting a growing concentration of elite talent.

The decade’s defining characteristic was the transition from great individual teams to great long-term programs.

The 2000s: The Rise of the Super Team

If the 1990s created dynasties, the 2000s created super teams. California wrestling entered an era where a small number of programs possessed extraordinary roster depth and national-level talent.

The Central Section emerged as the unquestioned center of California wrestling power. Programs such as Bakersfield, Clovis, Buchanan, and Lemoore joined Southern Section powers including Poway and Calvary Chapel to dominate the state tournament landscape.

The decade also featured another major tournament change. In 2005, the CIF expanded the state tournament to a 40-man bracket, further increasing the depth and difficulty of qualifying.

One of the greatest team performances in CIF history occurred in 2002 when Bakersfield scored an incredible 226.5 points, placing nine wrestlers and crowning four individual champions. By 2003, the Top Five teams combined for 29 state medalists and nine individual champions, representing one of the greatest concentrations of talent in tournament history.

The defining characteristic of the 2000s was consolidation. Elite programs were no longer simply having successful seasons—they were building systems capable of sustaining championship-level excellence.

The 2010s: California’s Golden Age of National Powerhouses

The 2010s became the most nationally recognized era in California wrestling history. Programs such as Buchanan, Clovis, Poway, Gilroy, and St. John Bosco consistently appeared among America’s top-ranked high school teams while dominating the CIF State Championships.

The statistical concentration during this decade reached unprecedented levels. By the middle of the decade, Top Five programs accounted for nearly 30 percent of all state medalists and frequently produced half or more of California’s individual champions.

The 2015 championship illustrated this dominance perfectly. Five programs produced 33 of the state’s 112 medalists, representing 29 percent of all placements. Those same schools produced 10 of California’s 14 individual state champions, accounting for 71 percent of all titles.

The following year, Buchanan and Clovis combined for 18 medalists and seven state champions, numbers virtually unimaginable during the tournament’s early decades.

The 2010s represented the golden age of California super teams, where elite programs combined exceptional coaching, deep youth pipelines, and nationally competitive athletes.

The 2020s: Historic Competitive Concentration

The current decade has continued—and arguably intensified—the trend toward competitive concentration. Although the 2021 CIF State Championships were canceled because of COVID-19, the tournament returned with unprecedented depth among California’s premier programs.

Buchanan, Poway, Clovis, Gilroy, and St. John Bosco have become annual fixtures near the top of the standings, producing a level of consistency rarely seen in previous decades.

The numbers demonstrate the magnitude of this concentration. In recent years, these five programs accounted for:

2022 — 39 medalists (35 percent)
2023 — 38 medalists (34 percent)
2024 — 44 medalists (39 percent)
2025 — 47 medalists (42 percent)
2026 — 42 medalists (38 percent)

In 2025, nearly half of all state medals were earned by only five schools. Additionally, in both 2024 and 2026, those programs captured approximately two-thirds or more of California’s individual championships.

The 2020s represent the most concentrated era of excellence in CIF State Wrestling history.

The Sectional Evolution of California Wrestling

The historical data also reveals significant changes in sectional dominance. The Central Section leads all sections with 93 Top Five finishes and 29 team championships, making it the most successful section in CIF State Wrestling history.

Much of that success has been driven by the TRAC League, where Clovis, Clovis West, and Buchanan have combined for 62 Top Five finishes and 26 state championships.

The Southern Section remains the most diverse competitive section, producing 84 Top Five finishes from 37 different schools. Calvary Chapel leads the section with 16 Top Five appearances, demonstrating the depth and longevity of Southern California wrestling.

The San Diego Section’s history is largely defined by Poway, which accounts for 34 of the section’s 50 Top Five finishes and five of its seven championships. Few programs in any section have had such a significant impact on their region.

The Central Coast Section has maintained national relevance largely through Gilroy’s sustained excellence, while the Sac-Joaquin Section has consistently produced competitive programs including Merced, Vacaville, Hughson, Elk Grove, Turlock, and Central Catholic.

The Evolution of Excellence

Across 54 CIF State Championships, California wrestling has undergone a dramatic transformation. The 1970s were defined by competitive balance and statewide diversity. The 1980s introduced the first generation of powerhouse programs. The 1990s established dynasty-level programs. The 2000s produced nationally recognized super teams. The 2010s created an era of unprecedented depth and national prominence. The 2020s have produced the highest level of competitive concentration in tournament history.

The statistics reveal a clear evolution. In the early years, championship success was widely distributed among many programs throughout California. Today, a smaller group of elite programs consistently produces a disproportionate share of state medalists and champions.

That concentration reflects exceptional coaching, strong wrestling cultures, successful youth development systems, and the ability of elite programs to sustain excellence over multiple generations. At the same time, it illustrates the increasing challenge facing emerging programs attempting to break into California’s upper echelon.

After more than half a century of competition, the legacy of CIF State Wrestling remains defined by excellence. The names have changed over time—from Monte Vista, Merced, Bella Vista, and Overfelt to Clovis, Buchanan, Poway, Gilroy, and St. John Bosco—but the pursuit of greatness has remained constant.

In California’s one-class championship system, where every wrestler competes against the deepest field in the nation, earning a place among the Top Five is more than a successful season. It is a historical achievement and one of the highest honors in high school wrestling.

*Carry Tournament Format: In a carry-format tournament, a wrestler who loses in the championship bracket before the semifinal round is not automatically eligible for the consolation bracket. Instead, the wrestler’s advancement is contingent upon the opponent who defeated them advancing to the semifinal round. If that opponent reaches the semifinals, the defeated wrestler is “carried” into the consolation bracket and remains eligible to compete for third place. If the opponent fails to advance to the semifinals, the defeated wrestler is eliminated from the tournament. Consequently, the carry format does not constitute a true double-elimination or “true third-place” format, as a competitor’s opportunity to wrestle back is dependent on the continued success of the opponent who defeated them rather than solely on their own performance.

A CLOSER LOOK AT THE TOP FIVE TEAMS AT THE CIF STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

1973 – 2026 

1973 [24-man bracket | 13 weight Groups | Carry tournament* | Top 6 Medal]

  1. Monte Vista [SD]: 41 pts [5 Medalists | No Champions]
  2. Clovis [CS]: 38 [3 Medalists | No Champions]
  3. Miraleste [S]: 33.5 [2 Medalists | 2 Champions]
  4. Oak Grove [CC]: 29.0 [2 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  5. Bolsa Grande [S]: 26.5 [2 Medalists | 1 Champion]

Total Medals from top 5 schools: 14 / 78 = 18%

Individual Champions from top 5 schools: 4 / 13 = 31%

1974 [24-man bracket | 13 weight Groups | Carry tournament* | Top 6 medal]

  1. Clovis [CS]: 57.0 [4 Medalists | 3 Champions]
  2. Monte Vista [SD]: 44.0 [2 Medalists | No Champions]
  3. Merced [SJ}: 31.0 [2 Medalists | 2 Champions}
  4. Mt. Miguel [SD]: 26.0 [2 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  5. Mira Costa [S]: 22.0 [2 Medalists | No Champions]

Total Medals from top 5 schools: 12 / 78 = 15%

Individual Champions from top 5 schools: 6 / 13 = 46%

1975 [24-man bracket | 13 weight Groups | Carry tournament* | Top 6 medal]

  1. Clovis [CS]: 46.0 [4 Medalists | No Champions]
  2. Madera [CS]: 40.0 [3 Medalists | No Champions]
  3. Monte Vista [SD]: 34.0 [3 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  4. Merced [SJ]: 32.0 [2 Medalists | No Champions]
  5. Peterson [CC]: 27.5 [ 2 Medalists | 1 Champion]

Total Medals from top 5 schools: 14 / 78 = 18%

Individual Champions from top 5 schools: 2 / 13 = 15%

1976 [24-man bracket | 13 weight Groups | Carry tournament* | Top 6 medal]

  1. Clovis [CS]: 65.5 [4 Medalists | No Champions]
  2. Merced [SJ]: 61.5 [3 Medalists | 2 Champions]
  3. West Torrance [S]: 52.5 [3 Medalists | No Champions]
  4. Oakland [O]: 51.0 [3 Medalists | No Champions]
  5. Hanford [CC]: 40.0 [2 Medalists | No Champions] /Monte Vista [SD]: 40.0 [2 Medalists | No Champions]

Total Medals from top 5 schools: 15 / 78 = 19%

Individual Champions from top 5 schools: 6 / 13 = 46%

1977 [24-man bracket | 13 weight Groups | Carry tournament* | Top 6 medal]

  1. Clayton Valley [NC]: 103.5 [4 Medalists | 2 Champions]
  2. Merced [SJ]: 83.5 [3 Medalists | 3 Champions]
  3. Bella Vista [SJ]: 56.0 [3 Medalists | No Champions]
  4. Fountain Valley [S]: 45.0 [3 Medalists | No Champions]
  5. Notre Dame [S]: 44.0 [2 Medalists | 1 Champion]

Total Medals from top 5 schools: 15 / 78 = 19%

Individual Champions from top 5 schools: 6 / 13 = 46%

1978 [24-man bracket | 13 weight Groups | Carry tournament* | Top 6 medal]

  1. Andrew Hill [CC]: 47.5 [2 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  2. Notre Dame [S]: 46.5 [2 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  3. Chaffey [S]: 44.0 [2 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  4. Elk Grove [SJ]: 39.5 [2 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  5. Bella Vista [SJ}: 35.0 [2 Medalists | 1 Champion]

Total Medals from top 5 schools: 10 / 78 = 13%

Individual Champions from top 5 schools: 5 / 13 = 38% 

1979 [24-man bracket | 13 weight Groups | Carry tournament* | Top 6 medal]

  1. Overfelt [CC]: 46.5 [3 Champions | No Champions]
  2. Rancho Cotate [NC]: 42.5 [2 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  3. Hueneme [S]: 42.0 [2 Medalists | No Champions]
  4. South Bakersfield [CS]: 38 [2 Medalists | No Champions] 
  5. Mt. Whitney [CS]: 34.5 [2 Medalists | No Champions] /Andrew Hill [CC]: 34.5 [2 Medalists | No Champions]

Total Medals from top 5 schools: 13 / 78 = 17%

Individual Champions from top 5 schools: 1 / 13 = 8%

1980 [24-man bracket | 13 weight Groups | Carry tournament* | Top 6 medal]

  1. Merced [SJ]: 48.5 [2 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  2. Notre Dame [S]: 48.0 [2 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  3. Overfelt [CC]: 45.5 [2 Medalists | No Champions]
  4. Valhalla [SD]: 39.5 [2 Medalists | No Champions]
  5. Bakersfield [CS]: 35.0 [2 Medalists | 1 Champion]

Total Medals from top 5 schools: 10 / 78 = 13%

Individual Champions from top 5 schools: 3 / 13 = 23%

1981 [24-man bracket | 13 weight Groups | Carry tournament* | Top 6 medal]

  1. South Hills [S]: 84.5 [3 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  2. Bella Vista [SJ]: 63.5 [3 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  3. Clovis [CS]: 59.5 [3 Medalists | No Champions]
  4. Tracy [SJ] 50.0 [2 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  5. Shasta [N]: 44.0 [2 Medalists | No Champions]

Total Medals from top 5 schools: 13 / 78 = 17%

Individual Champions from top 5 schools: 3 / 13 = 23%

1982 [24-man bracket | 13 weight Groups | Carry tournament* | Top 6 medal]

  1. El Dorado [S]: 70.5 [4 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  2. Bella Vista [SJ]: 67.5 [3 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  3. Vista [SD]: 65.5 [3 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  4. Dos Pueblos [S]: 48.0 [ 2 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  5. Clovis West [CS]: 45.0 [ 2 Medalists | No Champions]

Total Medals from top 5 schools: 14 / 78 = 18%

Individual Champions from top 5 schools: 4 / 13 = 31%

1983 [8-man bracket | 13 weight Groups | Carry tournament* | Top 6 medal]

  1. Clovis West [CS]: 88.5 [7 Medalists | No Champions]
  2. Bella Vista [SJ]: 40.0 [2 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  3. El Dorado [S]: 33.0 [2 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  4. Valhalla [SD]: 32.0 [3 Medalists | No Champions]
  5. San Ramon [NC]: 31.5 [2 Medalists | 1 Champion]/Napa [NC]: 31.5 [2 Medalists | No Champions]

Total Medals from top 5 schools: 16 / 78 = 21%

Individual Champions from top 5 schools: 3 / 13 = 23%

1984 [24-man bracket | 13 weight Groups | Carry tournament* | Top 6 medal]

  1. Clovis West [CS]: 117.5 [6 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  2. Madera [CS]: 69.0 [3 Medalists | 2 Champions]
  3. Bella Vista [SJ]: 61.5 [3 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  4. Valhalla [SD]: 53.5 [3 Medalists | No Champions]
  5. San Ramon Valley [NC]: 51.5 [2 Medalists | 2 Champions]

Total Medals from top 5 schools: 17 / 78 = 22%

Individual Champions from top 5 schools: 6 / 13 = 46%

1985 [24-man bracket | 13 weight Groups | Carry tournament* | Top 6 medal]

  1. Valhalla [SD]: 63.5 [3 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  2. Newbury Park [S]: 48.5 [2 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  3. Oceana [CC]: 48.0 [2 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  4. El Cajon [SD]: 45.5 [3 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  5. Edgewood [S]: 43.5 [2 Medalists | 1 Champion]

Total Medals from top 5 schools: 12 / 78 = 15%

Individual Champions from top 5 schools: 5 / 13 = 38%

1986 [24-man bracket | 13 weight Groups | Carry tournament* | Top 6 medal]

  1. Poway [SD]: 105.0 [5 Medalists | No Champions]
  2. El Dorado [S]: 80.5 [3 Medalists | 2 Champions]
  3. Vacaville [SJ]: 55.5 [3 Medalists | No Champions]
  4. Clovis [CS]: 51.5 [2 Medalist | No Champions]
  5. Valhalla [SD]: 51.0 [2 Medalists | No Champions]

Total Medals from top 5 schools: 15 / 78 = 19%

Individual Champions from top 5 schools: 2 / 13 = 15%

1987 [32-man bracket | 13 weight Groups | Carry tournament* | Top 6 medal]

  1. Victor Valley [S]: 75.0 [3 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  2. Overfelt [CC]: 59.5 [3 Medalists | No Champions]
  3. Keppel [S]: 58.0 [2 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  4. Valhalla [SD]: 55.5 [2 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  5. Granite Hills [SD]: 54.5 [3 Medalists | No Champions]

Total Medals from top 5 schools: 13 / 78 = 17%

Individual Champions from top 5 schools: 3 / 13 = 23%

1988 [32-man bracket | 13 weight Groups | Carry tournament* | Top 6 medal]

  1. Antioch [NC]: 89.5 [4 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  2. Capistrano Valley [S]: 66.0 [3 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  3. Poway [SD]: 58.5 [3 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  4. Overfelt [CC]: 52.0 [1 Medalist | No Champions]
  5. Selma [CS]: 47.0 [1 Medalist | 1 Champion]

Total Medals from top 5 schools: 12 / 78 = 15%

Individual Champions from top 5 schools: 4 / 13 = 31%

1989 [32-man bracket | 13 weight Groups | TRUE 3RD FORMAT | Top 6 medal]

  1. Clovis West [CS]: 57.0 [3 Medalists | No Champions]
  2. Arroyo [S]: 52.5 [2 Medalists | 2 Champions]
  3. Clovis [CS]: 51.5 [2 Medalists | 1 Champion] / Katella [S]: 51.5 [2 Medalists | 2 Champions]
  4. Poway [SD]: 51.0 [2 Medalists | No Champions]

Total Medals from top 5 schools: 11 / 78 = 14%

Individual Champions from top 5 schools: 5 / 13 = 38%

1990 [32-man bracket | 13 weight Groups | TRUE 3RD FORMAT | Top 8 medal]

  1. Clovis [CS]: 78.5 [3 Medalists | 2 Champions]
  2. Ukiah [NC]: 73.0 [3 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  3. Poway [SD]: 66.5 [3 Medalists | No Champions]
  4. Victor Valley [S]: 60.0 [3 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  5. Turlock [SJ]: 54.0 [3 Medalists | 1 Champion]

Total Medals from top 5 schools: 15 / 104 = 14%

Individual Champions from top 5 schools: 5 / 13 = 38%

1991 [32-man bracket | 13 weight Groups | TRUE 3RD FORMAT | Top 8 medal]

  1. Clovis [CS]: 88.5 [4 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  2. Valhalla [SD]: 87.0 [3 Medalists | 2 Champions]
  3. Poway [SD]: 71.0 [3 Medalists | No Champions]
  4. Selma [CS]: 64.0 [3 Medalists | 2 Champions]
  5. Madera [CS]: 53.5 [5 Medalists | No Champions]

Total Medals from top 5 schools: 18 / 104 = 17%

Individual Champions from top 5 schools: 5 / 13 = 38%

1992 [32-man bracket | 13 weight Groups | TRUE 3RD FORMAT | Top 8 medal]

  1. Clovis [CS]: 95.0 [6 Medalists | No Champions]
  2. Poway [SD]: 88.0 [3 Medalists | No Champions]
  3. Ponderosa [SJ]: 59.5 [3 Medalists | No Champions]
  4. Vacaville [SJ]: 47.5 [3 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  5. Arroyo [S]: 47.0 [2 Medalists | 1 Champion]

Total Medals from top 5 schools: 17 / 104 = 16%

Individual Champions from top 5 schools: 2 / 13 = 15%

1993 [32-man bracket | 13 weight Groups | TRUE 3RD FORMAT | Top 8 medal]

  1. Calvary Chapel [S]: 79.0 [4 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  2. Ponderosa [SJ]: 72.0 [4 Medalists | No Champions]
  3. Clovis [CS]: 65.0 [3 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  4. College Park [NC]: 56.0 [2 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  5. Schurr [S]: 55.0 [2 Medalists | 2 Champions]

Total Medals from top 5 schools: 15 / 104 = 14%

Individual Champions from top 5 schools: 5 / 13 = 38%

1994 [32-man bracket | 13 weight Groups | TRUE 3RD FORMAT | Top 8 medal]

  1. Calvary Chapel [S]: 120.5 [5 Medalists | 3 Champions]
  2. Canyon Springs [S]: 81.5 [3 Medalists | 2 Champions]
  3. Madera [CS]: 68.0 [3 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  4. Clovis [CS]: 63.0 [3 Medalists | No Champions]
  5. Independence [CC]: 58.5 [2 Medalists | 1 Champion]

Total Medals from top 5 schools: 16 / 104 = 15%

Individual Champions from top 5 schools: 7 / 13 = 54%

1995 [32-man bracket | 13 weight Groups | TRUE 3RD FORMAT | Top 8 medal]

  1. Independence [CC]: 112.5 [5 Medalists | 2 Champions]
  2. Calvary Chapel [S]: 106.5 [4 Medalists | 2 Champions]
  3. Bakersfield [CS]: 98.5 [6 Medalists | No Champions]
  4. James Logan [NC]: 76.0 [4 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  5. Watsonville [CC]: 70.5 [3 Medalists | No Champion]

Total Medals from top 5 schools: 22 / 104 = 21%

Individual Champions from top 5 schools: 5 / 13 = 38%

1996 [32-man bracket | 14 weight Groups | TRUE 3RD FORMAT | Top 8 medal]

  1. Calvary Chapel [S]: 102.5 [5 Medalists | 2 Champions]
  2. Independence [CC]: 102.0 [6 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  3. James Logan [NC] 100.5 [4 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  4. Poway [SD]: 75.5 [3 Medalists | No Champions]
  5. Buchanan [CS]: 66.5 [3 Medalists | 1 Champion]

Total Medals from top 5 schools: 21 / 112 = 19%

Individual Champions from top 5 schools: 5 / 14 = 36%

1997 [32-man bracket | 14 weight Groups | TRUE 3RD FORMAT | Top 8 medal]

  1. Calvary Chapel [S]: 136.5 [7 Medalists | 2 Champion]
  2. Independence [CC]: 74.0 [4 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  3. Ponderosa [SJ]: 73.5 [5 Medalists | No Champions]
  4. Clovis West [CS]: 71.5 [4 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  5. Poway [SD]: 61.5 [4 Medalists | No Champions]

Total Medals from top 5 schools: 24 / 112 = 21%

Individual Champions from top 5 schools: 4 / 14 = 29%

1998 [32-man bracket | 14 weight Groups | TRUE 3RD FORMAT | Top 8 medal]

  1. Calvary Chapel [S]: 110.0 [5 Medalists | No Champions]
  2. Buchanan [CS]: 102.0 [5 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  3. Foothill-Bakersfield [CS]: 93.0 [3 Medalists | 2 Champions]
  4. Temecula Valley [S]: 91.0 [4 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  5. Poway [SD]: 90.0 [4 Medalists | No Champions]

Total Medals from top 5 schools: 21 / 112 = 19%

Individual Champions from top 5 schools: 4 / 14 = 29%

1999 [32-man bracket | 14 weight Groups | TRUE 3RD FORMAT | Top 8 medal]

  1. Poway [SD]: 84.5 [4 Medalists | 2 Champions]
  2. Hughson {SJ]: 82.5 [4 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  3. Clovis [CS]: 69.0 [3 Medalists | 2 Champion]
  4. Santa Ana [S]: 67.5 [3 Medalists | No Champions]
  5. Brethren Christian [S]: 65.0 [3 Medalists | No Champions]

Total Medals from top 5 schools: 17 / 112 = 15%

Individual Champions from top 5 schools: 5 / 14 = 36%

2000 [32-man bracket | 14 weight Groups | TRUE 3RD FORMAT | Top 8 medal]

  1. Calvary Chapel [S]: 143.5 [7 Medalists | No Champions]
  2. Clovis [CS]: 106.0 [5 Medalists | 2 Champions]
  3. Poway [SD]: 91.0 [3 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  4. Lemoore [CS] 66.5 [3 Medalists | 2 Champions]
  5. Buchanan [CS]: 61.5 [2 Medalists | No Champions]

Total Medals from top 5 schools: 20 / 112 = 18%

Individual Champions from top 5 schools: 5 / 14 = 29%

2001 [32-man bracket | 14 weight Groups | TRUE 3RD FORMAT | Top 8 medal]

  1. Calvary Chapel [S] 170.0 [8 Medalists | No Champion]
  2. Bakersfield [CS]: 129.0 [6 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  3. Rancho Buena Vista [SD}: 85.0 [4 Medalists | 2 Champions]
  4. Poway [SD]: 84.5 [3 Medalists | No Champions]
  5. Clovis [CS]: 71.5 [3 Medalists | 1 Champion]

Total Medals from top 5 schools: 24 / 112 = 21%

Individual Champions from top 5 schools: 4 / 14 = 29%

2002 [32-man bracket | 14 weight Groups | TRUE 3RD FORMAT | Top 8 medal]

  1. Bakersfield [CS]: 226.5 [9 Medalists |4 Champions]
  2. Buchanan [CS]: 101.5 [5 Medalists | No Champions]
  3. Clovis [CS]: 96.0 [3 Medalists | 2 Champions]
  4. Poway [SD]: 89.5 [4 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  5. Calvary Chapel [S]: 62.5 [4 Medalists | No Champions]

Total Medals from top 5 schools: 25 / 112 = 22%

Individual Champions from top 5 schools: 7 / 14 = 50%

2003 [32-man bracket | 14 weight Groups | TRUE 3RD FORMAT | Top 8 medal]

  1. Clovis [CS]: 151.5 [7 Medalists | 2 Champions]
  2. Poway [SD]: 141.5 [6 Medalists | 2 Champions]
  3. Calvary Chapel [S]: 110.0 [5 Medalists | 2 Champions]
  4. Bakersfield [CS]: 106.0 [5 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  5. Vacaville [SJ]: 101.0 [6 Medalists | 2 Champions]

Total Medals from top 5 schools: 29 / 112 = 26%

Individual Champions from top 5 schools: 9 / 14 = 64%

2004 [32-man bracket | 14 weight Groups | TRUE 3RD FORMAT | Top 8 medal]

  1. Bakersfield [CS]: 170.5 [7 Medalists | 4 Champions]
  2. Clovis [CS]: 93.5 [4 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  3. Poway [SD]: 82.5 [3 Medalists | No Champions]
  4. Calvary Chapel [S]: 79.0 [4 Medalists | No Champions]
  5. Turlock [SJ]: 73.0 [2 Medalists | 1 Champion]

Total Medals from top 5 schools: 20 / 112 = 18%

Individual Champions from top 5 schools: 6 / 14 = 43%

2005 [40-man bracket | 14 weight Groups | TRUE 3RD FORMAT | Top 8 medal]

  1. Poway [SD]: 167.0 [6 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  2. Bakersfield [CS]: 111.0 [4 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  3. Elk Grove [SJ]: 92.5 [4 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  4. Vacaville [SJ]: 81.0 [5 Medalists | No Champions]
  5. Hughson [SJ]: 80.5 [3 Medalists | 2 Champions]

Total Medals from top 5 schools: 22 / 112 = 20%

Individual Champions from top 5 schools: 5 / 112 = 45%

2006 [40-man bracket | 14 weight Groups | TRUE 3RD FORMAT | Top 8 medal]

  1. Buchanan [CS]: 134.0 [4 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  2. Poway [SD]: 126.5 [5 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  3. Fremont [CC]: 93.0 [3 Medalists | No Champions]
  4. Gilroy [CC]: 91.0 [4 Medalists | No Champions]
  5. Northview [S]: 83.0 [1 Medalist | No Champions]

Total Medals from top 5 schools: 17 / 112 = 15%

Individual Champions from top 5 schools: 2 / 14 = 14%

2007 [40-man bracket | 14 weight Groups | TRUE 3RD FORMAT | Top 8 medal]

Vacaville [SJ]: 124.0 [5 Medalists | 1 Champion]

Poway [SD]: 116.0 [4 Medalists | 1 Champion]

Buchanan [CS]: 112.0 [3 Medalists | 1 Champion]

Clovis [CS}: 96.5 [5 Medalists | No Champions]

Bakersfield [CS}: 78.0 [3 Medalists | No Champions]

Total Medals from top 5 schools: 20 / 112 = 18%

Individual Champions from top 5 schools: 3 / 14 = 21%

2008 [40-man bracket | 14 weight Groups | TRUE 3RD FORMAT | Top 8 medal]

Clovis [CS]: 118.5 [7 Medalists | No Champions]

Gilroy [CC]: 113.0 [3 Medalists | 2 Champions]

Central Catholic [SJ]: 109.0 [4 Medalists | 1 Champion]

Poway [SD]: 106.0 [4 Medalists | No Champions]

Buchanan [CS]: 102.5 [3 Medalists | 2 Champions]

Total Medals from top 5 schools: 21 / 112 = 19%

Individual Champions from top 5 schools: 5 / 14 = 36%

2009 [40-man bracket | 14 weight Groups | TRUE 3RD FORMAT | Top 8 medal]

  1. Poway [SD]: 140.0 [4 Medalists | 2 Champions]
  2. Buchanan [CS]: 125.5 [5 Medalists | No Champions] / Selma [CS]: 125.5 [5 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  3. Clovis [CS]: 124.0 [6 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  4. Calvary Chapel [S]: 74.5 [3 Medalists | 1 Champion]

Total Medals from top 5 schools: 23 / 112 = 21%

Individual Champions from top 5 schools: 5 / 14 = 36%

2010 [40-man bracket | 14 weight Groups | TRUE 3RD FORMAT | Top 8 medal]

  1. Bakersfield [CS]: 126.0 [5 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  2. Selma [CS]: 113.5 [4 Medalists | 2 Champions]
  3. Clovis [CS]: 97.0 [3 Medalists | No Champions]
  4. Lemoore [CS]: 94.0 [4 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  5. Poway [SD]: 93.5 [3 Medalists | No Champions]

Total Medals from top 5 schools: 19 / 112 = 17%

Individual Champions from top 5 schools: 4 / 14 = 29%

2011 [40-man bracket | 14 weight Groups | TRUE 3RD FORMAT | Top 8 medal]

  1. Clovis [CS]: 186.0 [9 Medalists | 2 Champions]
  2. Bakersfield [CS]: 177.0 [8 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  3. Selma [CS]: 100.0 [3 Medalists | 2 Champions]
  4. De La Salle [NC]: 82.5 [3 Medalists | No Champions]
  5. Lemoore [CS]: 76.0 [3 Medalists | 1 Champion]

Total Medals from top 5 schools: 26 / 112 = 23%

Individual Champions from top 5 schools: 6 / 14 = 43%

2012 [40-man bracket | 14 weight Groups | TRUE 3RD FORMAT | Top 8 medal]

  1. Clovis [CS]: 256.5 [10 Medalists | 2 Champions]
  2. Bakersfield [CS]: 129.5 [6 Medalists | No Champions]
  3. Poway [SD]: 113.0 [5 Medalists | No Champions]
  4. De La Salle [NC]: 97.0 [4 Medalists | No Champions]
  5. Gilroy [CC]: 94.0 [3 Medalists | 2 Champions]

Total Medals from top 5 schools: 28 / 112 = 25%

Individual Champions from top 5 schools: 4 / 14 = 29%

2013 [40-man bracket | 14 weight Groups | TRUE 3RD FORMAT | Top 8 medal]

Clovis [CS]: 179.0 [5 Medalists | 2 Champions]

Poway [SD]: 109.5 [4 Medalists | No Champions]

Vacaville [SJ}: 97.0 [3 Medalists | 1 Champion]

St. John Bosco [S]: 95.0 [3 Medalists | 1 Champion]

Santiago [S]: 89.5 [4 Medalists | 1 Champion]

Total Medals from top 5 schools: 19 / 112 = 17%

Individual Champions from top 5 schools: 5 / 14 = 36%

2014 [40-man bracket | 14 weight Groups | TRUE 3RD FORMAT | Top 8 medal]

  1. Clovis [CS]: 197.5 [8 Medalists | 2 Champions]
  2. Clovis West [CS]: 118.5 [5 Medalists | No Champions]
  3. Poway [SD]: 110.0 [4 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  4. Gilroy [CC]: 107.0 [3 Medalists | 2 Champions]
  5. Vacaville [SJ}: 90.0 [3 Medalists | 1 Champion]

Total Medals from top 5 schools: 23 / 112 = 21%

Individual Champions from top 5 schools: 6 / 14 = 43%

2015 [40-man bracket | 14 weight Groups | TRUE 3RD FORMAT | Top 8 medal]

  1. Clovis [CS] 276.5 [10 Medalists | 3 Champions]
  2. Poway [SD]: 189.5 [9 Medalists | 2 Champions]
  3. San Marino [S] 128.0 [5 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  4. Buchanan [CS]: 120.0 [5 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  5. St. John Bosco [S] 111.5 [4 Medalists | 3 Champions]

Total Medals from top 5 schools: 33 / 112 = 29%

Individual Champions from top 5 schools: 10 / 14 = 71%

2016 [40-man bracket | 14 weight Groups | TRUE 3RD FORMAT | Top 8 medal]

  1. Buchanan [CS] 274.5 [10 Medalists | 3 Champions]
  2. Clovis [CS]: 232.5 [8 Medalists | 4 Champions]
  3. Poway [SD]: 113.0 [5 Medalists | No Champions]
  4. Gilroy [CC]: 107.5 [4 Medalists | No Champions]
  5. Calvary Chapel [S]: 97.5 [4 Medalists | 2 Champions]

Total Medals from top 5 schools: 31 / 112 = 28%

Individual Champions from top 5 schools: 9 / 14 = 64%

2017 [40-man bracket | 14 weight Groups | TRUE 3RD FORMAT | Top 8 medal]

  1. Buchanan [CS]: 213.5 [8 Medalists | 2 Champions]
  2. Clovis [CS]: 189.0 [7 Medalists | 3 Champions]
  3. Poway [SD]: 142.0 [8 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  4. Selma [CS]: 108.0 [4 Medalists | No Champions]
  5. Gilroy [CC]: 103.0 [4 Medalists | No Champions]

Total Medals from top 5 schools: 31 / 112 = 28%

Individual Champions from top 5 schools: 6 / 14 = 43%

2018 [40-man bracket | 14 weight Groups | TRUE 3RD FORMAT | Top 8 medal]

  1. Buchanan [CS]: 219.0 [8 Medalists | 2 Champions]
  2. Gilroy [CC]: 180.0 [7 Medalists | 2 Champions]
  3. Poway [SD]: 171.5 [7 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  4. Selma [CS]: 168.0 [8 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  5. Clovis [CS]: 121.5 [6 Medalists | 1 Champion]

Total Medals from top 5 schools: 36 / 112 = 32%

Individual Champions from top 5 schools: 7 / 14 = 50%

2019 [40-man bracket | 14 weight Groups | TRUE 3RD FORMAT | Top 8 medal]

  1. Buchanan [CS]: 235.0 [8 Medalists | 2 Champions]
  2. Gilroy [CC]: 182.0 [7 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  3. Clovis [CS]: 171.5 [5 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  4. Selma [CS]: 139.5 [5 Medalists | 2 Champions]
  5. St. John Bosco [S]: 128.5 [5 Medalists | 2 Champions]

Total Medals from top 5 schools: 30 / 112 = 27%

Individual Champions from top 5 schools: 8 / 14 = 57%

2020 [40-man bracket | 14 weight Groups | TRUE 3RD FORMAT | Top 8 medal]

  1. Buchanan [CS]: 261.0 [11 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  2. St. John Bosco [S]: 183.5 [8 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  3. Poway [SD]: 182.5 [6 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  4. Clovis [CS]: 159.0 [5 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  5. Selma [CS]: 131.0 [5 Medalists | 2 Champion]

Total Medals from top 5 schools: 35 / 112 = 31%

Individual Champions from top 5 schools: 6 / 14 = 43%

2021: CIF State Tournament Cancelled [COVID]

2022 [40-man bracket | 14 weight Groups | TRUE 3RD FORMAT | Top 8 medal]

  1. Buchanan [CS]: 270.0 [10 Medalists | 3 Champions]
  2. Poway [SD]: 256.5 [11 Medalists | No Champions]
  3. Clovis [CS]: 174.5 [8 Medalists | No Champions]
  4. Palm Desert [S]: 161.0 [5 Medalists | 2 Champions]
  5. St. John Bosco [S]: 144.0 [5 Medalists | 1 Champion]

Total Medals from top 5 schools: 39 / 112 = 35%

Individual Champions from top 5 schools: 6 / 14 = 43%

2023 [40-man bracket | 14 weight Groups | TRUE 3RD FORMAT | Top 8 medal]

  1. Buchanan [CS]: 244.0 [10 Medalists | No Champions]
  2. Poway [SD]: 198.5 [8 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  3. Gilroy [CC]: 194.0 [6 Medalists | 3 Champions]
  4. Clovis [CS]: 177.0 [8 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  5. Bakersfield [CS]: 166.5 [6 Medalists | No Champions]

Total Medals from top 5 schools: 38 / 112 = 34%

Individual Champions from top 5 schools: 5 / 13 = 38%

2024 [40-man bracket | 14 weight Groups | TRUE 3RD FORMAT | Top 8 medal]

  1. Poway [SD]: 290.5 [12 Medalists | 3 Champions]
  2. Buchanan [CS]: 255.0 [12 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  3. Gilroy [CC]: 206.0 [7 Medalists | 3 Champions]
  4. St. John Bosco [S]: 186.0 [7 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  5. Clovis [CS]: 144.0 [6 Medalists | 1 Champion]

Total Medals from top 5 schools: 44 / 112 = 39%

Individual Champions from top 5 schools: 9 / 14 = 64%

2025 [40-man bracket | 14 weight Groups | TRUE 3RD FORMAT | Top 8 medal]

  1. Buchanan [CS]: 247.5 [9 Medalists | 1 Champion]
  2. Poway [SD]: 240.0 [9 Medalists | 2 Champions]
  3. Gilroy [CC]: 239.0 [7 Medalists | 5 Champions]
  4. St. John Bosco [S]: 229.5 [13 Medalists | No Champions]
  5. Clovis [CS]: 211.0 [9 Medalists | 1 Champion]

Total Medals from top 5 schools: 47 / 112 = 42%

Individual Champions from top 5 schools: 9 / 14 = 64% 

2026 [40-man bracket | 14 weight Groups | TRUE 3RD FORMAT | Top 8 medal]

  1. Buchanan [CS]: 288.5 [12 Medalists | 3 Champions]
  2. Poway [SD]: 229.5 [11 Medalists | 2 Champions]
  3. St. John Bosco [S]: 219.5 [9 Medalists | 2 Champions]
  4. Clovis [CS]: 177.5 [5 Medalists | 2 Champions]
  5. Gilroy [CC]: 165.5 [5 Medalists | 1 Champion]

Total Medals from top 5 schools: 42 / 112 = 38% 

Individual Champions from top 5 schools: 10 / 14 = 71%

Photo images: Tony Rotundo (Wrestlers Are Warriors)

Follow me on X @Coach_Al_1984 | on Instagram @tier_one_idaho | on Facebook @TIER1 WRESTLING

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