California’s National Champions and Collegiate Standouts

California high school wrestling has long been recognized for producing exceptional state champions, nationally ranked competitors and future NCAA standouts.

But when evaluating California’s greatest wrestlers, one of the most important questions is not simply:

What happened in high school?

It is:

What happened after high school?

A CIF State finish provides an important measure of high-school achievement. It does not, however, tell the entire story.

Some California wrestlers who became NCAA Division II All-Americans were CIF State champions. Others were state finalists or medalists. Some qualified for the CIF State Championships but never placed.

And, perhaps most significantly, a substantial number of eventual NCAA Division II All-Americans never qualified for the CIF State Championships at all.

That reality is central to the methodology of California’s Top 100 Wrestlers project.

TIER 3 — NCAA DIVISION II COLLEGIATE ALL-AMERICANS recognizes California wrestlers whose abilities extended beyond the high-school level and ultimately earned national recognition through NCAA Division II competition.

The updated database identifies 137 California wrestlers who earned NCAA Division II All-American honors.

Their pathways to that achievement were remarkably diverse.

Some were State champions.

Some were State finalists.

Some were State medalists.

Some qualified for State without placing.

And some never reached the CIF State Championships.

Yet they ultimately competed successfully at the national collegiate level.

The NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships represent the national championship level of Division II wrestling, with the tournament determining individual national champions and All-American honors.

That distinction is critical.

A high-school wrestler’s career does not end when the CIF State Championships end.

For many of California’s most accomplished wrestlers, it was only beginning.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF NCAA DIVISION II ALL-AMERICAN STATUS

NCAA Division II wrestling represents a demanding national level of collegiate competition.

Becoming an All-American means advancing deep into the NCAA Championships and demonstrating the ability to compete successfully against elite wrestlers from across the country.

It is therefore much more than simply participating in college wrestling.

It is a national achievement.

The accomplishment becomes even more significant when a wrestler earns All-American honors multiple times or wins an NCAA Division II individual championship.

For purposes of this tier, wrestlers are examined according to the level and consistency of their collegiate accomplishments, including:

• NCAA Division II national championships
• Four-time NCAA Division II All-American honors
• Three-time NCAA Division II All-American honors
• Two-time NCAA Division II All-American honors
• One-time NCAA Division II All-American honors
• Wrestlers who earned Division II All-American honors along with All-American honors in other collegiate divisions
• Collegiate championships at other levels that contributed to the wrestler’s overall career

The goal is not simply to count medals.

It is to understand what those accomplishments reveal about a wrestler’s:

• Ability
• Development
• Longevity
• Consistency
• Competitive ceiling
• Level of opposition
• Overall career trajectory

The careers represented in this tier demonstrate that a wrestler’s full potential cannot always be measured by performance at a single high-school tournament—or even by whether that wrestler qualified for or placed at the CIF State Championships.

WHEN CIF STATE RESULTS DO NOT TELL THE WHOLE STORY

One of the most revealing findings in the research is the number of eventual NCAA Division II All-Americans whose high-school State résumés were modest—or nonexistent.

Among the 59 wrestlers identified in the study who either did not qualify for CIF State or qualified without placing, the high-school tournament record did not accurately predict their eventual collegiate success.

The broader breakdown identifies 24 wrestlers who never qualified for CIF State, while another group reached the State tournament but did not earn a medal.

That finding is particularly important.

CIF State qualification is an important measure of high-school achievement. Yet among these eventual NCAA Division II All-Americans, State qualification did not necessarily predict ultimate collegiate potential.

California has historically possessed enormous wrestling depth.

Section-level competition could prevent highly talented wrestlers from reaching the State Championships. Others reached State but encountered a field that prevented them from earning a medal.

Their careers demonstrate an important distinction:

Elimination from the high-school State tournament was not necessarily elimination from the highest levels of wrestling achievement.

Collegiate wrestling provided another opportunity for development.

Many of these athletes ultimately demonstrated their ability against some of the best wrestlers in the country.

Their NCAA All-American honors—and, in some cases, national championships—provide measurable evidence that their wrestling careers continued to develop long after their high-school State Championship opportunities had ended.

THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONS WHO NEVER MADE CIF STATE

Several athletes in this group went considerably beyond simply becoming collegiate All-Americans.

Steve Draper and Morris Johnson did not qualify for the CIF State Championships but ultimately became NCAA Division II national champions and two-time All-Americans.

Draper, representing Mission Viejo High School in 1974, did not qualify for CIF State before continuing to CSU Bakersfield. He ultimately became an NCAA Division II national champion and two-time All-American.

Johnson, representing Sacramento High School in 1980, likewise did not qualify for CIF State. He continued to San Francisco State and ultimately became an NCAA Division II national champion and two-time All-American.

Their careers provide particularly powerful examples of the limitations of using CIF State results as the sole measure of a wrestler’s eventual ability.

Others in this category—including Mario Decaro, Bob Rinehart, Jene Burris, Don Williams and Andy Wilson—also developed into multiple-time NCAA Division II All-Americans despite not qualifying for the California State Championships.

These are not simply interesting exceptions.

Collectively, they provide measurable evidence of the depth of California wrestling.

A DIFFERENT MEASURE OF CALIFORNIA’S WRESTLING DEPTH

The broader significance of this group is both historical and statistical.

The 59 wrestlers demonstrate that California’s wrestling talent was considerably deeper than CIF State Championship results alone might indicate.

A wrestler’s inability to qualify for State—or failure to earn a State medal—did not necessarily represent the ceiling of that athlete’s ability.

The college years provided another opportunity for development.

Some wrestlers physically matured.

Some found the right coaching environment.

Some moved through community college before reaching a four-year institution.

Some changed styles or weight classes.

Others simply continued improving after high school.

Eventually, many of them demonstrated their ability against the best wrestlers in the country.

That is one of the most important lessons of the Division II database.

Wrestling development does not always follow a straight line.

NCAA DIVISION II NATIONAL CHAMPIONS

California has produced a remarkable collection of NCAA Division II national champions.

Their backgrounds demonstrate perhaps better than any other group why collegiate achievement must be considered when evaluating a wrestler’s overall career.

Joey Davis — Santa Fe HS (S), 2012

Joey Davis stands at the top of California’s Division II wrestling legacy.

A two-time CIF State champion and three-time State finalist from Santa Fe High School, Davis continued at Notre Dame College and produced one of the most extraordinary careers in collegiate wrestling history.

Davis won four consecutive NCAA Division II national championships, capturing titles in 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016.

His accomplishment occupies a unique place in collegiate wrestling history.

Tim Wright of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville became the first wrestler in NCAA history to win four individual national championships, accomplishing the feat from 1984 through 1987.

Davis became the second collegiate wrestler to win four NCAA Division II titles.

He then added another distinction: he became the first NCAA Division II wrestler to combine four national championships with an undefeated collegiate career.

The National Wrestling Hall of Fame lists Davis with a perfect 133-0 collegiate record, while the NCAA’s championship records have listed him at 131-0. Regardless of the statistical discrepancy, the historical achievement is unmistakable.

Davis completed an undefeated four-year career while winning four consecutive NCAA Division II championships.

His four titles came at three different weights—165, 174 and 184 pounds—demonstrating that his dominance was not confined to a single weight class.

Davis ultimately joined an exceptionally small group of NCAA wrestlers who finished undefeated while winning four national championships, alongside Cael Sanderson and Marcus LeVesseur.

Davis is therefore not simply a California NCAA Division II champion.

He represents an extraordinary combination of:

Championship success.
Sustained excellence.
Versatility.
Longevity.
And collegiate perfection.

A CAREER DEFINED BY STATISTICAL RARITY

The significance of Davis’s career becomes even clearer when viewed through participation and achievement statistics.

Approximately 0.8 percent of high-school wrestlers continue into NCAA Division II wrestling—roughly one out of every 125 high-school wrestlers.

Using the 0.034 percent figure associated with the level represented by the cited Division II All-American statistic, the achievement represents approximately one All-American for every 2,941 high-school wrestlers.

These figures illustrate the competitive funnel.

Reaching NCAA Division II is itself an accomplishment achieved by only a small percentage of high-school wrestlers.

Becoming a Division II All-American represents an even more exclusive level.

Joey Davis did not simply reach that level.

He dominated it.

His progression can be viewed as:

High-School Wrestler
↓
NCAA Division II Wrestler
↓
NCAA Division II All-American
↓
NCAA Division II National Champion
↓
Four-Time National Champion
↓
Undefeated Collegiate Career

At every stage, the competitive population becomes smaller.

Davis successfully navigated that progression and ultimately established himself at the summit of NCAA Division II wrestling for four consecutive seasons.

AN EXTREME OUTLIER WITHIN AN ALREADY SELECTIVE POPULATION

The mathematical significance should be stated carefully.

The 0.8 percent and 0.034 percent figures should not simply be multiplied to create a supposed probability of Davis becoming an undefeated four-time national champion.

They represent different points in the wrestling participation and achievement pipeline and do not establish the independent probabilities required for such a calculation.

Their value is contextual.

If approximately one in 125 high-school wrestlers reaches NCAA Division II, and approximately one in 2,941 reaches the level represented by the cited Division II All-American statistic, Davis’s career represents something considerably rarer still.

He reached that highly selective population and then produced four consecutive national championships without a collegiate defeat.

That makes Davis an extreme statistical outlier within an already exceptionally selective population.

One national championship demonstrates that a wrestler reached the highest level on one occasion.

Four demonstrate sustained excellence across multiple seasons.

Doing so while remaining undefeated adds another dimension entirely.

Davis did not merely accumulate championships.

He demonstrated sustained competitive perfection at the highest level of NCAA Division II wrestling.

WHY 4× NATIONAL CHAMPION + UNDEFEATED MATTERS

Many outstanding NCAA wrestlers have won national championships.

Others have completed undefeated collegiate careers.

Combining an undefeated career with four NCAA national championships, however, places Davis in one of the most exclusive groups in NCAA wrestling history.

His accomplishment represents:

• Four national championships
• Four seasons of championship-level consistency
• An undefeated collegiate career
• Four titles at three different weights
• A career that established a historic Division II standard
• Achievement within an already highly selective collegiate population

For California wrestling, that accomplishment carries additional significance.

California has produced generations of state champions, collegiate All-Americans, national champions and international competitors.

Davis demonstrates that the state’s wrestling pipeline can produce an athlete capable of progressing through the collegiate ranks and ultimately achieving historic national dominance.

His career also reinforces one of the fundamental principles of this Tier 3 project:

A high-school résumé alone does not fully measure a wrestler’s eventual competitive ceiling.

THE OTHER NCAA DIVISION II NATIONAL CHAMPIONS

Mauricio Wright — Folsom HS (SJ), 1999

Mauricio Wright was a CIF State finalist from Folsom High School before continuing his career at San Francisco State.

He became a two-time NCAA Division II national champion and four-time All-American, establishing himself as one of California’s outstanding Division II competitors.

Abner Romero — Buchanan HS (CS), 2016

Abner Romero was a three-time CIF State medalist from Buchanan High School, finishing as high as second.

His national credentials extended beyond California, including an NHSCA Senior National Championship.

At the collegiate level, Romero became an NCAA Division II national champion and two-time All-American.

Mark Loomis — Bella Vista HS (SJ), 1978

Mark Loomis was a CIF State champion and two-time State medalist from Bella Vista High School.

He subsequently won a California community-college state championship at Sacramento City College before continuing to CSU Bakersfield.

Loomis ultimately became an NCAA Division II national champion and three-time All-American.

His career illustrates the progression from California high-school success to community-college championship success and ultimately national collegiate achievement.

Steve Markey — Alameda HS (NC), 1979

Steve Markey was a CIF State champion and two-time State medalist from Alameda.

After winning a 3C2A State championship and earning All-American honors at Chabot College, Markey continued to CSU Bakersfield.

He ultimately became an NCAA Division II national champion and All-American.

Mike Bull — South Bakersfield HS (CS), 1973

Mike Bull was a CIF State champion who also distinguished himself nationally in freestyle competition.

After continuing his career at CSU Bakersfield, Bull became an NCAA Division II national champion and three-time All-American.

Tom Gongora — Clovis HS (CS), 1974

Tom Gongora was a CIF State champion from Clovis High School who continued his career to the NCAA Division II level.

He became an NCAA Division II national champion and two-time All-American.

Greg Jackson — Santa Monica HS (S), 1988

Greg Jackson was a two-time CIF State medalist and a 3C2A State champion and All-American at Cerritos College.

He continued to San Francisco State and became an NCAA Division II national champion and two-time All-American.

Johnny Lopez — Poway HS (SD), 2022

Johnny Lopez was a two-time CIF State medalist from Poway.

After continuing his career at San Francisco State, Lopez became an NCAA Division II national champion and All-American.

Victor Carazo — Grace Davis HS (SJ), 2006

Victor Carazo was a CIF State finalist and a 3C2A State champion and All-American at Modesto Junior College.

After moving to Grand Canyon, Carazo became an NCAA Division II national champion and three-time All-American.

Luke Parham — Cajon HS (S), 1988

Luke Parham was a CIF State finalist from Cajon High School.

He later became an NCAA Division II national champion and All-American at Humboldt State.

Matt Blevin — Mountain View HS (CC), 1981

Matt Blevin placed fourth at the CIF State Championships before continuing his career at San Francisco State.

He became an NCAA Division II national champion and two-time All-American.

Pacifico Garcia — Clovis HS (CS), 2001

Pacifico Garcia was a CIF State finalist from Clovis.

At San Francisco State, he became an NCAA Division II national champion and two-time All-American.

Terry Tuzzolino — Capistrano Valley HS (S), 1994

Terry Tuzzolino finished second at the CIF State Championships before continuing his career at San Francisco State.

He became an NCAA Division II national champion and All-American.

Tim Briggs — Granite Hills HS (SD), 1985

Tim Briggs finished fourth at the CIF State Championships and later continued his career at North Dakota State.

He became an NCAA Division II national champion and two-time All-American.

Todd Wilcox — Folsom HS (SJ), 2006

Todd Wilcox finished fifth at CIF State and subsequently won a 3C2A State championship and All-American honors at Sierra College.

At Grand Canyon, he became an NCAA Division II national champion and All-American.

Daxton Gordon — Brawley HS (SD), 2015

Daxton Gordon finished fifth at the CIF State Championships before continuing to Cal Baptist.

He became an NCAA Division II national champion and All-American.

Eric Lessley — San Marin HS (NC), 1979

Eric Lessley finished sixth at the CIF State Championships and later continued his career at Humboldt State.

He became an NCAA Division II national champion and two-time All-American.

Pat Huyck — Lompoc HS (CS), 1981

Pat Huyck finished fifth at CIF State and continued his career at CSU Bakersfield.

He ultimately became an NCAA Division II national champion and All-American.

Lee Lofton — American HS (NC), 1992

Lee Lofton reached the CIF State tournament but did not place, advancing to the Round of 12.

He later competed for San Francisco State and became an NCAA Division II national champion and two-time All-American.

Steve Draper — Mission Viejo HS (S), 1974

Steve Draper represents one of the clearest examples of why high-school State placement cannot be used as the sole measure of a wrestler’s ultimate ability.

Draper did not qualify for the CIF State Championships, yet went on to CSU Bakersfield and ultimately became an NCAA Division II national champion and two-time All-American.

Morris Johnson — Sacramento HS (SJ), 1980

Morris Johnson likewise did not qualify for CIF State.

He continued his career at San Francisco State and became an NCAA Division II national champion and two-time All-American.

His career is another powerful example of the difference between high-school tournament results and long-term wrestling development.

FOUR-TIME NCAA DIVISION II ALL-AMERICANS

Francis Aquino — Vintage HS, 1990

Francis Aquino finished fourth at the CIF State Championships before continuing his career at San Francisco State.

He became a four-time NCAA Division II All-American, placing him among California’s most accomplished Division II collegiate wrestlers.

While he did not win an NCAA championship, four All-American performances demonstrate an extraordinary level of sustained national excellence.

THREE-TIME NCAA DIVISION II ALL-AMERICANS

Nolan Kistler — Martin Luther King HS (S), 2014

Nolan Kistler was a two-time CIF State medalist, placing eighth and fifth.

He continued to Cal Baptist and became a three-time NCAA Division II All-American.

Rick Goodwin — Oceana HS (CC), 1985

Rick Goodwin finished fourth at CIF State before continuing his career at San Francisco State.

He became a three-time NCAA Division II All-American.

TWO-TIME NCAA DIVISION II ALL-AMERICANS

California’s two-time Division II All-American group is particularly significant because it demonstrates the breadth of the state’s collegiate talent.

State Champions and High-Level State Medalists

Rod Balch — Clovis HS (CS), 1974
CIF State champion; Wrestling USA All-American; CSU Bakersfield; two-time NCAA Division II All-American.

Mark Hall — Cabrillo HS (S), 1976
Third at CIF State; CSU Bakersfield; two-time NCAA Division II All-American.

Marty Maciel — Paramount HS (S), 1975
Fifth at CIF State; 3C2A All-American (Cerritos); CSU Bakersfield; two-time NCAA Division II All-American.

Russ Jones — Roseville HS (SJ), 1980
Sixth at CIF State; CSU Sacramento; two-time NCAA Division II All-American.

Tim Laycik — Thousand Oaks HS (S), 1983
Sixth at CIF State; UC Davis; two-time NCAA Division II All-American.

Ryan Fillingame — Sultana HS (S), 2008
Seventh at CIF State; NHSCA Senior All-American; Adams State; two-time NCAA Division II All-American.

Nick Fiegener — Folsom HS (SJ), 2014
CIF State champion and two-time medalist; NHSCA Senior National Champion; NHSCA age-group All-American; Cadet Fargo Greco-Roman All-American; ASICS honoree; Wrestling USA All-American; Cal Baptist; two-time NCAA Division II All-American.

Steve Hilas — Vacaville HS (SJ), 1992
CIF State champion and two-time medalist; Cadet and Junior Greco-Roman National Champion; San Francisco State; two-time NCAA Division II All-American.

Curtis Schurkamp — Escalon HS (SJ), 2004
Three-time CIF State medalist; San Francisco State; two-time NCAA Division II All-American.

Brett McNamar — Clayton Valley HS (NC), 1981
CIF State finalist; 3C2A All-American (Diablo Valley); Chico State; two-time NCAA Division II All-American.

Joey Wilson — Half Moon Bay HS (CC), 2007
Third at CIF State; Nebraska-Kearney; two-time NCAA Division II All-American.

Naveed Bagheri — Los Gatos HS (CC), 2007
Fifth at CIF State; San Francisco State; two-time NCAA Division II All-American.

STATE QUALIFIERS WHO BECAME TWO-TIME NCAA DIVISION II ALL-AMERICANS

The following wrestlers reached the CIF State Championships but did not earn a State medal.

Their subsequent collegiate careers, however, placed them among the nation’s elite.

Walter Ulrich — Corning HS (N), 1982
CIF State qualifier; two-time 3C2A All-American at Butte College; Chico State; two-time NCAA Division II All-American.

Kevin Dugan — Dublin HS (NC), 1976
CIF State qualifier; Chabot 3C2A All-American; CSU Bakersfield; two-time NCAA Division II All-American.

Dustin Kirk — Elsinore HS (S), 2013
CIF State qualifier; Cerritos CC; 3C2A All-American; King University; two-time NCAA Division II All-American.

Donald Lockett — Lowell HS (SF), 2000
CIF State qualifier; San Francisco State; two-time NCAA Division II All-American.

John Kuintzle — Ukiah HS (NC), 1977
CIF State qualifier; Chico State; two-time NCAA Division II All-American.

Drew Dunbar — Miramonte HS (NC), 1998
CIF State qualifier; San Francisco State; two-time NCAA Division II All-American.

Rich Ellingsen — Capuchino HS (CC), 1984
CIF State qualifier; San Francisco State; two-time NCAA Division II All-American.

Roger Herrera — Fremont-Oakland HS (O), 1977
CIF State qualifier; Chabot 3C2A All-American; CSU Bakersfield; two-time NCAA Division II All-American.

WRESTLERS WHO DID NOT QUALIFY FOR CIF STATE BUT BECAME TWO-TIME NCAA DIVISION II ALL-AMERICANS

Perhaps no category better demonstrates the limitations of evaluating wrestlers solely by CIF State results.

These wrestlers did not qualify for the CIF State Championships but went on to become two-time NCAA Division II All-Americans.

Mario Decaro — Terra Nova HS (CC), 1979
Did not qualify for CIF State; San Francisco State; two-time NCAA Division II All-American.

Bob Rinehart — Royal HS (S), 1973
Did not qualify for CIF State; Chico State; two-time NCAA Division II All-American.

Jene Burris — Mira Loma HS (SJ), 1974
Did not qualify for CIF State; Chico State; two-time NCAA Division II All-American and NCAA Division II finalist.

Don Williams — Mesa Verde HS (SJ), 1978
Did not qualify for CIF State; Chico State; two-time NCAA Division II All-American.

Andy Wilson — Cordova HS (SJ), 1975
Did not qualify for CIF State; American River College 3C2A medalist; CSU Sacramento; two-time NCAA Division II All-American.

These careers are difficult to explain through CIF State placement alone.

They are much easier to understand when viewed through the broader lens of wrestler development.

CALIFORNIA’S BROADER NCAA DIVISION II ALL-AMERICAN LEGACY

The Division II national champions and multiple-time All-Americans represent the highest portion of this tier, but California’s overall legacy extends much further.

CIF State Champions Who Became NCAA All-Americans

Adrian Smedley — Elk Grove HS (SJ), 1978
CIF State champion and two-time medalist; NCAA Division III and Division II All-American at Humboldt State.

Navonte Demison — Bakersfield HS (CS), 2017
Two-time CIF State champion and four-time medalist; Junior Fargo All-American; NHSCA Senior All-American; Junior Folkstyle National Champion; Cadet Folkstyle National Champion; two-time Cadet All-American; Wrestling USA All-American; NCAA Division II All-American at Adams State.

Howard Lawson — El Dorado HS (S), 1981
Two-time CIF State champion; CSU Bakersfield; NCAA Division II All-American.

Leon Iannarelli — Fairfield HS (SJ), 1973
CIF State champion; Cal Poly San Luis Obispo; NCAA Division II All-American.

Ken Fontes – Clovis HS (CS), 1987

CIF State Champion; 3C2A All-American (Fresno City CC); NCAA Division II All-American (Portland State)

Garen McDonald — Livermore HS (NC), 1980
CIF State champion; Chabot 3C2A State champion and two-time All-American; CSU Bakersfield; NCAA Division II All-American.

Matt Olejnik — Cupertino HS (CC), 1981
CIF State champion; CSU Bakersfield; NCAA Division II All-American.

Erin Razo — Trinity HS (N), 1990
CIF State champion; NHSCA Senior National Champion; Wrestling USA All-American; San Francisco State; NCAA Division II All-American.

Damon Broadbent — Elsinore HS (S), 1993
CIF State champion; San Francisco State; NCAA Division II All-American.

STATE MEDALISTS WHO BECAME NCAA ALL-AMERICANS

California’s list of State medalists who later earned collegiate All-American honors is extensive.

Marty Nellis — Poway HS (SD), 1977

Marty Nellis adds an important dimension to this group.

Nellis finished sixth at the CIF State Championships for Poway High School in 1977 before continuing his career at Humboldt State.

At the collegiate level, he became an NCAA Division II All-American and also earned two NCAA Division III All-American honors at Humboldt State.

Nellis’s career is particularly significant to the methodology of the California Top 100 project because it demonstrates sustained success across multiple NCAA divisions.

His sixth-place CIF State finish established him as a State medalist, but his collegiate career added another level of achievement.

He became a national All-American in Division II while also earning two Division III All-American honors.

His career reinforces a central principle:

A wrestler’s complete competitive journey can reveal a much broader level of excellence than any single tournament result.

Among the other State medalists who later earned collegiate All-American honors were:

Ricky Garcia — Santa Fe HS (S), 2000
Two-time CIF State medalist; San Francisco State; NCAA Division II All-American.

Tony Darone — Liberty-Brentwood HS (NC), 1986
Two-time CIF State medalist; Chico State; NCAA Division II All-American.

Martin Ramirez — Elk Grove HS (SJ), 2012
Two-time CIF State medalist; NHSCA Junior and Senior All-American; Adams State; NCAA Division II All-American.

Blu Taylor — El Camino HS (SJ), 1986
Two-time CIF State medalist; two-time 3C2A All-American at Sacramento City College; UC Davis; NCAA Division II All-American.

John Monolakis — Hillsdale HS (CC), 1977
Two-time CIF State medalist; San Francisco State; two-time NCAA Division II All-American.

Jimmy Savala — Clovis HS (CS), 2006
Two-time CIF State medalist; NCAA Division II All-American.

Isaiah Hurtado — Sheldon HS (SJ), 2010
Two-time CIF State medalist; San Francisco State; NCAA Division II All-American.

Additional State medalists who reached All-American status include Mike Monroe, Michael Lowman, Polo Ornelas, Rich Gutierrez, Joe Lopez, Lee Noble, Rich Sykes, Michael Dallas, Max Schurkamp and Peter Anquiano.

Rich Sykes is particularly notable because his collegiate career included NJCAA All-American, NCAA Division III All-American and NCAA Division II finalist/All-American honors at Humboldt State.

Marty Nellis provides another important cross-division example, earning two NCAA Division III All-American honors and an NCAA Division II All-American honor at Humboldt State.

These careers demonstrate that collegiate excellence can transcend a single classification.

For some California wrestlers, the developmental journey continued through multiple levels of collegiate wrestling.

FOURTH, SIXTH, SEVENTH AND EIGHTH-PLACE CIF STATE FINISHERS WHO BECAME NCAA ALL-AMERICANS

A wrestler’s place at CIF State does not necessarily establish the ceiling of his career.

California produced numerous wrestlers who finished outside the top three at State and later became NCAA Division II All-Americans.

Among them:

• Jordan Gurrola — North Torrance (S), 2013: fourth at CIF State; San Francisco State; NCAA Division II All-American.
• Scott Horrillo — Roseville (SJ), 1986: fourth; Chico State; NCAA Division II All-American.
• Justin Pichedwatana — Mayfair (S), 2016: fourth; NHSCA Senior All-American; San Francisco State; NCAA Division II All-American.
• Don Garriott — West Torrance (S), 1986: fourth; Chico State; NCAA Division II All-American.
• Brad Morton — Mira Costa (S), 1974: fourth; Chico State; NCAA Division II All-American.
• Steve Cook — Crestmoor (CC), 1974: fourth; San Francisco State; NCAA Division II All-American.
• Mike Anderson — Foothill-Bakersfield (CS), 1974: fourth; CSU Bakersfield; NCAA Division II All-American.
• Steve Franklin — Middleton (NC), 2006: fourth; San Francisco State; NCAA Division II All-American.
• Steve Nickell — East Bakersfield (CS), 1978: sixth; CSU Bakersfield; NCAA Division II All-American.
• Erick Gritz — El Capitan (SJ), 1975: sixth; UC Davis; NCAA Division II All-American.
• Andrew Steffen — So. San Francisco (CC), 1981: sixth; San Francisco State; NCAA Division II All-American.
• Scott Teuscher — Woodland (SJ), 1979: sixth; CSU Bakersfield; NCAA Division II All-American.
• Robert Watkins — Mission San Jose (NC), 1983: sixth; Humboldt State; NCAA Division II All-American.
• Zackary Parker — Fountain Valley (S), 2022: sixth; Glenville State; NCAA Division II All-American.
• Ted Bristol — Temecula Valley (S), 2006: seventh; Grand Canyon; NCAA Division II All-American.
• Brady Bersano — Clovis (CS), 2011: seventh; Cal Baptist; NCAA Division II All-American.
• Isaiah Jimenez — Palma (CC), 2008: eighth; San Francisco State; NCAA Division II All-American.

And Marty Nellis—Poway (SD), 1977—who finished sixth at State and later became a Division II All-American as well as a two-time Division III All-American.

His résumé provides an especially useful example because his collegiate success was not limited to a single division.

CIF STATE QUALIFIERS WHO BECAME NCAA ALL-AMERICANS

The list becomes even more revealing when it reaches wrestlers who qualified for State but never placed.

Among these were:

Bryden Lazaro — Bella Vista HS (SJ), 2009
Two-time CIF State qualifier; NHSCA Senior All-American; two-time NAIA All-American; Cal Baptist; NCAA Division II All-American.

Ben Lockett — George Washington HS (SF), 2005
Two-time CIF State qualifier; San Francisco State; NCAA Division II All-American.

Marty Kouyoumtjian — Rosemead HS (S), 1986
Two-time CIF State qualifier; Chico State; NCAA Division II All-American.

Brad Gerl — Calvary Chapel-Downey HS (S), 2010
Two-time CIF State qualifier; Cal Baptist; NCAA Division II All-American.

Joshua Nolan — Quincy HS (N), 2007
CIF State qualifier; San Francisco State; NCAA Division II All-American.

Eddie Franco — East Union HS (SJ), 1975
CIF State qualifier; CSU Sacramento; NCAA Division II All-American.

Luke Santos — North Torrance HS (S), 2000
CIF State qualifier; San Francisco State; NCAA Division II All-American.

Paul Healy — Downey HS (S), 1994
CIF State qualifier; San Francisco State; NCAA Division II All-American.

Terry Osborne — South Hills HS (S), 1980
CIF State qualifier; CSU Bakersfield; NCAA Division II All-American.

Christian Smith — Rim of the World HS (S), 2014
CIF State qualifier; Cal Baptist; NCAA Division II All-American and finalist.

Sean Solis — Fountain Valley HS (S), 2020
CIF State qualifier; University of Mary; NCAA Division II All-American.

Trenton Munoz — Valencia HS (S), 2020
CIF State qualifier; Nebraska-Kearney; NCAA Division II All-American.

Tony Trabucco — Torrance HS (S), 1981
CIF State qualifier; Chico State; NCAA Division II All-American.

Todd Geerts — Saint Francis HS (CC), 1979
CIF State qualifier; UC Davis; NCAA Division II All-American.

Kydyn Lima — Millikan HS (S), 2022
CIF State qualifier; San Francisco State; NCAA Division II All-American.

Charley Cheney — Lompoc HS (S), 1977
CIF State qualifier; 3C2A All-American; CSU Bakersfield; NCAA Division II All-American and finalist.

Bill Kropog — Monache HS (CS), 1978
CIF State qualifier; Chico State; NCAA Division II All-American.

George Acosta — Lawndale HS (S), 1979
CIF State qualifier; Chico State; NCAA Division II All-American.

Kevin Newsome — Vacaville HS (SJ), 1977
CIF State qualifier; San Francisco State; NCAA Division II All-American and finalist.

Adrian Levexier — Balboa HS (SF), 1982
CIF State qualifier; San Francisco State; NCAA Division II All-American.

Chuck Justice — San Ramon Valley HS (NC), 1982
Two-time CIF State qualifier; 3C2A State Champion and All-American at Chabot; CSU Bakersfield; NCAA Division II All-American.

Bill Weiskopf — El Dorado HS (S), 1978
CIF State qualifier; UC Davis; NCAA Division II All-American.

Carlos Levexier — Balboa HS (SF), 1983
CIF State qualifier; San Francisco State; NCAA Division II All-American.

Dwight Weevie — Vista HS (SD), 1988
CIF State qualifier; UC Davis; NCAA Division II All-American.

Matt Ming — Elk Grove HS (SJ), 1990
CIF State qualifier; UC Davis; NCAA Division II All-American.

Carlos Sumulong — Northgate HS (NC), 1992
CIF State qualifier; San Francisco State; NCAA Division II All-American.

These careers reinforce the same lesson:

Making the State tournament was not necessarily the end of the story.

For many, it was merely the beginning of another level of development.

WRESTLERS WHO NEVER QUALIFIED FOR CIF STATE BUT BECAME COLLEGIATE ALL-AMERICANS

This category may be the most important for the broader California Top 100 project.

The following wrestlers did not qualify for the CIF State Championships but went on to earn collegiate All-American recognition.

Gene Choi — North HS (S), 2006
Did not qualify for CIF State; 3C2A State medalist; San Francisco State; NCAA Division II All-American.

Brett Southwick — Paradise HS (N), 1986
Did not qualify; NAIA All-American; Chico State; NCAA Division II All-American.

Casey Hankin — San Marcos HS (SD), 1986
Did not qualify; two-time 3C2A State medalist and All-American; Chico State; NCAA Division II All-American.

Eustacio Torres — Alhambra HS (NC), 1986
Did not qualify; San Francisco State; NCAA Division II All-American.

Mike Johnson — Santa Maria HS (S), 1975
Did not qualify; CSU Bakersfield; NCAA Division II All-American.

Bill Newton — North Salinas HS (CC), 1981
Did not qualify; CSU Bakersfield; NCAA Division II All-American.

Tony Ramirez — Arvin HS (CS), 1983
Did not qualify; two-time 3C2A State medalist; Chico State; two-time NCAA Division II All-American.

Craig Settles — Tokay HS (SJ), 1983
Did not qualify; San Francisco State; NCAA Division II All-American.

Raybon Johnson — Milpitas HS (CC), 1983
Did not qualify; 3C2A State Medalist; NCAA Division II All-American.

Phil Scott — Fairfield HS (SJ), 1982
Did not qualify; 3C2A State medalist; Chico State; NCAA Division II All-American.

Tim Gleeson — El Camino HS (CC), 1981
Did not qualify; San Francisco State; NCAA Division II All-American.

Rod Prnjak — Watsonville HS (CC), 1981
Did not qualify; two-time 3C2A State medalist; Humboldt State; NCAA Division II All-American.

Dean Reichenberg — Elk Grove HS (SJ), 1975
Did not qualify; 3C2A State medalist; CSU Sacramento; NCAA Division II All-American.

Bob Laughlin — Alameda HS (NC), 1977
Did not qualify; Chico State; NCAA Division II All-American.

Antonio Lopez — Ukiah HS (NC), 1976
Did not qualify; CSU Sacramento; NCAA Division II All-American.

Dale Delaney — Fortuna HS (NC), 1980
Did not qualify; Humboldt State; NCAA Division II All-American.

These careers are not statistical anomalies to be ignored.

They are evidence that the developmental pathway in wrestling is highly individual.

THE CENTRAL LESSON

A STATE CHAMPION IS NOT AUTOMATICALLY A BETTER WRESTLER THAN A STATE QUALIFIER

The most important conclusion from this body of research is not simply the number of NCAA Division II All-Americans California has produced.

It is what their backgrounds tell us.

A CIF State champion has achieved something extraordinary.

Winning the State tournament is one of the highest honors available to a California high-school wrestler.

But a State championship is a high-school accomplishment.

An NCAA All-American honor is a national collegiate accomplishment.

The two should not be confused.

A wrestler who wins a CIF State championship has demonstrated superiority within a particular high-school field at a particular moment.

A wrestler who becomes an NCAA All-American has demonstrated the ability to compete successfully against elite collegiate wrestlers from across the country.

The careers in this tier provide numerous examples.

Some California State champions became NCAA champions.

Some State finalists became NCAA champions.

Some State medalists became NCAA champions or multiple-time All-Americans.

Some State qualifiers became NCAA All-Americans.

And some wrestlers who never qualified for CIF State became NCAA Division II All-Americans or national champions.

That does not diminish the accomplishment of the State champion.

Instead, it demonstrates that wrestling development does not always occur in a straight line.

WHY COLLEGIATE ACHIEVEMENT MATTERS IN CALIFORNIA’S TOP 100

This is precisely why the California Top 100 project cannot be based solely on CIF State championships or State medal counts.

The purpose of the tier structure is to evaluate wrestlers according to the totality of their careers.

Relevant factors include:

• High-school State championships
• High-school State medals
• High-school national championships
• Fargo and other national-level achievements
• NCAA championships
• NCAA All-American honors
• NAIA All-American honors
• NJCAA All-American honors
• Number of collegiate All-American performances
• Collegiate championships
• Olympic and Senior World participation
• International medals
• Longevity
• Consistency
• Peak performance
• Level of competition
• Contributions to California wrestling history

No single category should automatically determine a wrestler’s overall standing.

A wrestler who won a CIF State championship and then had limited success in college should not automatically be considered superior to a wrestler who finished outside the top three at State but went on to become a two-time NCAA All-American.

Likewise, a wrestler who did not qualify for CIF State should not automatically be eliminated from consideration if his subsequent collegiate career demonstrated national-level excellence.

That is one of the clearest lessons provided by California’s Division II All-American history.

CALIFORNIA’S DIVISION II LEGACY

The updated study identifies 137 California NCAA Division II All-Americans.

That number represents a remarkable cross-section of California wrestling history.

The state produced:

• CIF State champions who became NCAA champions
• CIF State finalists who became NCAA champions
• State medalists who became multiple-time All-Americans
• State qualifiers who became NCAA All-Americans
• Wrestlers who did not qualify for CIF State but became collegiate All-Americans
• Community-college champions who progressed to NCAA national championships
• Wrestlers who succeeded at multiple collegiate divisions
• Multiple-time NCAA Division II All-Americans
• Four-time NCAA Division II All-Americans
• NCAA Division II national champions
• And ultimately Joey Davis—a four-time NCAA Division II champion who completed an undefeated collegiate career

The 59 wrestlers who either did not qualify for CIF State or qualified without placing add another important dimension to that legacy.

They demonstrate that California’s wrestling strength was not confined to the athletes who stood on the podium at the State Championships.

Its depth extended well beyond the State tournament.

Marty Nellis adds another important dimension to this history.

His sixth-place CIF State finish was followed by one NCAA Division II All-American honor and two NCAA Division III All-American honors, demonstrating that California wrestlers sometimes continued to distinguish themselves across multiple collegiate divisions.

His career, like those of Rich Sykes and Adrian Smedley, illustrates why a wrestler’s collegiate development should be evaluated across the entire competitive landscape rather than through a single division.

THE 137: WHAT THE NUMBER REALLY MEANS

The number 137 is more than a database entry.

It represents 137 individual California wrestlers who reached a level of collegiate competition that demanded national excellence.

Each wrestler arrived there by a different route.

Some entered college as decorated State champions.

Others arrived with State medals.

Some came in as State qualifiers.

Others came without ever experiencing the CIF State podium—or even the CIF State tournament.

Some won national championships.

Others earned multiple All-American honors.

Some competed successfully across different collegiate divisions.

And some required years of development before reaching their ultimate level.

That diversity is precisely what makes the database historically valuable.

It allows California wrestling to be examined not merely through its most visible champions, but through the depth of talent that existed beneath the State championship level.

FINAL PERSPECTIVE

TIER 3 — NCAA DIVISION II COLLEGIATE ALL-AMERICANS represents much more than a collection of names and accomplishments.

It represents another chapter in the story of California wrestling.

The CIF State Championships provide an essential historical benchmark beginning with the inaugural tournament in 1973.

But they represent only one point in a wrestler’s career.

For many athletes, the most significant portion of their wrestling journey came afterward.

The wrestlers documented in this tier demonstrate that excellence can emerge from many different paths.

Some were champions from the beginning.

Some were finalists.

Some were State medalists.

Some were State qualifiers.

Some never made it to the State tournament.

Yet all found a way to reach the national collegiate level.

The 59 wrestlers who either failed to qualify for State or qualified without placing are especially important because they provide measurable evidence that high-school State results and ultimate collegiate achievement do not always align.

Among that group, 24 never qualified for CIF State, yet ultimately became NCAA Division II All-Americans.

Two—Steve Draper and Morris Johnson—went even further, becoming NCAA Division II national champions and two-time All-Americans.

And beyond that group are wrestlers such as Marty Nellis, whose sixth-place State finish was followed by an NCAA Division II All-American honor and two NCAA Division III All-American honors, demonstrating that collegiate achievement can continue across divisions and throughout a wrestler’s development.

Then there is Joey Davis.

A California State champion who went on to become a four-time NCAA Division II national champion while completing an undefeated collegiate career.

From wrestlers who never reached CIF State to a wrestler who conquered NCAA Division II four consecutive times, the spectrum is extraordinary.

That is why the evaluation of California’s greatest wrestlers must extend beyond a single tournament, a single season or a single championship.

A State championship is an extraordinary accomplishment.

An NCAA All-American honor is an extraordinary accomplishment.

An NCAA national championship is an extraordinary accomplishment.

But the complete career—the totality of the competitive journey—is what ultimately tells the story.

The purpose of this project is not to diminish the importance of CIF State success.

It is to place that success in its proper historical context.

California wrestling greatness cannot be measured by one tournament.

It cannot be measured by one title.

It cannot be measured by one statistical category.

It must be measured by the totality of the wrestler’s competitive journey—from high school, through college, and, when applicable, onto the national and international stages.

The history of California’s 137 NCAA Division II All-Americans makes that argument impossible to ignore.

The State tournament tells us who succeeded in California high school wrestling.

The NCAA tells us who continued to develop when the competition became national.

And the careers documented in this tier show that sometimes the wrestler who did not stand on the CIF State podium was only beginning to write his story.

That is the standard upon which California’s Top 100 Wrestlers project is being built.

NCAA DIVISION II ALL-AMERICANS

160 – Joey Davis (Santa Fe, S), 2012

• 2x CIF State Champion | 3x Medalist (2,1,1)
• 2x FLO National Champion (OW) | 2x All-American 
• NHSCA Frosh All-American 
• 2x ASICS All-American – Second Team | HM 
• Amateur Wrestling News All-American (First Team) 
• Wrestling USA Magazine All-American (Dream Team)
• 4x NCAA Division II National Champion | 4x All-American (133-0)

171 – Mauricio Wright (Folsom, SJ), 1999

• CIF State Medalist (2^nd)
• 2x NCAA Division II National Champ | 4x All-American (San Francisco State)

160 – Abner Romero (Buchanan, CS), 2016

• 3x CIF State Medalist (8,7,2)
• NHSCA Senior National Champion | All-American
• NHSCA Soph All-American
• 3C2A State Champion | All-American (Fresno City CC)
• NCAA Division II National Champ | 2x All-American (Lindenwood/St. Cloud)

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

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

138 – Steve Markey (Alameda, NC), 1979

• CIF State Champion | 2x Medalist (5,1)
• 3C2A State Champion | All-American (Chabot CC)
• NCAA Division II National Champion | All-American (CSU Bakersfield)

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

• CIF State Champion 
• Junior Freestyle National Champion | All-American 
• Wrestling USA Magazine All-American 
• 3C2A State Champion | All-American (Bakersfield CC)
• NCAA Division II National Champion | 3x All-American (CSU Bakersfield)

127 – Tom Gongora (Clovis, CS), 1974

• CIF State Champion 
• 3C2A State Champion | All-American (Fresno City CC)
• NCAA Division II National Champion | 2x All-American

138 – Greg Jackson (Santa Monica, S), 1988

• 2x CIF State Medalist (5,3)
• 3C2A State Champion | All-American (Cerritos CC)
• NCAA Division II National Champion | 2x All-American (San Francisco State)

138 – Johnny Lopez (Poway, SD), 2022

• 2x CIF State Medalist (8,3)
• NCAA Division II National Champion | All-American (San Francisco State)

160 – Victor Carazo (Grace Davis, SJ), 2006

• CIF State Medalist (2^nd)
• NHSCA Junior HS All-American 
• 3C2A State Champion | All-American (Modesto JC)
• NCAA Division II National Champion | 3x All-American (Grand Canyon)

HWT – Luke Parham (Cajon, S), 1988

• CIF State Medalist (2^nd)
• NCAA Division II National Champion | All-American (Humboldt State)

HWT – Matt Blevin (Mountain View, CC), 1981

• CIF State Medalist (4^th)
• 3C2A State Champion | All-American (West Valley CC)
• NCAA Division II National Champ | 2x All-American (San Francisco State) 

135 – Pacifico Garcia (Clovis, CS), 2001

• CIF State Medalist (2^nd)
• NCAA Division II National Champion | 2x All-American (San Francisco State)

171 – Terry Tuzzolino (Capistrano Valley, S), 1994

• CIF State Medalist (2^nd)
• 2x 3C2A Finalist/2x All-American (Rancho Santiago CC)
• NCAA Division II National Champion | All-American (San Francisco State)

132 – Tim Briggs (Granite Hills, SD), 1985

• CIF State Medalist (4^th)
• NCAA Division II National Champion | 2x All-American (North Dakota State)

119 – Todd Wilcox (Folsom, SJ), 2006

• CIF State Medalist (5^th)
• 3C2A State Champion | All-American (Sierra CC)
• NCAA Division II National Champion | All-American (Grand Canyon)

126 – Daxton Gordon (Brawley, SD), 2015

• CIF State Medalist (5^th)
• NCAA Division II National Champion | All-American (Cal Baptist)

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

• CIF State Medalist (6^th)
• 3C2A Finalist/All-American (Santa Rosa JC)
• NCAA Division II National Champion | 2x All-American (Humboldt State)

155 – Pat Huyck (Lompoc, S), 1981

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

171 – Lee Lofton (American, NC), 1992

• State Qualifier (NC1)
• NCAA Division II National Champion | 2x All-American (San Francisco State)

165 – Steve Draper (Mission Viejo, S), 1974

• DID NOT QUALIFY TO CIF STATE
• 3C2A State Champion | All-American (Santa Ana CC)
• NCAA Division II National Champion | 2x All-American (CSU Bakersfield)

HWT – Morris Johnson (Sacramento, SJ), 1980

• DID NOT QUALIFY TO CIF STATE
• NCAA Division II National Champion | 2x All-American (San Francisco State)

119 – Francis Aquino (Vintage, SJ), 1990

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

152 – Nolan Kistler (Martin Luther King, S), 2014

• 2x CIF State Medalist (8,5)
• 3x NCAA Division II All-American (Cal Baptist)

98 – Rick Goodwin (Oceana, CC), 1985

• CIF State Medalist (4^th)
• 3x NCAA Division II All-American (San Francisco State)

138 – Rod Balch (Clovis HS, CS), 1974

• CIF State Champion
• Wrestling USA Magazine All-American
• 3C2A State Champion | All-American (Fresno City CC)
• 2x NCAA Division II All-American (CSU Bakersfield)

182 – Nick Fiegener (Folsom, SJ), 2014

• CIF State Champion | 2x Medalist (2,1)
• NHSCA Senior National Champion | All-American
• NHSCA Junior All-American 
• NHSCA Soph All-American 
• NHSCA Frosh All-American
• Cadet Fargo All-American (GR)
• ASICS All-American – HM 
• Wrestling USA Magazine All-American 
• 2x NCAA Division II All-American (Cal Baptist)

140 – Steve Hilas (Vacaville, SJ), 1992

• CIF State Champion | 2x Medalist (4,1)
• ASICS All-American (HM)
• Cadet National Champion | All-American (GR)
• Junior National Champion | All-American (GR)
• 2x NCAA Division II All-American (San Francisco St.)

112 – Curtis Schurkamp (Escalon, SJ), 2004

• 3x CIF State Medalist (6,3,5)
• 2x NCAA Division II All-American (San Francisco State)

98 – Brett McNamar (Clayton Valley, NC), 1981

• CIF State Medalist (2^nd)
• 3C2A All-American (Diablo Valley CC)
• 2x NCAA Division II All-American (Chico State)

152 – Joey Wilson (Half Moon Bay, CC), 2007

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

129 – Walter Ulrich (Corning, N), 1982

• CIF State Qualifier 
• 2x 3C2A All-American (Butte CC)
• 2x NCAA Division II All-American (Chico State)

132 – Rich Ellingsen (Capuchino, CC), 1984

• CIF State Qualifier
• 2x NCAA Division II All-American (San Francisco State)

HWT – Roger Herrera (Fremont-Oakland, OS), 1977

• CIF State Qualifier
• 3C2A All-American (Chabot CC)
• 2x NCAA Division II All-American (CSU Bakersfield)

HWT – Alex Koehler (McAteer, SF), 1983

• CIF State Qualifier
• NCAA Division II All-American (San Francisco State)

138 – Mario Decaro (Terra Nova, CC), 1979

• DID NOT QUALIFY TO CIF STATE
• 2x NCAA Division II All-American (San Francisco State) 

154 – Bob Rinehart (Royal, S), 1973

• DID NOT QUALIFY TO CIF STATE
• 3C2A All-American/Finalist (Moorpark CC)
• 2x NCAA Division II All-American (Chico State)

112 – Jene Burris (Mira Loma, SJ), 1974

• DID NOT QUALIFY TO CIF STATE
• 2x NCAA Division II All-American/Finalist (Chico State)

154 – Mark Hall (Cabrillo, CC), 1976

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

125 – Naveed Bagheri (Los Gatos, CC), 2007

• CIF State Medalist (5^th)
• 2x NCAA Division II All-American (San Francisco State)

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

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

175 – Russ Jones (Roseville, NC), 1980

• CIF State Medalist (6^th)
• 3C2A All-American (Sierra CC)
• 2x NCAA Division II All-American (CSU Sacramento)

204 – Tim Laycik (Thousand Oaks, S), 1983

• CIF State Medalist (6^th)
• 2x NCAA Division II All-American (UC Davis)

119 – Ryan Fillingame (Sultana, S), 2008

• CIF State Medalist (7^th)
• NHSCA Senior HS All-American
• 2x NCAA Division II All-American (Adams State)

154 – Kevin Dugan (Dublin, NC), 1976

• CIF State Qualifier
• 2x 3C2A All-American (Chabot CC)
• 2x NCAA Division II All-American (CSU Bakersfield)

120 – Dustin Kirk (Elsinore, S), 2013

• CIF State Qualifier
• 3C2A State Champion | 2x All-American (Cerritos CC)
• 2x Division II All-American (King University)

130 – Donald Lockett (Lowell, SF), 2000

• State Qualifier (SF1)
• 2x NCAA Division II All-American (San Francisco State)

123 – John Kuintzle (Ukiah, NC), 1977

• CIF State Qualifier 
• 2x NCAA Division II All-American (Chico State)

171 – Drew Dunbar (Miramonte, NC), 1998

• CIF State Qualifier
• 2x NCAA Division II All-American (San Francisco State)

145 – Don Williams (Mesa Verde, SJ), 1978

• DID NOT QUALIFY TO CIF STATE
• 2x NCAA Division II All-American (Chico State)

145 – Andy Wilson (Cordova, SJ), 1975

• DID NOT QUALIFY TO CIF STATE
• 3C2A State Medalist (American River CC)
• 2x NCAA Division II All-American (CSU Sacramento)

145 – Adrian Smedley (Elk Grove, SJ), 1978

• CIF State Champion | 2x Medalist (2, 1)
• NCAA Division III All-American (Humboldt State)
• NCAA Division II All-American (Humboldt State)

138 – Natrelle Demison (Bakersfield, CS), 2012

• 3x CIF State Medalist (5,3,4)
• NHSCA Senior HS National Champion | All-American
• 2x Cadet Fargo All-American (FS)
• NHSCA Junior All-American
• Wrestling USA Magazine All-American 
• NCAA Division II All-American (Adams State)

• 2x CIF State Champion | 4x Medalist (3,2,1,1) 
• Junior Fargo All-American (FS)
• NHSCA Senior HS All-American
• Junior Folkstyle National Champion 
• Cadet Folkstyle National Champion | 2x All-American
• ASICS All-American – HM 
• Wrestling USA Magazine All-American
• NCAA Division II All-American (Adams State)

155 – Howard Lawson (El Dorado, S), 1981

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

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

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

190 – Garen McDonald (Livermore, NC), 1980

• CIF State Champion
• 3C2A State Champion | 2x All-American (Chabot CC)
• NCAA Division II All-American (CSU Bakersfield)

HWT – Ken Fontes (Clovis, CS), 1987

• CIF State Champion
• 3C2A All-American/Finalist (Fresno City CC)
• NCAA Division II All-American (Portland State)

138 – Matt Olejnik (Cupertino, CC), 1981

• CIF State Champion
• NCAA Division II All-American (CSU Bakersfield)

105 – Erin Razo (Trinity, N), 1990

• CIF State Champion 
• NHSCA Senior HS National Champion 
• Wrestling USA Magazine All-American 
• NCAA Division II All-American (San Francisco State)

103 – Damon Broadbent (Elsinore, S), 1993

• CIF State Champion
• 3C2A All-American (Rio Hondo CC)
• NCAA Division II All-American (San Francisco State)

130 – Ricky Garcia (Santa Fe, S), 2000

• 2x CIF State Medalist (4,2)
• NCAA Division II All-American (San Francisco State)

175 – Tony Darone (Liberty, NC), 1986

• 2x CIF State Medalist (4,4)
• 3C2A State Champion | All-American (Diablo Valley CC)
• NCAA Division II All-American (Chico State)

119 – Martin Ramirez (Elk Grove, SJ), 2012

• 2x CIF State Medalist (5,3)
• NHSCA Senior All-American
• NHSCA Junior All-American
• NCAA Division II All-American (Adams State)

154 – Blu Taylor (El Camino, SJ), 1986

• 2x CIF State Medalist (5,3)
• 2x 3C2A All-American (Sacramento City CC)
• NCAA Division II All-American (UC Davis)

120 – John Monolakis (Hillsdale, CC), 1977

• 2x CIF State Medalist (6,5)
• 2x NCAA Division II All-American (San Francisco State)

130 – Jimmy Savala (Clovis, CS), 2006

• 2x CIF State Medalist (7,4)
• NCAA Division II All-American (Chardon State)

119 – Isaiah Hurtado (Sheldon, SJ), 2010

• 2x CIF State Medalist (7,5)
• 3C2A All-American (Sacramento City CC)
• NCAA Division II All-American (San Francisco State)

HWT – Mike Monroe (Woodland, SJ), 1982

CIF State Medalist (2^nd)

NCAA Division II All-American (CSU Bakersfield)

HWT – Michael Lowman (Foothill-Sacramento, SJ), 2012

• CIF State Medalist (2^nd)
• NCAA Division II All-American (Augustana)

165 – Polo Ornelas (Alhambra, S), 1988

• CIF State Medalist (2^nd)
• 3C2A State Medalist (Rio Hondo CC)
• NCAA Division II All-American (San Francisco State)

132 – Rich Gutierrez (Overfelt, CC), 1989

• CIF State Medalist (2^nd)
• 3C2A All-American/Finalist (West Valley CC)
• NCAA Division II All-American (San Francisco State)

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

• CIF State Medalist (3^rd)
• 3C2A State Champion | 2x All-American (Bakersfield CC)
• NCAA Division II All-American (CSU Bakersfield)

138 – Lee Noble (Del Valle, NC), 1976

• CIF State Medalist (3^rd)
• 3C2A All-American/Finalist (West Valley CC)
• NCAA Division II All-American (CSU Bakersfield)

165 – Rich Sykes (Hogan, SJ), 1977

• CIF State Medalist (3^rd)
• NJCAA All-American (Diablo Valley CC)
• 3C2A All-American (Diablo Valley CC)
• NCAA Division III All-American (Humboldt State)
• NCAA Division II All-American/Finalist (Humboldt State)

126 – Michael Dallas (Foothill-Bakersfield, CS), 1985

• CIF State Medalist (3^rd)
• 3C2A State Medalist (Bakersfield CC)
• NCAA Division II All-American (CSU Bakersfield)

112 – Max Schurkamp (Escalon, SJ), 1997

• CIF State Medalist (3^rd)
• NCAA Division II All-American (San Francisco State)

HWT – Peter Anquiano (Franklin, SJ), 2010

• CIF State Medalist (3^rd)
• NHSCA Senior HS All-American
• NCAA Division II All-American (San Francisco State)

120 – Jordan Gurrola (North Torrance, S), 2013

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

154 – Scott Horillo (Roseville, SJ), 1986

• CIF State Medalist (4^th)
• 3C2A All-American (Sierra CC)
• NCAA Division II All-American (Chico State)

160 – Justin Pichedwatana (Mayfair, S), 2016

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

126 – Don Garriott (West Torrance, S), 1986

• CIF State Medalist (4^th)
• 2x 3C2A All-American (El Camino CC)
• NCAA Division II All-American (Chico State)

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

• CIF State Medalist (4^th)
• 3C2A All-American (El Camino CC)
• NCAA Division II All-American (Chico State)

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

• CIF State Medalist (4^th)
• 3C2A All-American (Skyline CC)
• NCAA Division II All-American (San Francisco State)

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

• CIF State Medalist (4^th)
• 3C2A State Medalist (Bakersfield CC)
• NCAA Division II All-American (CSU Bakersfield)

155 – Scott Horrillo (Roseville, SJ), 1986

• CIF State Medalist (4^th)
• 2x 3C2A State Medalist | All-American (Sierra CC)
• NCAA Division II All-American (Chico State)

HWT – Steve Franklin (Middleton, NC), 2006

• CIF State Medalist (4^th)
• 3C2A State Medalist (Santa Rosa JC)
• NCAA Division II All-American (San Francisco State)

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

• CIF State Medalist (6^th)
• 3C2A State Medalist (Bakersfield CC)
• NCAA Division II All-American (CSU Bakersfield)

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

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

155 – Andrew Steffen (South San Francisco, CC), 1981

• CIF State Medalist (6^th)
• NCAA Division II All-American (San Francisco State)

165 – Scott Teuscher (Woodland, SJ), 1979

• CIF State Medalist (6^th)
• 3C2A State Champion | 2x All-American (Sacramento City CC)
• NCAA Division II All-American (CSU Bakersfield)

171 – Robert Watkins (Mission San Jose, NC), 1983

• CIF State Medalist (6^th)
• 3C2A State Champion | All-American (Chabot CC)
• NCAA Division II All-American (Humboldt State)

145 – Zackary Parker (Fountain Valley, S), 2022

• CIF State Medalist (6^th)
• 3C2A State Champion | All-American (Mt. SAC)
• NCAA Division II All-American (Glennville State)

145 – Ted Bristol (Temecula Valley, S), 2006

• CIF State Medalist (7^th)
• 3C2A All-American (Santa Ana CC)
• NCAA Division II All-American (Grand Canyon)

140 – Brady Bersano (Clovis, CS), 2011

• CIF State Medalist (7^th)
• 2x 3C2A State Champion/OW | 2x All-American (Fresno City CC)
• NCAA Division II All-American (Cal Baptist)

160 – Isaiah Jimenez (Palma, CC), 2008

• CIF State Medalist (8^th)
• NCAA Division II All-American (San Francisco State)

112 – Bryden Lazaro (Bella Vista, SJ), 2009

• 2x State Qualifier
• NHSCA Senior HS All-American
• 2x NAIA All-American (Dickinson State)
• NCAA Division II All-American (Cal Baptist)

125 – Ben Lockett (George Washington, SF), 2005

• 2x State Qualifier 
• NCAA Division II All-American (San Francisco State)

141 – Marty Kouyoumtjian (Rosemead, S), 1986

• 2x CIF State Qualifier
• NCAA Division II All-American (Chico State)

130 – Brad Gerl (Calvary Chapel-Downey, S), 2010

• 2x CIF State Qualifier
• NCAA Division II All-American (Cal Baptist)

140 – Joshua Nolan (Quincy, N), 2007

• CIF State Qualifier 
• NCAA Division II All-American (San Francisco State)

112 – Eddie Franco (East Union, SJ), 1975

• CIF State Qualifier
• NCAA Division II All-American (CSU Sacramento)

135 – Luke Santos (North Torrance, S), 2000

• CIF State Qualifier
• NCAA Division II All-American (San Francisco State)

152 – Paul Healy (Downey, SJ), 1994

• CIF State Qualifier
• 3C2A All-American/Finalist (Rio Hondo CC)
• NCAA Division II All-American (San Francisco State)

138 – Terry Osborne (South Hills, S), 1980

• CIF State Qualifier
• NCAA Division II All-American (CSU Bakersfield)

170 – Christian Smith (Rim of the World, S), 2014

• CIF State Qualifier
• NCAA Division II All-American/Finalist (Cal Baptist)

113 – Sean Solis (Fountain Valley, S), 2020

• CIF State Qualifier
• NCAA Division II All-American (University of Mary)

160 – Trenton Munoz (Valencia, S), 2020

• CIF State Qualifier
• NCAA Division II All-American (Nebraska-Kearney)

98 – Tony Trabucco (Torrance, S), 1981

• CIF State Qualifier
• 3C2A All-American/Finalist (El Camino CC)
• NCAA Division II All-American (Chico State)

138 – Todd Geerts (Saint Francis, CC), 1979

• CIF State Qualifier
• NCAA Division II All-American (UC Davis)

152 – Kydyn Lima (Milikan, S), 2022

• CIF State Qualifier
• NCAA Division II All-American (San Francisco State)

120 – Charley Cheney (Lompoc, CS), 1977

• CIF State Qualifier 
• 3C2A All-American (Allan Hancock CC)
• NCAA Division II All-American/Finalist (CSU Bakersfield)

190 – Bill Kropog (Monache, CS), 1978

• CIF State Qualifier 
• 3C2A All-American (College of Sequoias CC)
• NCAA Division II All-American (Chico State)

120 – George Acosta (Lawndale, S), 1979

• CIF State Qualifier
• 3C2A State Medalist (El Camino CC)
• NCAA Division II All-American (Chico State)

133 – Kevin Newsome (Vacaville, SJ), 1977

• CIF State Qualifier
• NCAA Division II All-American/Finalist (San Francisco State)

126 – Adrian Levexier (Balboa, SF), 1982

• CIF State Qualifier 
• NCAA Division II All-American (San Francisco State)

138 – Chuck Justice (San Ramon Valley, NC), 1982

• 2x CIF State Qualifier
• 3C2A State Champion/All-American (Chabot CC)
• NCAA Division II All-American (CSU Bakersfield)

138 – Bill Weiskopf (El Dorado, S), 1978

• CIF State Qualifier
• NCAA Division II All-American (UC Davis)

150 – Carlos Levexier (Balboa, SF), 1983

• CIF State Qualifier
• NCAA Division II All-American (San Francisco State)

145 – Dwight Weevie (Vista, SD), 1988

• CIF State Qualifier
• NCAA Division II All-American (UC Davis)

135 – Matt Ming (Elk Grove, SJ), 1990

• CIF State Qualifier
• NCAA Division II All-American (UC Davis)

130 – Carlos Sumulong (Northgate, NC), 1992

• CIF State Qualifier
• NCAA Division II All-American (San Francisco State)

160 – Gene Choi (North, S), 2006

• DID NOT QUALIFY TO CIF STATE
• 3C2A State Medalist (Cerritos College)
• NCAA Division II All-American (San Francisco State)

98 – Brett Southwick (Paradise, N), 1986

• DID NOT QUALIFY TO CIF STATE
• NAIA All-American (Southern Institute of Tech.)
• NCAA Division II All-American (Chico State)

145 – John Guiffre (Tokay, SJ), 1992

• DID NOT QUALIFY TO CIF STATE
• NCAA Division II All-American (San Francisco State)

115 – Casey Hankin (San Marcos, SD), 1986

• DID NOT QUALIFY TO CIF STATE
• 2x 3C2A State Medalist/All-American (Palomar CC)
• NCAA Division II All-American (Chico State)

154 – Eustacio Torres (Alhambra, NC), 1986

• DID NOT QUALIFY FOR CIF STATE
• NCAA Division II All-American (San Francisco State)

HWT – Mike Johnson (Santa Maria, S), 1975

• DID NOT QUALIFY TO CIF STATE
• NCAA Division II All-American (CSU Bakersfield)

138 – Bill Newton (North Salinas, CC), 1981

• DID NOT QUALIFY TO CIF STATE
• NCAA Division II All-American (CSU Bakersfield)

119 – Tony Ramirez (Arvin, CS), 1983

• DID NOT QUALIFY TO CIF STATE
• 2x 3C2A State Medalist (Bakersfield CC)
• 2x NCAA Division II All-American (Chico State)

158 – Craig Settles (Tokay, SJ), 1983

• DID NOT QUALIFY TO CIF STATE
• NCAA Division II All-American (San Francisco State)

190 – Raybon Johnson (Milpitas, CC), 1983

• DID NOT QUALIFY TO CIF STATE
• 3C2A State Medalist (West Valley CC)
• NCAA Division II All-American

190 – Phil Scott (Fairfield, SJ), 1982

• DID NOT QUALIFY TO CIF STATE
• 3C2A State Medalist (Sacramento City)
• NCAA Division II All-American (Chico State)

190 – Tim Gleeson (El Camino, CC), 1981

• DID NOT QUALIFY TO CIF STATE
• NCAA Division II All-American (San Francisco State)

HWT – Rod Prnjak (Watsonville, CC), 1981

• DID NOT QUALIFY TO CIF STATE
• 2x 3C2A State Medalist (West Valley/Cabrillo CC)
• NCAA Division II All-American (Humboldt State)

145 – Dean Reichenberg (Elk Grove, SJ), 1975

• DID NOT QUALIFY TO CIF STATE
• 3C2A State Medalist (American River CC)
• NCAA Division II All-American (CSU Sacramento)

177 – Bob Laughlin (Alameda, NC), 1977

• DID NOT QUALIFY TO CIF STATE
• NCAA Division II All-American (Chico State)

105 – Antonio Lopez (Ukiah, NC), 1976

• DID NOT QUALIFY TO CIF STATE
• NCAA Division II All-American (CSU Sacramento)

165 – Dale Delaney (Fortuna, NC), 1980

• DID NOT QUALIFY TO CIF STATE
• 3C2A All-American/Finalist (College of the Redwoods)
• NCAA Division II All-American (Humboldt State)

Coming Next in Phase 2: TIER 3 — NCAA Division III Collegiate Level All-Americans.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The research behind the California Top 100 project is extensive. My master list of potential candidates and their accomplishments now exceeds 125 pages, reflecting the remarkable depth of talent California has produced over the past five decades. The next challenge is narrowing that extensive pool into four tiers that appropriately recognize the state’s all-time greats.

I may release the complete master list in the near future, giving readers access to the data and an opportunity to join the debate over who belongs among California’s all-time great wrestlers.

It is important to note that this series currently focuses exclusively on the men’s division, from the first CIF State Wrestling Championships in 1973 to the present. This is only the beginning. It is my intent to develop additional series recognizing the outstanding wrestlers from the pre-CIF era of the 1950s and 1960s, including both Northern and Southern California, as well as a separate project highlighting the history and accomplishments of California women’s wrestling.

Photos courtesy of John Sachs (Tech-Fall) and Notre Dame College.

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