September 17, 2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Woodlake High School is proud to announce Sam Lopez as Head Wrestling Coach. Coach Lopez brings over 30 years of high school wrestling coaching experience in Orange County and Central California. Notably, Coach Lopez was the Head Coach at Selma High School from 2008-2020 where his teams received top 5 finishes in the state 7 times. In 2019, coach Lopez was one of 13 coaches in the state to receive EastBay Model Coach award that recognizes coaches of character who serves as role models for their students and the communities they serve. Now also the Independent Study teacher for Woodlake Unified School District’s Educational Options program, coach Lopez brings energy, experience, and accolades to help jumpstart our rising program.

For any questions regarding this release, please contact Jose Palomo, Athletic Director, or Mike Burchett, Principal at the school number or by email.

Mike Burchett, WHS Principal mburchett@w-usd.org
Jose Palomo, WUD Athletics Director jpaomo@w-usd.org
Sam Lopez, WHS Head Wrestling Coach slopez@w-usd.org

Stephen Abas

Fresno State Wrestling legend Stephen Abas was announced as a Distinguished Member of the 2018 National Wrestling Hall of Fame Class on Oct. 26. A five-year Bulldog from 1997-2002, Abas was a three-time NCAA Division I national champion and a four-time All-American at Fresno State, winning titles in 1999, 2001 and 2002 after finishing fourth as a freshman in 1998. He won a silver medal at the Summer Olympics in 2004 and competed in the World Championships in 2001 and 2003. He was also qualified for the World Championships in 2002, but the United States did not compete.