The Best California Wrestlers Not to Win a High School State Title
Robert Garcia - Selma (cs)
Over the years we’ve seen some very talented wrestlers in the great state of California. A lot of them went on to win CIF State championships and some were even fortunate to win multiple titles. We thought it would be great to highlight some of the past wrestlers who were not as fortunate to stand on the top of the podium in March.
Here is our list of wrestlers who we felt were among some of the best wrestlers we’ve ever had in California. Who else needs to be on this list?
Submit your wrestler at the bottom of this page
| Wrestler | School | Years | State Placings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Steven Schenk | Anderson (ns) | 1993-1996 | 3rd, 3rd & 7th |
 | Joe Belmonte | Atascadero (cs) | 2001-2004 | DNP |
 | Conrad Jimenez | Andrew Hill (cc) | 1976-1979 | 5th, 5th, 3rd & 3rd |
 | Ryan Walker | Antioch (nc) | 1988-1991 | 4th |
| Dominic Mutulo | Antioch (nc) | 2003-2005 | 4th |
| Anthony Camacho | Antioch (nc) | 1985-1988 | 3rd |
 | Jamill Kelly | Atwater (sj) | 1992-1995 | 4th |
| Mitch Guzman | Atwater (sj) | 1988-1991 | DNP |
 | Bryce Martin | Bakersfield (cs) | 2011-2014 | 2nd & 4th |
| Coleman Hammond | Bakersfield (cs) | 2010-2013 | 4th, 3rd & 4th |
| Natrelle Demison | Bakersfield (cs) | 2008-2012 | 5th, 3rd & 4th |
| Victor Ibarra | Bakersfield (cs), El Rancho | 1978-1981 | 6th & 6th |
 | Tommy Montoya | Baldwin Park (ss) | 1991-1994 | 2nd & 4th |
 | David Roberts | Bear River (sj), Clovis West (cs) | 1999-2002 | 2nd, 3rd & 6th |
 | Shayne Tucker | Bella Vista (sj) | 2010-2013 | 2nd, 2nd & 4th |
| Jake Briggs | Bella Vista (sj) | 2007-2010 | 3rd, 6th & 3rd |
| John Loomis | Bella Vista (sj) | 1979-1982 | 4th, 3rd & 3rd |
| Casey Noland | Bella Vista (sj) | 1974-1977 | 2nd |
 | Victor Jaquez | Bellarmine Prep (cc) | 2016-2019 | 3rd & 3rd |
 | Perry Shea | Bellflower (ss) | 1974-1977 | DNP |
 | Shawn Hemiller | Beyer (sj) | 1991-1994 | 6th, 3rd & 3rd |
 | T.J. Dillashaw | Bret Harte (sj) | 2001-2004 | 2nd & 5th |
 | Joel Romero | Buchanan (cs) | 2015-2018 | 3rd, 2nd & 2nd |
| Brett Villarreal | Buchanan (cs) | 2015-2018 | 4th |
| Abner Romero | Buchanan (cs) | 2013-2016 | 3rd, 2nd & 2nd |
| Greg Gaxiola Jr. | Buchanan (cs) | 2013-2016 | 7th & 4th |
| Sergio Breceda | Buchanan (cs) | 1995-1998 | 7th |
 | Randy Ratliff | Buchser (cc) | 1978-1981 | 4th & 5th |
 | Benjamin Williams | Cabrillo (ss) | 1971-1974 | 2nd & 3rd |
 | Armando Acosta | Calexico (sd) | 1980-1993 | 5th |
| Louie Montano | Calexico (sd) | 1975-1978 | 3rd |
 | Luke Gayer | Calvary Chapel (ss) | 2019-2022 | 2nd & 6th |
| Luciano Arroyo | Calvary Chapel (ss) | 2016-2019 | 3rd, 6th & 6th |
| Justin Paulsen | Calvary Chapel (ss) | 2003-2006 | 2nd, 2nd & 3rd |
| Patrick Aleksanyan | Calvary Chapel (ss) | 2001-2004 | 2nd & 3rd |
| David Jauregui | Calvary Chapel (ss) | 2001-2004 | 2nd & 4th |
| Matt Azevedo | Calvary Chapel (ss) | 1993-1996 | 3X NV Champ, 3rd (CA) |
 | Jason Webster | Centennial (ss) | 1992-1995 | 5th & 2nd |
 | Daniel Chapman | Centennial-Bakersfield (cs) | 1998-2001 | 5th |
 | Frank Lopez | Channel Islands (ss) | 1979-1982 | 2nd, 4th & 2nd |
 | Chris Druin | Chaparral (ss) | 2003-2006 | 2nd & 2nd |
 | Rocco Cardinale | Clayton Valley (nc) | 1974-1977 | 4th |
 | Brandon Paulson | Clovis (cs) | 2016-2019 | 6th & 2nd |
| Stephen Weimer | Clovis (cs) | 2005-2008 | 6th & 2nd |
| Isaiah Hokit | Wasco, Clovis (cs) | 2012-2015 | 4th, 6th, 3rd & 5th |
| Tommy Burriel | Clovis (cs) | 2007-2010 | 2nd, 6th & 8th |
| Brett Sanchez | Clovis (cs) | 2005-2008 | 7th & 5th |
| Jason Williams | Clovis (cs) | 2001-2004 | 2nd, 8th & 2nd |
| Stan Greene | Clovis (cs) | 1991-1994 | 3rd |
| Nick Zinkin | Clovis (cs) | 1989-1992 | 4th, 3rd, 4th & 3rd |
 | Vince Rodriguez | Clovis North (cs) | 2008-2011 | 3rd, 2nd & 2nd |
| Stevan Knoblauch | Clovis West (cs) | 2009-2012 | 2nd & 2nd |
| Zach Zimmer | Clovis West (cs) | 2007-2010 | 2nd, 2nd & 4th |
| Paris Ruiz | Clovis West (cs) | 1993-1996 | 3rd & 2nd |
 | Elvin Seidenspinner | College Park (nc) | 1992-1995 | 4th |
 | Brayden Rey | Corona Santiago (ss) | 2015-2018 | 4th |
 | Frank Trujillo | Covina (ss) | 1982-1985 | 4th, 2nd, 3rd & 2nd |
 | Darryl Aiello | De La Salle (nc) | 2014-2017 | 2nd, 3rd & 8th |
 | Dane Bettencourt | Del Oro (sj) | 1994-1997 | 2nd, 5th & 2nd |
 | Isaiah Perez | Dinuba (cs) | 2014-2017 | 4th, 4th & 6th |
| Jacob Wright | Dinuba (cs) | 2014-2017 | 4th & 2nd |
 | Mike VanWorth | Dos Palos (cs) | 1997-2000 | 2nd, 4th & 6th |
 | Jacob Christensen | Durham (ns) | 2018-2021 | 5th & 2nd |
 | Michael Grubbs | El Camino (sd) | 1986-1989 | 5th, 2nd & 3rd |
 | Bruce Pierce | El Camino (sj) | 1983-1986 | 3rd & 4th |
| Blu Taylor | El Camino (sj) | 1983-1986 | 5th & 3rd |
 | Peter Ming | Elk Grove (sj) | 2017-2020 | 3rd & 6th |
| Martin Ramirez | Elk Grove (sj) | 2009-2012 | 5th & 3rd |
| Pat Coffing | Elk Grove (sj) | 1988-1991 | 3rd |
 | Sylvester Carver | Encinal (ss) | 1976-1979 | 2nd |
 | McCoy Kent | Enochs (sj) | 2012-2015 | 3rd & 2nd |
 | Curtis Schurkamp | Escalon (sj) | 2001-2004 | 3rd, 5th & 6th |
| Tommy Schurkamp | Escalon (sj) | 1996-1999 | 3rd & 3rd |
| Max Schurkamp | Escalon (sj) | 1994-1997 | 3rd |
 | Arnulfo Olea | Exeter (cs) | 2010-2013 | 4th, 8th & 8th |
| George Anderson | Exeter (cs) | 84-87 | 3rd |
 | John Hammer | Fairfield (sj) | 1995-1998 | 5th & 5th |
 | Paul Ruiz | Firebaugh (cs) | 2002-2005 | 2nd & 7th |
| Jason Moreno | Firebaugh (cs) | 1997-2000 | 2nd & 6th |
 | Michael Dallas | Foothill-Bakersfield (cs) | 1981-1985 | 2nd & 3rd |
 | Kellen Aura | Foothill (cc) | 2004-2007 | 2nd, 6th & 7th |
 | Travis Gallegos | Foothill (ns) | 2007-2010 | 6th & 3rd |
| Caleb Vallotton | Foothill (ns) | 2005-2008 | 6th & 3rd |
| Mikey Vassar | Foothill (ns) | 2004-2007 | 3rd |
 | Gary Bohay | Fountain Valley (ss) | 1975-1978 | 3rd & 5th |
 | David Prado | Freedom (nc) | 2004-2007 | 4th & 2nd |
 | Henry Porter | Gilroy (cc) & Oakdale (sj) | 2018-2021 | 2nd, 3rd & 3rd |
| Alex Felix | Gilroy (cc) | 2015-2018 | 3rd, 4th, 3rd & 2nd |
| Sergio Mar | Gilroy (cc) | 1990-1993 | 6th, 3rd & 4th |
 | Larry Silva | Grace Davis (sj) | 1992-1995 | 3rd, 4th & 2nd |
| John O’Brien | Grace Davis (sj) | 1980-1983 | 6th & 2nd |
 | Keith Kroeger | Granite Hills (ss) | 1998-2001 | 2nd |
| Mike French | Granite Hills (ss) | 1991-1994 | 2nd |
| Jake Gaeir | Granite Hills (ss) | 1886-1989 | 2nd |
 | Chad Mendes | Hanford (cs) | 2000-2003 | 8th, 5th & 3rd |
 | Ryan Hoover | Hesperia (ss) | 2004-2007 | 3rd |
 | Pete Gonzalez | Highland-Bakersfield (cs) | 1973-1976 | 2nd, 2nd & 3rd |
 | Terry Allen | Hogan (sj) | 2005-2009 | 6th & 3rd |
 | Tony de Polie | Holtville (sd) | 1974-1978 | 2nd |
 | Alfonzo Tucker | Hoover (cs) | 1988-1992 | 6th |
 | Cliff Acosta | Hughson (sj) | 1993-1996 | 3rd, 5th, 8th & 2nd |
| Jim Porter | Hughson (sj) | 1974-1977 | 5th & 3rd |
| Aaron Porter | Hughson (sj) | 1991-1994 | 6th |
 | Tito Ortiz | Huntington Beach (ss) | 1990-1993 | 6th |
 | Gabe Araujo | Independence (cc) | 1994-1997 | 2nd, 3rd & 6th |
| Gus Banuelos | Independence (cc) | 1989-1992 | DNP |
 | Rudy Dizon | James Logan (nc) | 1985-1988 | 4th & 4th |
 | Ray Granillo | John Glenn (ss) | 1992-1995 | 3rd |
 | Brian Folsom | John F. Kennedy (sj) | 1980-1983 | 5th, 5th & 2nd |
 | Javier Gasca III | Kingsburg (cs) | 2010-2013 | 3rd & 3rd |
| Sonny Pereschica | Kingsburg (cs) | 1994-1997 | 2nd & 6th |
| Manuel Jimenez | Kingsburg (cs) | 1992-1995 | 8th |
 | Chris Fuertsch | Lakewood (ss) | 1975-1978 | 2nd |
 | Adam Wheeler | Lancaster (ss) | 1996-1999 | DNP (Olympic Bronze) |
 | Yogi Leake | Liberty (nc) | 1989-1992 | 2nd & 3rd |
 | Mark Fuller | Lincoln (sj) | 1976-1979 | 3rd |
 | Pat Hyuck | Lompoc (ns) | 1978-1981 | 5th |
 | Alec Gamboa | Madera (cs) | 2012-2015 | 6th, 5th & 3rd |
 | Dylan miracle | Madera South (cs) | 2015-2018 | 5th |
 | Melvin Harris | Merced (sj) | 1970-1973 | 3rd |
 | Greg Viloria | Merill West (sj) | 2014-2017 | 5th & 5th |
 | Henry Harris | Miramonte (nc) | 1984-1987 | 4th |
 | Luke Troy | ML King (ss), San Marino (ss) | 2014-2017 | 3rd & 3rd |
 | Brian Miller | Modesto (sj) | 1976-1980 | 2nd & 2nd |
| Russell Miller | Modesto (sj) | 1974-1978 | 3rd & 3rd |
 | Tim Vanni | Monache (cs) | 1976-1979 | 2nd & 6th |
| Mark Cardwell | Monache (cs) | 2016-2019 | 4th & 6th |
 | Randy Fluery | Monte Vista (cc) | 1972-1975 | 3rd & 2nd |
 | Joe Gonzalez | Montebello (la) | 1972-1975 | DNP |
 | Jesse Ramirez | Mt. Whitney (cs), Woodlake (cs) | 1997-2000 | 2nd |
 | John Loveless | Mt. Pleasant (cc) | 1969-1972 | DNP |
 | Luke Manuel | Nevada Union (sj) | 2003-2006 | 2nd & 6th |
| Anthony Archuleta | Calvary (ss), Sultana (ss), Nevada Union (sj) | 1999-2002 | 3rd, 4th & 4th |
 | Victor Pereira | Newark Memorial (nc) | 2009-2012 | 2nd & 2nd |
 | Paul Gomez | North Monterey County (cc) | 1992-1995 | 7th & 2nd |
 | Caleb Flores | Northview (ss) | 2003-2006 | 2nd, 3rd, 6th & 7th |
 | Mario Solorio | Oak Grove (cc) | 1993-1996 | 2nd & 3rd |
| Greg Fultcher | Oak Grove (cc) | 1971-1974 | 2nd & 3rd |
 | Vince Waldhauser | Oak Ridge (sj) | 2008-2011 | 2nd, 2nd & 7th |
| Kyle West | Oak Ridge (sj) | 2006-2009 | 4th & 2nd |
 | Jeff Cox | Oakdale (si) | 2001-2004 | 2nd & 3rd |
| Colbey Harlan | Oakdale (sj) | 2015-2018 | 2nd & 2nd |
 | Gerry Abas | Oakland Tech (os) | 1987-1990 | 2nd & 3rd |
 | Richard Goodwin | Oceana (nc) | 1982-1985 | 4th |
| Michey Santiago | Oceana (nc) | 1982-1985 | 8th |
 | Rommel Varguez | Overfelt (cc) | 1991 | 2nd |
 | Andrew Barbosa | Palm Desert (ss) | 2021-2024 | 6th & 2nd |
 | Pat O'Donnell | Pacific Grove (cc) | 1975-1978 | 2nd |
 | Kyle Bergstedt | Paradise (ns) | 2004-2007 | 3rd & 4th |
 | Angel Velasquez | Pitman (sj) | 2012-2015 | 4th & 4th |
| Isaiah Perez | Pitman (sj) | 2015-2018 | 2nd & 4th |
 | Ray Hickman | Placer (sj) | 1986-1989 | 2nd & 3rd |
 | Justin Durham | Ponderosa (sj) | 2004-2007 | 3rd |
| Jordan Danz | Ponderosa (sj) | 2002-2005 | 3rd |
| Michael Mellor | Ponderosa (sj) | 1994-1997 | 3rd & 5th |
| Ryan Escobar | Ponderosa (sj) | 1993-1996 | 2nd & 5th |
| Christian Fox | Ponderosa (sj) | 1990-1993 | 3rd & 3rd |
| Aaron Bebout | Ponderosa (sj) | 1990-1993 | 3rd & 4th |
| Tyson Escobar | Ponderosa (sj) | 1990-1993 | 3rd & 6th |
| Kirk Bebout | Ponderosa (sj) | 1989-1992 | 2nd & 6th |
| James Campen | Ponderosa (sj) | 1979-1982 | 2nd & 6th |
 | Laird Root | Poway (sd) | 2021-2024 | 3rd, 2nd & 2nd |
| Chase Zollmann | Poway (sd) | 2015-2018 | 7th, 3rd, 5th & 3rd |
| Victor Lopez | Poway (sj) | 2010-2013 | 2nd, 3rd & 4th |
| Pat Payne | Poway (sd) | 2000-2003 | 6th, 3rd & 2nd |
| Andy Kim | Poway (sd) | 1998-2001 | 2nd, 2nd & 8th |
| Mick Ruiz | Poway (sd) | 2003-2006 | 2nd |
 | Bernie Truax IV | Rancho Buena Vista (sd) | 2014-2017 | 2nd & 3rd |
 | Tyler Badgett | Rancho Bernardo (sd) | 2017-2020 | 2nd & 2nd |
| Jaden Le | Rancho Bernardo (sd) | 2017-2020 | 2nd & 4th |
 | Jesse Bautista | Rio Mesa (ss) | 1994-1997 | 6th |
 | Narciso Lopez | Roosevelt (cs) | 1988-1991 | 5th & 5th |
| Nour Abdullatif | Roosevelt (ss) | 2011-2014 | 6th, 3rd & 2nd |
 | Drew Meulman | Saint Francis (cc) | 2007-2010 | 2nd, 2nd & 7th |
 | Preston Quam | San Clemente (ss) | 2008-2011 | 5th & 2nd |
 | Stephen Neal | San Diego (sd) | 1989-1992 | 4th |
 | Robby Smith | San Ramon (nc) | 2002-2005 | 8th, 7th & 4th |
 | Albert Garza | Sanger (cs) | 1995-1997 | 4th, 5th & 5th |
 | Jose Najera | Santa Ana (ss) | 1995-1999 | 5th & 2nd |
| Aaron Thomas | Santa Ana (ss) | 1972-1975 | 3rd |
 | Vince Silva | Santa Maria (ss) | 1979-1982 | 4th |
 | Robert Garcia IV | Selma (cs) | 2014-2017 | 2nd, 6th, 3rd & 2nd |
| Jace Luchau | Selma (cs) | 2015-2019 | 4th & 3rd |
| AJ Valles | Selma (cs) | 2007-2010 | 2nd & 7th |
 | Liam Cronin | Servite (ss) | 2012-2016 | 2nd & 2nd |
 | Derek Moore | Shasta (ns) | 1999-2002 | 5th & 7th |
 | Jose Ruano | Schurr (ss) | 1994-1997 | 2nd |
 | Chad Troxler | Simi Valley (ss) | 1995-1998 | 3rd & 4th |
 | Jerry Hull | South San Francisco | 1987-1990 | 2nd |
 | Oscar Aranda III | St. John Bosco (ss) | 2019-2022 | 8th & 3rd |
| Isaac Salas | St. John Bosco (ss) | 2017-2020 | 2nd |
 | Corey Griego | Sultana (ss) | 2011-2014 | 2nd, 2nd & 5th |
 | Christian Xavier | Torrance (ss) | 1989-1992 | 8th, 3rd & 5th |
 | Larry Nicolson | Tracy (sj) | 1977-1980 | 3rd, 4th & 2nd |
 | Kevin Maelfeyt | Trinity (ns) | 2007-2010 | 4th & 8th |
 | Fabian Garcia | Turlock (sj) | 2008-2011 | 4th, 7th, 6th & 5th |
| Billy Exline | Turlock (sj) | 2001-2004 | 3rd |
 | Cody Tow | Union Mine (sj) | 2008-2011 | 7th, 6th, 6th & 2nd |
 | Gionn Peralta | Vacaville (sj) | 2011-2014 | 8th, 3rd, 2nd & 2nd |
| Andy Borges | Vacaville (sj) | 1993-1996 | 2nd, 5th & 6th |
 | Sam Lopez | Valencia (ss) | 1985-1988 | 3rd & 5th |
 | Dominic Boutain | Vallejo (sj) | 1986-1990 | 2nd |
| Louie Puno | Vallejo (sj) | 1997-2001 | 5th |
 | Dustin Clocherty | Ventura (ss) | 1995-1998 | 8th & 4th |
 | Richard Bailey | Valhalla (sd), Monte Vista (ccs) | 1982-1985 | 4th, 2nd & 2nd |
| J.J. Roberts | Valhalla (sd) | 1995-1998 | 2nd, 4th & 4th |
| David Lopez | Valhalla (sd) | 1996-1999 | 2nd & 3rd |
 | Dan Henderson | Victor Valley (ss) | 1985-1988 | 2nd & 5th |
| Charlie Irick | Victor Valley (ss) | 1985-1987 | 2nd & 2nd |
 | Austin Lobsinger | West Valley (ns) | 2009-2012 | 2nd & 2nd |
 | David Diaz | Whittier (ss) | 1986-1989 | 5th & 3rd |
 | Dathan Miller | Will C. Wood (sj) | 1994-1997 | 2nd |
 | Dominic Ducharme | Windsor (ncs) | 2013-2016 | 8th & 3rd |
 | Oscar Romero Jr. | Woodland (sj) | 1999-2002 | 5th |
 | Jeff Tripp | Yucaipa (ss) | 1980-1983 | 5th, 2nd & 3rd |
