SACRAMENTO, Calif. – February 18, 2024

The Fresno State Wrestling Club delivered one of its most complete performances of the season at the 2024 NCWA California State Championships, capturing the men’s team title and earning podium finishes across both the men’s and women’s divisions.

Despite entering the tournament without two key starters, Fresno State showcased its depth and balance throughout the lineup. 235lbs – Diara Spencer and 136lbs – Vanessa Mares were held out of competition as a precaution due to injury, with both athletes being rested in preparation for the postseason. In their absence, Fresno State’s depth stepped up, as 235lbs – Michael Brent and 136lbs – Jamilynne Gonzalez filled the lineup and each went on to win state championships at their respective weights.

The Bulldogs’ ability to absorb those absences and continue to score at a high level underscored a collective team effort, as Fresno State produced scoring contributions throughout the roster rather than relying on any single weight class.

Fresno State finished with 95 team points, ahead of Sacramento State (70.5) and UCLA (69.5) to secure the team championship.

When asked what the title meant, head coach Jovany Gonzalez said:

“I’m really proud of this team and everything we have accomplished this season. Not since my last season here (as a competitor) in 2017 have we been NCWA California State champions. I take pride in that title, and we came in with the purpose of taking it again.
Our goals in where we want to build this program go above being the top NCWA team in California, though our goal is to be the standard in California NCWA wrestling.”

The championship marked Fresno State’s return to the top of the NCWA California standings after multiple seasons of near-misses, as the Bulldogs had finished second or third in the team race in recent years before climbing back to the top in 2024.

MEN’S RECAP

125lbs – Jerry Coleman
Coleman wrestled his way onto the podium with a third-place finish, rebounding after an early loss to earn key wins through the consolation rounds.

125lbs – Gabriel Martinez
Martinez placed fourth, competing in multiple matches against UCLA and Sacramento State opponents while gaining valuable postseason experience.

133lbs – Nathen Diaz
Diaz captured the state championship, dominating the bracket and closing the tournament with a pinfall victory over Pasha Salemi (San Jose State) in the finals.

141lbs – Benito Saldivar
Saldivar advanced to the finals and finished second, reaching the championship bout after securing two falls before falling to Isaiah Duran (UCLA).

149lbs – Damian Galvan-Calderon
Galvan turned in one of the most dominant runs of the tournament, winning the state title with three falls, including a pin over Martin Leung (UCLA) in the championship match.

149lbs – Jesus Jimenez
Jimenez competed in a deep bracket but was unable to place after dropping matches in championship and consolation rounds.

157lbs – William Wareham
Wareham reached the finals and placed second, earning multiple falls before falling to Sammy Volynsk-Krug (UC Riverside) in the title match.

165lbs – Nathan Vargas
Vargas finished second, advancing through the bracket with a sudden-victory win before falling to Simon Nguyen (UC Riverside) in the championship.

184lbs – Justin Nieves
Nieves claimed the state championship, winning all three of his matches by fall or medical forfeit and anchoring the upper weights for Fresno State.

197lbs – Delfino Baltazar
Baltazar placed fifth, gaining valuable experience in a tough weight class.

235lbs – Michael Brent
Brent captured the state championship, battling back after an early setback to win the title with a fall in the final round.

285lbs – Carlos Hernandez
Hernandez finished second, advancing to the finals before falling to Raul Garcia (San Jose State).

WOMEN’S RECAP

The Fresno State women’s team finished third overall with 40 team points, trailing only UCLA and Santa Rosa Junior College 2024

109lbs – Jasmin Ruiz
Ruiz placed third, competing against experienced junior college and UC Riverside opposition.

116lbs – Natalia Villalobos
Villalobos reached the finals and finished second, recording two wins before falling to Alysa Phattanaphibul (UCLA).

116lbs – Darlene Ortiz
Ortiz placed fourth, gaining postseason experience in a competitive bracket.

123lbs – Jennifer Rios
Rios won the state championship, securing three victories including a pin over Jessica Esquivel (UC Riverside) in the final.

136lbs – Jamilynne Gonzalez
Gonzalez captured the state title, winning both matches in the bracket.

136lbs – Ebony Cardenas
Cardenas finished second, reaching the finals at the same weight.

143lbs – Alexus Chavira
Chavira placed third, battling through a deep field.

155lbs – Mia Hernandez Pallares
Hernandez finished third, recording multiple falls during her run.

170lbs – Peyton Manning
Manning placed second, advancing to the finals before falling to Adriana Borjas Sanchez (Santa Rosa Junior College).

NEXT UP

The road to nationals begins as Fresno State travels to Las Vegas, Nev., to compete at the 2024 NCWA West Coast Conference Championships, hosted by UNLV. The top six placers at each weight will qualify for the NCWA National Championships.