Led by reigning CCCAA state 174-pound champion Anthony "AJ" Cress, the Chabot wrestling team, guided by veteran coach Steve Siroy, is aiming for a very strong season.
An Antioch High graduate, Cress was an All-American and NorCal champion last season. He pinned Sacramento City's Abel Garcia in 2:52 in the state championship match.
The Gladiators boast four other CCCAA state qualifiers: Brandon Julien (125 pounds), Ryan Petersen (157), Kevin Garcia (157, redshirt last year), and Rafael Vega (165).
Newcomer Isaiah Palomino (133) had a stellar high school career at Bellarmine Prep, earning three Central Coast Section championships and placing three times at the California Interscholastic Federation State Championships. Newcomer Felipe Duenas is a two-time CCS placer out of Sobrato High. Other top newcomers include Eric Murdoch (157), Noah Mohapatra (165), Alex Sousa (165), Michael Barajas (184), and Steve Garcia (197).
"I believe that our return state champion will have another good year … Hopefully we can finish in the top four spots depending on injuries that could happen," Siroy said.