Wrestling 49: California

As the wrestling season's start is fast approaching, InterMat will be taking fans across the United States of America on a tour of scholastic wrestling. From early August until the middle of November, InterMat will introduce fans to the top senior wrestlers in the 49 states with scholastic wrestling. From Alaska to Florida, and from Maine to California, fans will gain exposure to the potential stars of future NCAA Championships. The rankings within this article do not necessarily reflect those done by InterMat. Did you a miss a Wrestling 49 feature? Visit Wrestling 49 archives.

The Class of 2011 is a very talented and accomplished group that features six returning state champions, four wrestlers in pursuit of a rare fourth California state medal (only 21 wrestlers have earned four medals since 1973), and nine competing for a respective third. At the national level, this group has performed very well among the elite states at the Freestyle/Greco nationals in Fargo and the NHSCA national tournaments, producing thirty-six All-American honors and five national champions overall. In addition, eleven Golden State wrestlers are ranked among the Top 100 seniors per InterMat. Once again, the Central Valley has the greatest representation, followed by the Sac-Joaquin and Southern Sections respectively.

Leading this talented group of seniors is two-time state champion Morgan McIntosh from Santa Ana's Calvary Chapel High School in the Southern Section. After a solid performance this summer winning a Flo and junior freestyle title in Fargo, McIntosh returns primed to win his third state title and fourth medal overall. In my humble opinion, he is among the top five high school wrestlers in the country (all weight groups) and ready to step on the mat at the division one level. Joining McIntosh in their pursuit of earning a rare fourth state medal are returning state champion Nick Pena (Selma), Turlock's Fabian Garcia, and Cody Tow of Union Mine in El Dorado. Other returning wrestlers that have great D1 potential include, returning state champions Bryce Hammond (Bakersfield), William "Tank" Knowles (Calvary Chapel), and two-time placer Chris Mecate (Redlands East Valley). Despite not having a California state title behind their names, Vince Rodriguez (Clovis North), Lucas Sheridan (De La Salle), and Vince Waldhauser (Oak Ridge) are each returning medalist and All-Americans that have great potential to win state. This summer, Sheridan earned a national title in Greco and Rodriguez and Waldhauser are each returning state finalists and in position to earn their third state medals. Others to watch include returning state champion and four-time All-American Nashon Garrett (Chico), Damien Arredondo (Buchanan-Clovis), Jesse Baldazo (Liberty-Brentwood), Nick Cano (Saint Francis), Orry Elor (College Park), Matt Hickman (Camarillo), Bradley Johnson (Canyon Springs), Shane Tate (Oakdale), Justin Lozano (Selma), Nathan Zarate (Selma), and returning state champion and two-time medalist David Ferry of Oakdale.

On a final note, I expect the California State Championships to be a barnburner this season and am confident that our top seniors in California will do very well on the national stage, which include high caliber tournaments such as Walsh Ironman, Reno TOC, and NHSCA Nationals in Virginia Beach. While compiling this list, it was very difficult to pick the top ten in California because many of wrestlers listed below are very close in talent. Many of the kids listed in the "honorable mention" section are just as talented and are more than capable of being in the top ten. In short, there is a great deal of depth this season and the road to the top podium in California will be a hard fought battle to say the least.

Below is a look at California's Top 10 high school recruits and list honorable mention wrestlers from the Class of 2011.

1. Morgan McIntosh
High School: Calvary Chapel-Santa Ana (Southern Section)
Projected 2010-11 High School Weight Class: 189
Projected College Weight Class: 184

Morgan McIntosh (Photo/Tech-Fall.com)

Analysis: Morgan McIntosh can be described in one word ... NAILS! McIntosh enters the 2010-11 season rated among the top seniors in the country. In a brief description, McIntosh is very powerful on his feet, possesses great mat awareness, and has a style that is relentless from start to finish. In my humble opinion, McIntosh has the tools to be the top "Blue Chip" in the country. In the state of California I expect him to dominate his opponents from the beginning of the season to end. With two state championships and three medals under his belt, McIntosh is in position to earn a rare fourth state medal and become the fifteenth 3x state champion. This past summer he earned national titles at the Flo and Junior Nationals in Fargo, each in dominating fashion. Moreover, McIntosh is a five-time All-American and is more than ready to compete at the division one level.

McIntosh is a two-time California state champion (fifth in 2008), Junior Nationals champion, third-place finisher at FILA Junior Nationals, FloNationals champion, two-time Cadet All-American (double finalist), and two-time Five Counties champion.

2. Bryce Hammond
High School: Bakersfield (Central Section)
Projected 2010-11 High School Weight Class: 171
Projected College Weight Class: 165

Bryce Hammond (Photo/Tech-Fall.com)

Analysis: Bryce Hammond is a true competitor and among the top wrestlers to compete in the Golden State this past decade. Entering last year's CIF State Championships with an injury suffered to his elbow at the Central Section Masters meet (aka, Valley), Hammond overcame his injury and dominated the competition in route to his first state championship. Not only does Hammond have great mat sense, he is tough to score upon and is dominating on the mat. It is this high level of wrestling that has contributed to his earning of All-American honors and finals appearance at the Cadet Nationals in 2008, and a title at the NHSCA Nationals in 2009. Entering the 2010-11 season, Hammond is rated among the top seniors in the country and is in position to earn a second state title and third medal overall. Along with McIntosh, Hammond has the necessary tools to compete at the division one level and earn All-American honors and more.

Hammond is a state champion (fourth in 2009), Five Counties champion, NHSCA Nationals champion, and Cadet All-American (finalist).

3. Nick Pena
High School: Selma (Central Section)
Projected 2010-11 High School Weight Class: 135
Projected College Weight Class: 133

Nick Pena (Photo/Tech-Fall.com)

Analysis: Ranked in the top three in California for a majority of last season, Nick Pena set himself above all when he defeated highly rated Bobby Morales of Laguna Hills in the state finals in a well balanced and competitive weight group. This season, Pena is in position to earn a rare fourth California state medal and is ranked among the nation's top light middleweights. Placing a strong fourth at the nation's most competitive tournament, Walsh Ironman in Ohio, I expect Pena to be the favorite to win a second California state title and rank high on the national level. Keep an eye on this kid ... He's a good one.

Pena is a state champion (third in 2009, sixth in 2008) and fourth-place finisher at the Walsh Ironman.

4. Vince Rodriguez
High School: Clovis North (Central Section)
Projected 2010-11 High School Weight Class: 130
Projected College Weight Class: 125/133

Vince Rodriguez (Photo/Tech-Fall.com)

Analysis: Since his freshman year, Vince Rodriguez has been a fixture in the top tier of the lightweight division. Yet to win an individual state title, Rodriguez is a returning state finalist and finished third his sophomore year. After losing a hard fought state final in 2010 to Chris Martinez of Clovis West, Rodriguez capped the season off by adding to his 2009 All-American performance by winning the NHSCA Junior Nationals. In short, Rodriguez is a highly competitive wrestler who has the tools to compete at the next level and beyond.

Rodriguez is a state runner-up (third in 2009), NHSCA Nationals champion (two-time NHSCA All-American), and Five Counties champion.

5. William "Tank" Knowles
High School: Calvary Chapel-Santa Ana (Southern Section)
Projected 2010-11 High School Weight Class: 215
Projected College Weight Class: 197

Tank Knowles (Photo/Tech-Fall.com)

Analysis: A strong fixture at the 215-pound weight group since his freshman season, William "Tank" Knowles enters the 2010-11 season ranked among the top heavyweights in the country. His credentials tell the entire story ... a great deal of mat time and success. After coming one match short of placing at state his freshman season, Knowles has not let up since with his aggressive non-stop style of wrestling that mirrors many in the lightweight division. With two state medals (one championship) and solid victories at the Reno TOC & Walsh Ironman, Knowles will be tough to beat at this weight, both in California and across the country. This past summer he earned his third and fourth All-American honors at the Flo and junior nationals in Fargo and appears determined to be the top heavyweight in the country entering his senior season.

Knowles is a state champion (fourth in 2009), FloNationals runner-up, Five Counties champion, Walsh Ironman champion, Reno TOC champion, Junior Nationals All-American, and two-time Cadet Nationals All-American.

6. Lucas Sheridan
High School: De La Salle-Concord (North Coast Section)
Projected 2010-11 High School Weight Class: 189
Projected College Weight Class: 184

Lucas Sheridan (Photo/Tech-Fall.com)

Analysis: I have had the privilege to watch Lucas Sheridan compete since his days in the kid's circuit. One thing is certain ... Sheridan is a focused, dedicated, and determined wrestler who has the drive to be the best of the best. The extra mat time in the post season is beginning to pay off during the regular season. In 2010, he placed a solid third at the California state championships and earned a junior national title at the Greco-Roman championships in Fargo. In addition, he earned a trip to compete at the first ever Youth Olympic Games in Singapore, placing fourth in a highly competitive weight group. To date, Sheridan has earned five All-American honors and has had made several finals appearances. Entering the 2010-11 school year, Sheridan is among the top light heavyweights in the state and will challenge for the state title. More importantly, I believe he has the potential to make the Olympic team someday in Greco-Roman ... A true competitor!

Sheridan is a Junior Nationals (Greco-Roman) champion, fourth-place finisher at Youth Olympic Games, two-time FILA Cadet Nationals All-American, state third-place finisher, and two-time Cadet Nationals All-American.

7. Nashon Garrett
High School: Chico (Northern Section)
Projected 2010-11 High School Weight Class: 112
Projected College Weight Class: 125

Nashon Garrett (Photo/Tech-Fall.com)

Analysis: Nashon Garrett first entered my radar when he earned double All-American honors at the Cadet Nationals in 2009. Last season he had a solid performance at the prestigious Five Counties Invitational and capped it off by winning a competitive weight at the state championships. He then finished the post season with another double All-American performance at Fargo, making it four in two years. With additional growth, Garrett has the tools, skill, and competitive edge to compete at the collegiate level, and challenge for future US World Teams and more. Nashon Garrett is a true competitor that has the vision to become the best of the best.

Garrett is a state champion, Five Counties champion, two-time Junior Nationals All-American, and two-time Cadet Nationals All-American.

8. Chris Mecate
High School: Redlands East Valley (Southern Section)
Projected 2010-11 High School Weight Class: 130
Projected College Weight Class: 133

Chris Mecate (Photo/Tech-Fall.com)

Analysis: The state of California has produced many wrestlers that are like a diamond in the rough. Often, the difference between winning our one division state meet or placing in the top six is a last second takedown in overtime during the semis. This is the case for Redland's Chris Mecate, a wrestler who has been in the mix since his freshman year, placing fifth and sixth at state respectively, but arguably good enough to have won it all. Mecate has proven to be among the top seniors in the country with his strong finish at the tough as nails Five Counties Invitational in Southern California, beating highly rated Zach Zimmer of Clovis West in the finals. Prior to the beginning of last season, Mecate opened a lot of eyes when he won the pre-season Super 32, defeating several nationally ranked kids in the process. Entering the 2010-ll season, Mecate will definitely be among the favorites to win a prestigious California state title and is ranked among the Top 100 seniors in the country by InterMat.

Mecate is a two-time state placewinner, Five Counties champion, and Super 32 champion.

9. Fabian Garcia
High School: Turlock (Sac-Joaquin Section)
Projected 2010-11 High School Weight Class: 125
Projected College Weight Class: 125

Fabian Garcia (Photo/Tech-Fall.com)

Analysis: Fabian Garcia has been in the spotlight since placing seventh at state his freshman year entering the tournament unranked. Since that time, Garcia has earned two additional medals, placing fourth and sixth respectively. Despite not having the national credentials, as does many of the top ten and wrestlers listed in the honorable mention section, Garcia is truly among the top tier in the state and is more than capable of competing with the nation's best. Along with McIntosh, Pena, and Tow, Garcia is in position to earn a rare fourth state medal and has the talent and skill set to win it all.

Garcia is a three-time state placewinner.

10. Vince Waldhauser
High School: Oak Ridge-El Dorado Hills (Sac-Joaquin Section)
Projected 2010-11 High School Weight Class: 171
Projected College Weight Class: 165

Vince Waldhauser (Photo/Tech-Fall.com)

Analysis: Waldhauser is a returning state finalist and two-time placer that has the potential to challenge for the title in 2011 with Bakersfield's Bryce Hammond being his toughest opponent. Although he has national experience earning All-American honors at the NHSCA Nationals, Waldhauser has been low on the national radar, but in my humble opinion has the potential to compete with the top tier in the country. Keep an eye on this kid; I believe he will open some eyes in 2011.

Waldhauser is a state runner-up (seventh in 2009) and NHSCA Nationals All-American.

Honorable Mention:
Damien Arredondo (Buchanan-Clovis, CS), 4th, 6th State
Jesse Baldazo (Liberty-Brentwood, NCS), 8th State **
Nick Cano (Saint Francis-Mountain View, CCS), 3rd State *
Orry Elor (College Park-Pleasant Hill, NCS), 8th State ***
David Ferry (Oakdale, SJ), State Champion, 8th State
Matt Hickman (Camarillo, SS), 6th State *
Bradley Johnson (Canyon Springs-Moreno Valley, SS), 5th State **
Shane Tate (Oakdale, SJS), 3rd, 5th State
Cody Tow (Union Mine-El Dorado, SJS), 6th, 7th, 6th State
Justin Lozano (Selma, CS), 5th State **
Nathan Zarate (Selma, CS), 2nd, 5th State *

*All-American honor (Cadet/Junior/NHSCA)

A special thanks to John Sachs and Tony Rotundo at Tech-Fall.com for the use of photos.

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