by Dan Glenn

BAKERSFIELD, CA – This year marked the 50th Anniversary of the CIF State Wrestling Championships. A lot has changed over five decades, but the sport is healthy and has evolved to include a separate CIF Girls’ Championship which led to the eventual blending of both boys’ and girls’ CIF season finales beginning in 2019.

The CIF Tournament last weekend dealt many surprises, including one outside the arena early on Saturday—that being heavy rain and an extremely rare occurrence of snow nearby that made the trek to Bakersfield a challenge for some spectators, especially for those traveling from Southern California to finals on Saturday night. Inside the Mechanics Bank Arena, the Girls’ CIF Tournament wasn’t without its own set of surprises. Most notably were the absences of a few returning champions and the entry of two highly skilled outsiders, which combined, would shake things up across several weight classes.

Those changes alone made for an exciting three days of wrestling which included what may have been a record number of upsets across all weight classes and some incredible stories that define what makes this sport so special.

List of 2023 California State Champions
101: Brenda Nunez (12)
106: Anaya Falcon (11)
111: Kiely Tabaldo (12)
116: Isabella Gonzales (10)
121: Lilly Avalos (12)
126: Carissa Qureshi (12)
131: Taydem Khamjoi (12)
137: Gianna Dibenedetto (11)
143: Jennah Creason (11)
150: Duda Rodrigues (11)
160: Leilani Lemus (9)
170: Jocelyn Yepez (12)
189: Saiheron Preciado-Meza (12)\
235: Destiny Marquez (12)

NOTEWORTHY STORIES & PERFORMANCES

Brenda Nunez – Tested by two, Beaten by None.

Brenda Nunez, 101 – Photo by Dan Glenn for AWW

Things started off smoothly for number two-seed, Brenda Nunez, dispatching her first three opponents, but before she could be crowned the 2023 CIF 101lb Champion she would have to get past two highly capable challengers that tested her on all levels. The first of these contests came in her semi-final match against an extremely impressive freshman from Del Oro High School, Kaiya Maggini. Seemingly unphased by the high stakes match or her first year at the CIF State Tournament, Maggini wrestled like a veteran, calm and composed with defense that proved to be a real challenge for Nunez. The two competitors seemingly had an answer for everything they threw at each other which resulted in an epic overtime battle that ended in an ultimate tie-breaker victory for Nunez. Waiting for Nunez on the other side of the bracket was eighth-seed firestorm, Jillian Wells who also overcame her own challenges to meet Nunez in finals. Most impressively, Wells won a decisive 9-3 victory over top-seed and Fargo placer, Avy Perez. Unlike Nunez’ previous challenger, Wells wasn’t conservative in her attempt at besting Nunez and earning the title of state champion. Wells immediately pressured Nunez and didn’t let up. Dealing with a high-volume strategy of attacks by Wells, Brenda Nunez’ ability to defend, adjust and score in the biggest match of her career was truly impressive.

After fighting off a lengthy single-leg attack by Wells in round one, Nunez would be tested with Well’s strongest attribute in round two, her top-game attacks. At the sound of the whistle, Jillian Wells immediately went to work trying to turn Nunez and secure the first-awarded points of the match. Rather than allowing Wells to score, Nunez was able to sneak out of her grasp, nearly reversing their positions but was quickly denied by Wells who came to her feet and prevented the two-point move, then turned with a drive that nearly put Nunes on her back. Likely sensing some urgency, Nunez moved quickly off the bottom scoring an escape putting both girls on their feet and giving her a one-point advantage before entering round three. In hopes of expanding her narrow lead with another escape, Brenda chose bottom for the final round, and Wells seemed happy to comply. After a few cautioned starts, Wells quickly hooked a leg and attempted a risky cross-body “banana split” maneuver, first rotating over the head unsuccessfully, then changed directions, dropping Nunes to her hip, then to her shoulder, nearly scoring near-fall points to take the lead. But before Wells could secure the position, Brenda Nunez broke free and completed an exciting reversal advancing her lead 3-0. Able to control Wells for the remainder of the round, senior, Brenda Nunez earned her first CIF State Title.

Saturday Night Main Event: Morales vs Falcon

Anaya Falcon, 106 – Photo by Dan Glenn for AWW

Undoubtedly the most anticipated finals match up featured two reigning CIF Champions, Paige Morales and Anaya Falcon, both undefeated this season. To better understand the skillset that these two bring to the mat, Morales and Falcon earned their first CIF championship titles by beating current Iowa Hawkeye powerhouses Emilee Gonzalez and Nyla Valencia, in last year’s CIF Finals. Interestingly, in October the two champions met far from home at the pre-season Super 32 Finals in North Carolina, where Morales caught Falcon early, pinning her in just 47 seconds. Perhaps the loss was the driving force behind Falcon’s relentless intensity that she displayed throughout the entire CIF tournament. Regardless of her motivation, there would be no early pins or surprises this time, but a battle that delivered big-time for those in attendance.

The intense stare and side-to-side motion of Anaya Falcon and the stalking forward movement from Paige Morales at the start of their match was a clear indication that both champions had visions of victory. After some circling around a bit, the first big move belonged to Paige Morales. At the edge of the mat Morales transitioned from single to a double landing both girls out of bounds, no score. Quickly recentered, both girls continued looking for an advantage on their feet, Morales the recipient of heavy hands each time she came within striking distance of Falcon. The silky-smooth Morales got in on a deep single, but this time Anaya would under-hook and step in deep, throwing Morales nearly to her back, securing a two-point lead.

The second round, which began in neutral position, would feature several take-down attempts from both girls, and a chess-match-like scramble on the ground that ended in a stalemate-restart. With time running down in the period, Anaya would initiate another step-in throw, but this time Morales would duck-under taking Falcon down and matching the score, 2-2 before entering the final period.

With Falcon choosing bottom in period three, Morales would be forced to either score-on or release Falcon with time to secure the needed takedown to win, but neither scenario occurred. With a deep bar and tight-waist secure, Paige rolled through taking Anaya with her in an attempt to hold her to the mat and score. Despite Morales pressuring into the hold, Anaya’s back arch would be enough to break free and roll awkwardly on top, claiming a 2-point reversal and an injury to her own ankle. Up 4-2 with a minute remaining, it was now Falcon’s task to keep her lead. With what time remained, Morales would get to her feet and be driven out of the circle multiple times, once landing on her back where referees decided Falcon’s knee touched out of bounds, nullifying any ability to score off the move.

With each whistle blow, Paige would react as quickly as possible trying to find a path to victory, but in doing so, received one too many cautions resulting in another point for Falcon, 5- 2. In the final seconds of the contest, a relentless Anaya Falcon would turn and hold Morales for three more points securing an 8-2 victory in what was an otherwise very close “champion of champions” finals match.

Paige Morales attempts to escape the grip of Anaya Falcon. -Photo by Dan Glenn for AWW

Isabella Gonzales: Something to Prove

Isabella Gonzales, 116 -Photo by Dan Glenn for AWW

Last year Isabella Gonzales was the only freshman to make CIF State Girls Finals and she did so impressively by pinning every opponent until reaching Selma’s Arieana Arias for a gold metal showdown that ended in overtime with Arias claiming victory. This year it appeared a state finals rematch might be in order with both girls seeded one and two. El Camino Real High School senior, Alex Waitsman, would eventually derail the potential rematch by besting Arias with a 6-1 victory in semi-finals. This wasn’t altogether a surprise, as Waitsman had defeated Arias seven weeks earlier at the Napa Valley Classic Tournament, proving that she too was a true contender for the 116-pound title this year at CIF State.

As impressive as Waitsman was in beating Arias both in January as well as in their semi-finals match, she would find a huge challenge in Isabella Gonzales who was wrestling as if she had something to prove after her overtime loss last year in finals. Gonzales made clear this season that she’s dedicated to become the best she can possibly be. She was faster, more technical and more confident than in her appearance last season and that improvement was apparent in every match, especially in finals. Gonzales wasted little time in shooting for a low-ankle on Waitsman just sixteen seconds into their championship match. From there she would take her opponent down and immediately begin working a series of arm bars in an attempt to score.

Waitsman fought off the first several attempts, but Gonzales kept transitioning from right to left side until she locked up a deep bar and stacked Waitsman on her shoulders, making the necessary adjustments, to secure the pin with 22 seconds left in the first period. The once denied champion became the most winningest CIF wrestler this year with a perfect season record of 48-0 and established herself as the official queen at 116.

The Newcomers: Creason and Rodrigues shake things up.

Jennah Creason and Duda Rodrigues were in different weight classes, but share a lot in common with each other. They’re both 11th graders who had never previously competed in a high school wrestling season before, both went undefeated, and both walked through the competition to become new CIF champions last Saturday night. The most intriguing similarity between the two standouts is that they’re also title holders in other combat sports. If you haven’t heard their names before, you will in the future.

Jennah Creason can now add CIF State Champion to a long list of recent accomplishments. The Shotokan Karate brown belt and submission grappler is also a skilled boxer too. Just months ago, Creason won her third USA Boxing National Championship before returning to the sport of wrestling which she began at age four. Despite early success at youth wrestling, Jennah became focused on boxing when she began training at the Visalia Police Activities League in Central California. After years of dedication to boxing and other martial arts, the impressive sixteen-year-old from Redwood High School decided it was time to join her high school wrestling team and chase yet another goal.

Jennah Creason, 143 - Photo by Dan Glenn for AWW

Creason’s path to the finals last weekend wasn’t overly dramatic, although she did have a tough test in quarter-finals with another martial-artist-turned-wrestler, Berlyn Davis, who would go on to place third. Staring in her the eyes in the championship match was one of four freshmen to make finals, Adelaida Fernandez of Birmingham High School, who wrestled a fantastic tournament, eventually upsetting the #1 seed, Delise Villa, in their semi-final bout. Jennah Creason, who appeared more thankful than nervous on the mat, would prove to be too much for the young freshman. Creason’s wrestling was very linear and intentional. She controlled each tie-up and eventually Fernandez’ head, bringing her down and circling behind her near the mat’s edge for two points, being careful to not void her position by going out of bounds. Jennah continued putting pressure on Adelaida who worked diligently for ways to escape off the bottom. Able to secure a power-half, Jennah added a turk to elevate the leg of Fernandez, causing her to fall to her shoulder. From there, Jennah released the leg, adjusted her half-nelson and rolled Fernandez to her back for the first-round pin.

Duda Rodrigues, 150 - Photo by Dan Glenn for AWW

Duda Rodrigues isn’t the first girl we’ve seen make a move from jujitsu to wrestling, but she’s easily the most imposing. The muscular jujitsu purple belt, and native of Brazil won the 2022 IBJFF Jujitsu Championship in her division just months prior to her first high school wrestling season. And in all fairness, the CIF State Tournament wasn’t her first big showing in the sport of wrestling either. Just months after she began wrestling, she attended the Freestyle Nationals in Fargo South Dakota where she placed third, an impressive feat for any first-year wrestler. There she met two-time CIF State Champion, Johanna Forman who simply couldn’t fend off Rodrigues who won the match 10-0, securing her bronze medal plaque and All-American status.

Ironically it would also be Johanna Forman who Rodrigues would meet in the CIF Finals last Saturday night. Forman, the only two-time CIF Champion competing this year, spent less than three minutes of mat-time last weekend earning herself a third opportunity for a CIF Title. Forman, who’s known for big moves and exciting finishes, struggled once again with the powerful jujitsu ace. Down 6-0 in the final period with 20 seconds left, a frustrated Forman found a last-ditch opportunity when she felt Rodrigues riding too high on her back. With a quick bump, Forman sent Duda’s feet flying over her head, temporarily placing Duda in a head-stand position. As Forman pushed into Rodrigues hoping for a reversal, Rodrigues was able to correct herself and return to a top position and remain in control. With that, Forman looked to her coaches and with a smile, shook her head indicating that she had done all she could.

Lemus: The newest 4x state champ prospect.

Leilani Lemus, 160 -Photo by Dan Glenn for AWW

What are the odds that the top six seeds in a thirty-two-man bracket at CIF State don’t make finals? That’s just what occurred in the 160-pound girls division which was filled with surprises and upsets throughout the tournament. Instead, an unseeded senior and a seventh seed freshman took the spotlight in what would be the most unlikely pairing in finals and a new opportunity for a potential run as four-time state champion emerged. I’m sure senior Vida Beckel was excited when she qualified for CIF State this year, but she may have been less excited when she found out her opening match was against the top-seed.

Where some see misfortune, others see an opportunity and Vida Beckel certainly made the most of her final season as a high school wrestler. Not only did Beckel beat the number one seed in overtime in her very first match of the tournament, she ended her day by pinning her next opponent. On day two, she pinned the eight seed advancing her to the semi-finals on day three where she beat the fifth seed, 6-2 and earned a spot in finals on Saturday night.

Leilani Lemus holds single leg of opponent, Vida Beckel. – Photo by Dan Glenn for AWW

On the other side of this chaotic bracket was freshman, Leilani Lemus. Her weekend started off strong too, beating her first opponent by tech, 20-4, and pinning her second opponent in 17 seconds, the second fastest victory of the CIF Girls’ tournament. On Lemus’ second day came a huge test, her quarter finals bout against the second-seed, senior, Sophia Yurkovich. Lemus pinned Yurkovich midway through round two securing a top-six state placement and moved on to semi-finals. Leilani wasn’t the only Lemus from Clovis High School moving on to semi-finals last weekend. Her big brother, Dario Lemus, was on the mats too. The excitement only grew when both Leilani and Dario won their respective semi-final matches and found they would both be wrestling for a CIF State Championship on the same night, a first for a brother and sister in CIF history.

Minutes before stepping onto the mat for her finals match, emotions ran high as Leilani Lemus watched her brother realize his dream of being coming a state champion. Inspired to win even more, she quickly collected herself and made ready for her match with Vida Beckel. With her brother watching on, fourteen-year-old Leilani Lemus shook her opponent’s hand and wasted little time, shooting four take down attempts in the first 45 seconds, the last of which paid off.

Up 2-0, Lemus struggled to keep her taller opponent down. Beckel did an excellent job staying busy on the bottom looking for a way to escape but wasn’t able to find it. Round two began with Beckel choosing top position and immediately Lemus attempted a switch, to which Beckel held on and rolled through, maintaining control. Undeterred, Lemus continued scrambling on bottom while fighting-off arm-bar attempts from Beckel. Once gain Lemus attempted a switch and this time Beckel fell to the mat landing on her side and was quickly covered by the young freshman who trapped Beckel’s left arm before she could flatten out. With a trapped arm for leverage, Leilani Lemus transitioned to a head and arm position and got the fall with 56 seconds remaining in round two. What a night for the Lemus Family!