BAKERSFIELD, Calif.—CSU Bakersfield head wrestling coach Mike Mendoza has announced the signing of five prep athletes to continue their wrestling career with the Roadrunner program.
Zak Levantino won the 2016 220-pound state championship for Buchanan High School in Clovis. He projects as either a 197-pounder or heavyweight for the Roadrunners.
“Zak is a very athletic upper-weight and we look forward to working with him,” Mendoza said.
Kalani Tonge joins CSUB from Elk Grove High School where he finished third in the California State Tournament at 132 pounds as a senior. He is projected to wrestle at either 141 or 149 pounds in college.
“Kalani's coach wrestled here at CSUB in the early 90's and has coached many college-bound wrestlers,” Mendoza said. “We are glad to have one of his products on our team.”
Windsor High School's Dominic Ducharme enters the 'Runner program as a two-time California state place winner. Ducharme came in third at 170 pounds after finishing eighth at 160 pounds as a junior. He is expected to wrestle at either 174 or 184 pounds.
“Dominic comes from a family of wrestling,” said Mendoza. “His father wrestled in college, his brother wrestled in college and his coach wrestled in college.”
Noe Garcia will graduate from Gilroy High School this spring where he finished fourth in the state tournament at 195 pounds. He is projected to wrestle at either 184 or 197 pounds.
“Noe comes from a strong high school program that works hard,” Mendoza said. “We have two other wrestlers from Gilroy on our team and we are happy to add another.”
Jacob Sieder rounds out the class. He will graduate from South Torrence High School after winning the Southern Section Master Championship at 182 pounds as a senior. His is projected to compete at either 184 or 197 pounds.
“Jacob has a lot of potential to be successful at this level,” said Mendoza. “We are anxious to begin working with him.”
Mendoza is excited about his incoming recruiting class.
“This group of new team members all have strong backgrounds,” Mendoza said. “Four out of the five newcomers come from high school programs with former college wrestlers on their staff. Dominic and Jacob come from a family of wrestling with both of their fathers as former college wrestlers. Zak is coming from the top program in the state that has multiple former college wrestlers on their staff. A strong background can be a great influence for college success. We look forward to strong future with the recruiting class thus far.”
~www.GoRunners.com~
