CSUB Coach Valencia to Compete in Olympic Qualifying

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – The Cal State Bakersfield wrestling program will be represented at the Pan American Olympic Qualifier on Mar. 1 as Roadrunner Assistant Coach Anthony Valencia will be vying for a trip to the 2024 Olympics. Valencia, is a five-time NCAA qualifier and a two-time All-American, but he is also a five-time Mexican National Champion and looks to represent the country in Paris this Summer.

"I'm excited and ready to go out there and put on a show," Valencia said of the upcoming tournament. "There's no need to worry or fear any of the obstacles ahead, but instead I'm going to do what I love and simply enjoy it. It's time to go qualify my weight for the 2024 Olympics!"

The Pan American Olympic Qualifier is taking place this weekend in Acapulco, Mexico. Valencia will join wrestlers from across North American, Central American, South America, and the Caribbean with opportunities to compete in the Olympics on the line.

"Anthony has been a great addition to our staff," said CSUB Head Coach Luke Smith. "His success at all levels – here in California for high school, nationally with Arizona State, and internationally – is an inspiration for our current Roadrunners to follow after. All of our guys are excited to get together for a watch party and cheer him on this weekend."

Valencia will compete in Freestyle Wrestling at the 86kg weight class with his first-round opponent scheduled to be Yurieski Torreblanca (Cuba). The winner will move into the Quarterfinals and face one of the top seeds in Pedro Ceballos (Venezuela). Only the top two finalists in the weight class will earn qualification into the 2024 Olympics.

Fans who wish to follow along and root for Valencia can tune in live with a paid subscription to United World Wrestling+ via UWW.org or the UWW app.

~GoRunners.com~

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