Articles

Coaches Corner – Steve Strange

Published

11 years ago

October 18, 2013

CalGrappler

Steve Strange – Oakdale HS

Sac-Joaquin Section

How long have you been coaching and why did you get into it?

2013/2014 will be my 12th season. I always wanted to be a coach.

What are the goals for your program this season?

For each wrestler to live up to there potential in March.

What wrestlers on your team are you expecting big things from this season?

State medalist: Nico Colunga
State qualifiers: Max Stevens, Trevor Williams
Impact returners; Tanner Reeves, Logan Eaton, Frank Trent
Incoming freshman: Cody Williams, Abel Garcia

How’s your relationship with your wrestlers?

I enjoy their success; hopefully they appreciate what the program has to offer.

How would you describe a typical week of practice during the season?

We focus on getting wrestlers ready for the upcoming competition and the post season by continuing to make improvements individually. Hopefully the coaching staff can provide a motivating and intense training environment.

Who do you think is the best wrestler(s) to have ever come out of your high school?

Rudi Burtschi 2x CIF State Champ,
Matt Cox 1st and 2nd at CIF State and Pac-12 Champion for Cal Poly
Trevor Machado Ching CIF State Champ as a freshman
Shane Tate 3x CIF State Medalist
Trent Noon 2x CIF State Medalist, JC National Champion

What advice would you give to those coaches who are barely starting a wrestling program?

Make sure your expectations for wrestlers and parents are very clear. Get your feeder programs in place. Surround yourself with good people.

What is the answer to having a successful wrestling program?

Getting wrestlers to buy in to your program and give 100% commitment to being their best. A feeder program, great coaching staff, talented wrestlers, and a little luck.

What advice would you give a high school wrestler who is considering wrestling in college?

1.    Spend the time in the books to be exceptional in the classroom.
2.    Don’t give anyone too much respect.
3.    Start thinking about your future after wrestling

What is your favorite vacation spot?

Maui

What is your favorite TV show?

Mike & Mike in the morning on ESPN

What is one thing that most people don’t know about you?

Is there anything else you’d like to mention about your wrestlers or your program?

We can’t wait for the season to start.

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Articles

The MatBoss Podcast Episode 34: Gerry Abas

Published

5 years ago

August 15, 2019

CalGrappler

Episode 34 of The MatBoss Podcast is with four-time All-American and three-time NCAA Division I finalist Gerry Abas of Fresno State. Gerry Abas talks about his start in wrestling in the Bay Area and how his speed, quickness and flash on the wrestling mat had its foundations in break dancing in the 1980s.

He also talks about his classic match and loss to Iowa’s Lincoln McIlravy, coaching his younger brother Stephen at Fresno State, watching the school drop the program and his feelings about it at the time. Abas also speaks about his son Jaden and what we can expect from him on the next level.

Articles

Stephen Abas named head coach at Fresno High School

Published

5 years ago

June 5, 2019

CalGrappler

Stephen Abas

Stephen Abas, 2008 Olympic silver medalist and three-time NCAA Division I wrestling champion at Fresno State, has been named head wrestling coach at Fresno High School.

“We are excited to welcome Coach Abas to Fresno Unified, knowing that he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to share with our Fresno High student-athletes,” said Fresno Unified Superintendent Bob Nelson.
The statement said Abas would take the helm of the Warriors wrestling program at Fresno High immediately.

As a wrestler at Fresno State University, Abas was a four-time NCAA All-American, winning three NCAA titles at 125 pounds in 1999, 2001, and 2002. Abas tallied a 144-4 overall record for the Bulldogs, including 46 pins. Abas’ career winning percentage of 97.3 percent is also a school record. For all these accomplishments, Abas was named the Fresno State Male Athlete of the Year in 1999 and 2001.

Stephen in high school (Canyon Springs HS & James Logan HS) was a 3X CIF state champion and a NHSCA National Champion in 1996.

Stephen Abas – Fresno State, 3X NCAA National Champion

Articles

2019 CIF State Wrestling Championships Schedule

Published

5 years ago

February 18, 2019

CalGrappler

Rabobank Arena - Bakersfield, California — Rabobank Arena – Bakersfield, California

Wednesday, February 20, 2019
Registration/Workout 3:00 – 8:00 pm

Thursday, February 21, 2019
Round 1 Girls Championship Round 1 9:00 am – 11:30 am (10 mats)
Round 2 Girls Championship Round 2 11:30 am – 1:00 pm (10 mats)
Round 1 Boys Championship Pig Tail 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm (10 mats)
Round 2 Boys Championship Round 1 2:30 pm – 6:00 pm (10 mats)
Round 3 Boys Championship Round 2 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm (10 mats)
Round 4 Boys Consolation Pig Tails 7:30 pm – 8:45 pm (10 mats)

Friday, February 22, 2019
Round 5/3 Boys/Girls Consolation Round 1 9:00 – 12:00 pm (10/5 mats)
Round 6/4 Boys/Girls Consolation Round 2 12:00 – 3:00 pm (10/5 mats)
Round 7/5 Boys/Girls Quarterfinals/Consolation Round 3 3:00 – 6:00 pm (10/5 mats)
Round 8/6 Boys/Girls Consolation Round 4 6:00 – 7:30 pm (10/5 mats)
Round 9/7 Boys/Girls Consolation Round 5 7:30 – 8:30 pm (10/5 mats)

Saturday, February 23, 2019
Round 8/10 Girls/Boys Championship Semi-Finals 9:00 – 10:30 am (6 mats)
Round 8/11 Girls/Boys Consolation Semi’s 10:30 – 12:00 pm (6/3 mats)
Round 10/12 Girls/Boys 3rd/5th/7th Places 12:00 -2:00 pm (6/3 mats)
Final Round Championship Finals 5:05 pm (2 mats)