San Diego is set to showcase impressive talent at the 2026 CIF State Wrestling Championships in Bakersfield from Thursday to Saturday. Leading the charge are returning champions and medalists from Poway, Brawley, and Granite Hills, with high hopes for top finishes. Noteworthy competitors include Mario Carini of Poway, currently a top-ranked 175-pound wrestler, and Lauren Zaragosa from Brawley, looking to defend her 135-pound title. The competition is fierce, with Clovis Buchanan as defending champions and significant contenders in both boys’ and girls’ categories.

By the Numbers
  • Mario Carini holds a record of 23-1 and is the defending champion at 165 pounds.
  • Lauren Zaragosa is 28-1 and aims to replicate her success at 135 pounds.
State of Play
  • Wrestling begins at 9 a.m. daily at Dignity Health Arena, Bakersfield.
  • Defending team champions Clovis Buchanan are aiming for their eighth state title in nine years.
What's Next

As the state championships unfold, the performance of San Diego athletes will be closely monitored, especially those ranked in the top five in their respective weight classes. Anticipation surrounds the outcomes for returning medalists and challengers aiming for upsets.

Bottom Line

San Diego’s wrestling teams are poised for a strong performance at the CIF State Championships, led by exceptional individual talent. With several top seeds in both boys' and girls' competitions, the region is expected to make a significant impact against tough competition.