Wrestling: Martinez captures state title, named Most Outstanding Wrestler; Roadrunners finish 6th at State Championships
SAN LUIS OBISPO – Led by an impressive state title run by sophomore Devin Martinez, Rio Hondo College totaled 73 points to finish a program-best sixth place out of 22 teams at the 2023 3C2A Wrestling State Championships. The two-day event was hosted by Cuesta College.
Martinez, seeded second at the 133-pound weight division, went 4-0 at the state tournament, including upsetting No. 1 seed Adrian Chavez of Fresno City College by a 15-10 decision in the championship match.
He compiled an opening-round pin, major decision, and technical fall to earn his spot in the final. For his efforts, Martinez was named the state championship's Most Outstanding Wrestler by competing head coaches.
Martinez improved on last year's fourth-place finish at the state championships and closes out his Rio Hondo College career as a two-time All-American. He became Rio Hondo's first state champion since 2019 when Khalil Tucker also captured the 133-pound title.
Sophomore Dylan Atherton earned All-American honors with his fourth-place finish at the 125-pound weight class. After suffering a loss in the semifinals, Atherton advanced to the third -place match before falling by a final score of 16-8 to Scotty Moore of Skyline College. Atherton went 3-2 over the two days, including a pin and major decision.
Also placing for the Roadrunners were freshman Finn Long at 141 lbs. (6th), sophomore Anthony Hidalgo at 174 (7th), and sophomore Anthony Incatalupo at 184 (7th).
Rio Hondo head coach Mike Tellez has now led the Roadrunners to nine straight top-15 team finishes at the state tournament.