31 Tulare County Wrestlers to Watch at 2026 CIF State Championships

The 2026 CIF State Wrestling Championships are set to begin, featuring top talent from Tulare County.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The 2026 CIF State Wrestling Championships are scheduled to take place from February 26-28 at Dignity Health Arena in Bakersfield. A total of 31 wrestlers from Tulare County have qualified to compete in the prestigious tournament, which showcases both boys' and girls' matches.

Why it matters

The CIF State Wrestling Championships are the pinnacle of high school wrestling in California, and Tulare County has a strong tradition of producing top-tier talent. This year's contingent includes several returning state qualifiers and even a defending state champion, highlighting the depth of wrestling in the region.

The details

Among the Tulare County wrestlers to watch are Shawn Price of Mission Oak (106 pounds), Sergio Valencia of Farmersville (120 pounds), and Chris Creason of El Diamante, the defending state champion at 157 pounds. The girls' side features standouts like Kayliegh Fernandez of Golden West (100 pounds) and Makayla Castellanoz, also of Golden West (155 pounds).

  • The 2026 CIF State Wrestling Championships start on February 26.
  • Championship finals are set for February 28, starting at 6:15 p.m.

The players

Shawn Price

A wrestler from Mission Oak High School competing in the 106-pound weight class.

Sergio Valencia

A wrestler from Farmersville High School competing in the 120-pound weight class.

Chris Creason

The defending state champion in the 157-pound weight class, representing El Diamante High School.

Kayliegh Fernandez

A wrestler from Golden West High School competing in the 100-pound weight class on the girls' side.

Makayla Castellanoz

A wrestler from Golden West High School competing in the 155-pound weight class on the girls' side.

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What they’re saying

“100 wins and counting — El Diamante's Chris Creason shines for Miners”

— Chris Creason (Visalia Times-Delta)

“'He's a winner' — Unsung hero Jaaron Dodson leads CVC to title game”

— Jaaron Dodson (Visalia Times-Delta)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The 2026 CIF State Wrestling Championships will showcase the depth and talent of Tulare County's wrestling programs, with several returning state qualifiers and a defending champion looking to make their mark on the prestigious tournament.