Turlock Wrestler Aliah Bertalotto Medals at State Tournament

Bertalotto continues family tradition, placing eighth in the women's 100-pound division.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Aliah Bertalotto, a senior wrestler at Turlock High School, earned an eighth-place medal at the CIF State Wrestling Championships, continuing a family tradition of success on the mat. Bertalotto, whose siblings, cousins, and uncles have all competed at the prestigious tournament, accomplished her goal of standing on the podium in her final high school event.

Why it matters

Bertalotto's achievement is significant for the Turlock High School wrestling program, which has a strong tradition of producing state-level competitors. Her medal places her name alongside other Bertalotto family members on the program's wall of accomplishments, further cementing the family's legacy in the sport.

The details

Bertalotto entered the tournament as the 50th seed but pulled off a major upset in the opening round, defeating the second-seeded Kayliegh Fernandez of Golden West. She would go on to secure her spot on the podium with a second-period pin in the consolation bracket before dropping her final two matches. Turlock head coach Ricky Gonzalez, who is also Bertalotto's uncle and a former state medalist himself, was thrilled to see his niece achieve her goal.

  • Bertalotto qualified for the CIF State Wrestling Championships in 2024 and 2025 before earning a medal in her senior year in 2026.
  • The CIF State Wrestling Championships took place in March 2026 at Mechanics Bank Arena in Bakersfield, California.

The players

Aliah Bertalotto

A senior wrestler at Turlock High School who earned an eighth-place medal in the women's 100-pound division at the 2026 CIF State Wrestling Championships.

Ricky Gonzalez

The head coach of the Turlock High School wrestling team and Aliah Bertalotto's uncle, who is also a former state medalist.

Jeremiah Bertalotto

Aliah's older brother, who earned a seventh-place medal at the 2024 CIF State Wrestling Championships.

Isaiah Bertalotto

Aliah's twin brother, who qualified for the CIF State Wrestling Championships in 2024 alongside his brother Jeremiah.

Isaac Bertalotto

Aliah's eldest brother, who placed eighth at the 2013 CIF State Wrestling Championships.

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What they’re saying

“It really is an unreal feeling. I've worked my whole life for this. I get to be on the wall now.”

— Aliah Bertalotto (turlockjournal.com)

“That was so exciting for everyone. She was excited, her teammates, us coaches and the support in the crowd. That was a great moment for her.”

— Ricky Gonzalez, Turlock Head Coach (turlockjournal.com)

“I was so relieved right when I got her on her back. I was like, 'Wow, I did it. Like, I'm gonna win. This is over. I did what I needed to do. I just achieved my goal.' Everything hit right there. It was such a rush of emotions.”

— Aliah Bertalotto (turlockjournal.com)

“To have another Bertalotto up there on that wall, that just adds to the family legacy and their commitment to this Turlock program and a testament to the strong tradition we have here. I was happy as both coach and as family. She's my niece, and since I became the coach here two years ago, she is my first state placer. That's special for me, personally. Just all around, it was such a special weekend. I couldn't be happier for Aliah.”

— Ricky Gonzalez, Turlock Head Coach (turlockjournal.com)

The takeaway

Aliah Bertalotto's medal-winning performance at the CIF State Wrestling Championships is a testament to the strong wrestling tradition in Turlock, California, and the Bertalotto family's commitment to the sport over multiple generations. Her achievement will inspire future generations of Turlock wrestlers to strive for greatness and continue the program's legacy of success.