Bethel's Nathan Hoang Wins Second Straight TCAL Wrestling Title

The senior overcame a last-minute weight cut to claim the 115-pound championship.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Jesse Bethel High School senior Nathan Hoang defended his Tri-County Athletic League wrestling title at 115 pounds, despite having to lose an extra pound the night before the tournament. Hoang received a first-round bye, then won his semifinal match by technical fall and the championship bout 11-4 to claim his second straight league title.

Why it matters

Hoang's performance helped power the Bethel Jaguars to the team TCAL championship, their second straight title. His ability to make weight and then dominate his matches showcases the dedication and grit of this high school athlete.

The details

The night before the tournament, Hoang weighed 119 pounds, one over the 115-pound limit. He went through a grueling regimen of a mile run, sauna session, and salt bath to lose the final pound. The next morning, he did a 45-minute workout to officially make weight. Despite the challenge, Hoang cruised through his matches, winning by technical fall in the semifinals and 11-4 in the finals.

  • The night before the tournament, Hoang weighed 119 pounds.
  • The next morning, Hoang lost the final pound he needed with a 45-minute workout before weigh-ins.

The players

Nathan Hoang

A senior wrestler at Jesse Bethel High School who competes in the 115-pound weight class.

John Jackson

The head coach of the Jesse Bethel High School wrestling team.

Jesse Bethel High School

The high school that Nathan Hoang attends and wrestles for.

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What they’re saying

“Getting in the sauna, the salt baths, they're hard, but I'm just thinking about what the results are going to be. If I make the weight, I'm gonna win for sure.”

— Nathan Hoang (timesheraldonline.com)

“I don't know if a lot of people would be able to do that, come back the next morning and continue to work out to make the weight. A lot of kids don't have that grit Nathan has. He definitely pulled through, not only for himself, but for his team.”

— John Jackson, Bethel Head Coach (timesheraldonline.com)

What’s next

Hoang and the Bethel Jaguars will look to continue their success at the North Coast Section Divisional Championships, which begin on Friday at Benicia High School.

The takeaway

Hoang's ability to make a last-minute weight cut and then dominate his matches showcases the dedication and mental toughness of this high school athlete. His performance helped lead his team to a second straight league championship, demonstrating the impact one individual can have on a team's success.