Olympic Silver Medalist Abas Is New Fresno High Wrestling Coach

For the Fresno High wrestling program, it’s like winning the lottery.

Steven Abas, a silver medalist in the 2004 Olympics and a three-time NCAA champion at Fresno State, is the Warriors’ new wrestling coach.

Abas, a member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, is considered one of the greatest wrestlers of his generation.

Takes Over the Program Immediately

The four-time collegiate All-American (1998-2002) will begin his duties immediately, Fresno Unified School District said in a statement Friday.

“We are excited to welcome Coach Abas to Fresno Unified, knowing that he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to share with our Fresno High student-athletes,” said Fresno Unified Superintendent Bob Nelson.

Overhook Takedown – Technique with Steven Abas pic.twitter.com/4NLXzxQAXZ

— RUDIS (@the_rudis) July 27, 2018

Wrestling Record at Fresno State: 144-4

At Fresno State, Abas won 144 of 148 career matches, with 46 pins. His career winning percentage (97.3) is also a school record.

After placing fourth in the 1998 NCAA Championships at 118 pounds, he won 95 straight matches, including 35-0 as a junior and 34-0 as a senior, to dominate the 125-pound weight class with NCAA titles in 1999, 2001, and 2002. He was named the Fresno State Male Athlete of the Year in 1999 and 2001.

In 2005, Abas was named to the NCAA’s 75th Anniversary Wrestling Team in the lightweight division.

Three-Time California State Champion

Before starring at Fresno State and internationally, Abas won three California high school state championships at Canyon Springs High School in Moreno Valley.