Fresno State Athletics
Steiner inks his first Fresno State Wrestling recruiting class
11/16/2016 7:47:00 AM | Wrestling
FRESNO, Calif. - Let "THE CLIMB" begin! Fresno State Wrestling is proud to announce its first recruiting class welcoming 16 future student-athletes to the program for the 2017-18 academic year.
"These young men will help us set the culture of this program," said head coach Troy Steiner. "Our staff has worked diligently to bring in this fine group of student-athletes. This group of guys have very high character and are willing to step up to the challenge that we have ahead of us."
"As we start this climb, we felt it was critical for us to keep the top kids in this Valley and the State of California. The people of this state have fought very hard to get this program back and now they have a program that will provide the resources for their young men to be successful. We know that we cannot keep everyone here at Fresno State, but we will keep the ones that will fit into the culture that we are trying to build. We are very excited to have a chance to work with all of these young men and we thank them for putting the trust in us. Please welcome them to the Bulldog Wrestling Family," said Steiner.
"You can see with our recruiting class we have picked up great talent from all the hot beds of the Valley. What this group of student-athletes have in common is that they all poses a tireless work ethic, leadership and determination. These attributes will be what will help us propel the Bulldog wrestling program back to national prominence," added Steiner.
Here is a closer look at each signee.
Richie Brandt - 197 pounds (Utah Valley/Liberty HS/Madera, Calif.)
Prep Accolades: 2014 CIF State Finalist
Coach's comments: "We found a big guy from Madera that transferred back home from Utah Valley University. We will look for him to help lead this team into action next fall. He is a powerful and explosive wrestler that will be a key piece of this puzzle and will look to take the 197lb slot."
Beau Colombini – 165 pounds (Windsor HS/Ukiah, Calif.)
Prep Accolades: 2-time CIF State Medalist
Coach's comments: "Big B comes to us from Ukiah, California and wrestled at Windsor High School. Wrestling is in his blood, he is a very tough, hard-nosed competitor. His dad, Brett, was an All-American for the University of Minnesota. His fight will be critical in this program as he will help us earn the respect of others and put fear into our opponents."
JJ Figueroa – 133/141 pounds (Bakersfield HS/Bakersfield, Calif.)
Prep Accolades: 2015 CIF State Medalist, 2015 USAW Folkstyle Nationals Runner-Up, Flowrestling Top 10, ranked 9th nationally
Coach's comments: "JJ wrestles for the Drillers of Bakersfield High School. He is a strong competitor who will make things tough on his opponents. He is looking to go into the school of Nursing."
Chris Garcia – 141 pounds (Clackamas CC/Clovis West HS/Clovis, Calif.)
Junior College/Prep Accolades: NJCAA National Finalist & 3x CIF State Medalist
Coach's comments: "This is a homecoming for Chris Garcia. He came out of Clovis West and has spent the last couple of years at Clackamas CC where he was a National Runner-up in the NJCAA Tournament. We expect him to provide some leadership for this team as he has competed nationally."
Robert Garcia – 125/133 pounds (Selma HS/Selma, Calif.)
Prep Accolades: 3-time CIF State Medalist, Flowrestling Top 100 Senior
Coach's comments:  "Robert comes to us from the Raisin Capital of the World, Selma, which is right down the road from Fresno. He will continue to squeeze the juice out of his opponents in a Bulldog singlet. This guy is very dynamic and can score points in bunches. We feel he can be a star for the Bulldogs and will be fun to watch at the next level."
Isaiah Hokit – 157 pounds (Drexel/Clovis HS/Clovis, Calif.)
Prep Accolades: 4-time CIF State Medalist, Flo National All-American
Coach's comments: "As a Clovis High grad, Isaiah, spent last year out in Philly at Drexel University. Isaiah wanted to come home and be a Bulldog and that he is. This guy has got a huge heart, great work ethic, and he will not take a back seat to anyone."
Josh Hokit – 197/285 pounds (Clovis HS/Clovis, Calif.)
Prep Accolades: CIF State Champion & 3-time CIF State Medalist
Coach's comments: "Josh comes to us from Clovis High and is Isaiah's younger and bigger brother.  He will compete on the Gridiron and the Mat for the Bulldogs. When he is out there hitting people on Saturdays, we hope to see some double legs. He is a fierce competitor and is looking to be the closer for us in the Heavyweight slot."
Gary Joint – 133/141 pounds (Lemoore HS/Lemoore, Calif.)
Prep Accolades: 2-time Kansas State Finalist, 2016 CIF State Medalist, Junior National Freestyle All-American
Coach's comments: "What really impressed us about Gary was his focus when he is under the lights. I think the bigger the stage the better he performs. He is strong in all positions and will be a real threat on top. Gary currently wrestles at Lemoore High School."
Brandon Martino – 165/174 pounds (Clovis HS/Clovis, Calif.)
Prep Accolades: 2016 CIF State Medalist
Coach's comments: "If you do not know who this guy is you will very soon. Brandon has a great style for college and will be fun to watch over the next 4-5 years. He is a leader both on and off the mat. He is part of the Clovis High Dynasty and will look to be bringing home a title in March."
Khristian Olivas – 149 pounds (Utah Valley/Clovis HS/Clovis, Calif.)
Prep Accolades: 2-time CIF State Medalist, 2015 Folkstyle All-American
Coach's comments: "Khristian, also from Clovis High, is a team guy and will be a student-athlete that we build the team around. He is liked by everyone, but don't kid yourself this guy can wrestle. He has great explosion and scrambling ability. He will help lead this team next year."
Owen Pentz – 174/184 pounds (Morgan HS/Morgan, Utah)
Prep Accolades: Utah State Champion, Jr. National Freestyle Runner-up
Coach's comments: "Owen is from Morgan, UT and jumped onto the national scene this summer with a runner-up finish in Junior National Freestyle Championships at 170lbs. He has an unorthodox style and will give people fits on the mat."
Danny Salas – 184/197 pounds (St. John Bosco HS/Bellflower, Calif.)
Prep Accolades: 2-time CIF State Medalist, 2016 Freakshow Champion, Cadet All-American
Coach's comments: "St. John Bosco High School in Bellflower, California has been a strong competitor in the upper weights historically. Danny is no exception and has continued to improve each year of high school. Watch for him to make some noise his senior year as he puts everything together."
Jeremy Trihn – 125/133 pounds (Oxnard HS/Oxnard, Calif.)
Prep Accolades: 2-time CIF State Qualifier, USAW Folkstyle All-American.
Coach's comments: Jeremy reigns from Oxnard High School in California and is looking to study Physical Therapy at Fresno State. He is a very motivated individual and hopes to excel with strong workout partners."
Sean Williams – 125 pounds (Oklahoma/Lemoore HS/Tulare, Calif.)
Prep Accolades: 2013 CIF State Finalist, 3-time CIF State Qualifier
Coach's comments: "Sean wrestled for at Lemoore High School and then attended University of Oklahoma. He transferred back to the Bulldogs and brings a lot of experience to our lineup. He is a strong 125 pounder that we are looking to provide a lot of leadership for this squad."
Trevor Williams – 125/133 pounds (Oakdale HS/Oakdale, Calif.)
Prep Accolades: CIF State Qualifier.
Coach's comments: "Mr. Williams is in his first year here at Fresno State and always brings a lot of energy. He will be a positive charge for this team. He is not afraid to work and is looking to earn a spot in the lighter weights. We are excited to see how high he can climb."
Jacob Wright – 149/157 pounds (Dinuba HS/Dinuba, Calif.)
Prep Accolades: 2016 CIF State Finalist, Ranked #17 nationally, 102-18 prep career
Coach's comments: "Last, but certainly not least is young man from Dinuba. Jacob was the first recruit to commit to us and we are excited to have his work ethic, passion, and fight in the room to help lead this group. He is a young man that has very high goals and will work tirelessly to make sure he achieves them."
"This will be a very tight family. Most of these guys have grown up together and have known each other for a long time. Now they can come together united as one, with many different personalities, but one common goal, to WIN A NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP."
"Just the Ticket to Build Our Community" – The Bulldog Scholarship Fund gives Bulldog alumni, fans and friends the opportunity to support Fresno State Athletics and the student-athletes who inspire them. For information about how you can support the Bulldog Scholarship Fund, please visit www.bulldogscholarshipfund.com or call 559-278-7160.
Follow us on:
Twitter:Â @FresnoStateWRES
Instagram:Â FresnoStateAthletics
Facebook:Â FresnoStateAthletics
Snap Chat:Â FSAthletics
"These young men will help us set the culture of this program," said head coach Troy Steiner. "Our staff has worked diligently to bring in this fine group of student-athletes. This group of guys have very high character and are willing to step up to the challenge that we have ahead of us."
"As we start this climb, we felt it was critical for us to keep the top kids in this Valley and the State of California. The people of this state have fought very hard to get this program back and now they have a program that will provide the resources for their young men to be successful. We know that we cannot keep everyone here at Fresno State, but we will keep the ones that will fit into the culture that we are trying to build. We are very excited to have a chance to work with all of these young men and we thank them for putting the trust in us. Please welcome them to the Bulldog Wrestling Family," said Steiner.
"You can see with our recruiting class we have picked up great talent from all the hot beds of the Valley. What this group of student-athletes have in common is that they all poses a tireless work ethic, leadership and determination. These attributes will be what will help us propel the Bulldog wrestling program back to national prominence," added Steiner.
Here is a closer look at each signee.
Richie Brandt - 197 pounds (Utah Valley/Liberty HS/Madera, Calif.)
Prep Accolades: 2014 CIF State Finalist
Coach's comments: "We found a big guy from Madera that transferred back home from Utah Valley University. We will look for him to help lead this team into action next fall. He is a powerful and explosive wrestler that will be a key piece of this puzzle and will look to take the 197lb slot."
Beau Colombini – 165 pounds (Windsor HS/Ukiah, Calif.)
Prep Accolades: 2-time CIF State Medalist
Coach's comments: "Big B comes to us from Ukiah, California and wrestled at Windsor High School. Wrestling is in his blood, he is a very tough, hard-nosed competitor. His dad, Brett, was an All-American for the University of Minnesota. His fight will be critical in this program as he will help us earn the respect of others and put fear into our opponents."
JJ Figueroa – 133/141 pounds (Bakersfield HS/Bakersfield, Calif.)
Prep Accolades: 2015 CIF State Medalist, 2015 USAW Folkstyle Nationals Runner-Up, Flowrestling Top 10, ranked 9th nationally
Coach's comments: "JJ wrestles for the Drillers of Bakersfield High School. He is a strong competitor who will make things tough on his opponents. He is looking to go into the school of Nursing."
Chris Garcia – 141 pounds (Clackamas CC/Clovis West HS/Clovis, Calif.)
Junior College/Prep Accolades: NJCAA National Finalist & 3x CIF State Medalist
Coach's comments: "This is a homecoming for Chris Garcia. He came out of Clovis West and has spent the last couple of years at Clackamas CC where he was a National Runner-up in the NJCAA Tournament. We expect him to provide some leadership for this team as he has competed nationally."
Robert Garcia – 125/133 pounds (Selma HS/Selma, Calif.)
Prep Accolades: 3-time CIF State Medalist, Flowrestling Top 100 Senior
Coach's comments:  "Robert comes to us from the Raisin Capital of the World, Selma, which is right down the road from Fresno. He will continue to squeeze the juice out of his opponents in a Bulldog singlet. This guy is very dynamic and can score points in bunches. We feel he can be a star for the Bulldogs and will be fun to watch at the next level."
Isaiah Hokit – 157 pounds (Drexel/Clovis HS/Clovis, Calif.)
Prep Accolades: 4-time CIF State Medalist, Flo National All-American
Coach's comments: "As a Clovis High grad, Isaiah, spent last year out in Philly at Drexel University. Isaiah wanted to come home and be a Bulldog and that he is. This guy has got a huge heart, great work ethic, and he will not take a back seat to anyone."
Josh Hokit – 197/285 pounds (Clovis HS/Clovis, Calif.)
Prep Accolades: CIF State Champion & 3-time CIF State Medalist
Coach's comments: "Josh comes to us from Clovis High and is Isaiah's younger and bigger brother.  He will compete on the Gridiron and the Mat for the Bulldogs. When he is out there hitting people on Saturdays, we hope to see some double legs. He is a fierce competitor and is looking to be the closer for us in the Heavyweight slot."
Gary Joint – 133/141 pounds (Lemoore HS/Lemoore, Calif.)
Prep Accolades: 2-time Kansas State Finalist, 2016 CIF State Medalist, Junior National Freestyle All-American
Coach's comments: "What really impressed us about Gary was his focus when he is under the lights. I think the bigger the stage the better he performs. He is strong in all positions and will be a real threat on top. Gary currently wrestles at Lemoore High School."
Brandon Martino – 165/174 pounds (Clovis HS/Clovis, Calif.)
Prep Accolades: 2016 CIF State Medalist
Coach's comments: "If you do not know who this guy is you will very soon. Brandon has a great style for college and will be fun to watch over the next 4-5 years. He is a leader both on and off the mat. He is part of the Clovis High Dynasty and will look to be bringing home a title in March."
Khristian Olivas – 149 pounds (Utah Valley/Clovis HS/Clovis, Calif.)
Prep Accolades: 2-time CIF State Medalist, 2015 Folkstyle All-American
Coach's comments: "Khristian, also from Clovis High, is a team guy and will be a student-athlete that we build the team around. He is liked by everyone, but don't kid yourself this guy can wrestle. He has great explosion and scrambling ability. He will help lead this team next year."
Owen Pentz – 174/184 pounds (Morgan HS/Morgan, Utah)
Prep Accolades: Utah State Champion, Jr. National Freestyle Runner-up
Coach's comments: "Owen is from Morgan, UT and jumped onto the national scene this summer with a runner-up finish in Junior National Freestyle Championships at 170lbs. He has an unorthodox style and will give people fits on the mat."
Danny Salas – 184/197 pounds (St. John Bosco HS/Bellflower, Calif.)
Prep Accolades: 2-time CIF State Medalist, 2016 Freakshow Champion, Cadet All-American
Coach's comments: "St. John Bosco High School in Bellflower, California has been a strong competitor in the upper weights historically. Danny is no exception and has continued to improve each year of high school. Watch for him to make some noise his senior year as he puts everything together."
Jeremy Trihn – 125/133 pounds (Oxnard HS/Oxnard, Calif.)
Prep Accolades: 2-time CIF State Qualifier, USAW Folkstyle All-American.
Coach's comments: Jeremy reigns from Oxnard High School in California and is looking to study Physical Therapy at Fresno State. He is a very motivated individual and hopes to excel with strong workout partners."
Sean Williams – 125 pounds (Oklahoma/Lemoore HS/Tulare, Calif.)
Prep Accolades: 2013 CIF State Finalist, 3-time CIF State Qualifier
Coach's comments: "Sean wrestled for at Lemoore High School and then attended University of Oklahoma. He transferred back to the Bulldogs and brings a lot of experience to our lineup. He is a strong 125 pounder that we are looking to provide a lot of leadership for this squad."
Trevor Williams – 125/133 pounds (Oakdale HS/Oakdale, Calif.)
Prep Accolades: CIF State Qualifier.
Coach's comments: "Mr. Williams is in his first year here at Fresno State and always brings a lot of energy. He will be a positive charge for this team. He is not afraid to work and is looking to earn a spot in the lighter weights. We are excited to see how high he can climb."
Jacob Wright – 149/157 pounds (Dinuba HS/Dinuba, Calif.)
Prep Accolades: 2016 CIF State Finalist, Ranked #17 nationally, 102-18 prep career
Coach's comments: "Last, but certainly not least is young man from Dinuba. Jacob was the first recruit to commit to us and we are excited to have his work ethic, passion, and fight in the room to help lead this group. He is a young man that has very high goals and will work tirelessly to make sure he achieves them."
"This will be a very tight family. Most of these guys have grown up together and have known each other for a long time. Now they can come together united as one, with many different personalities, but one common goal, to WIN A NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP."
"Just the Ticket to Build Our Community" – The Bulldog Scholarship Fund gives Bulldog alumni, fans and friends the opportunity to support Fresno State Athletics and the student-athletes who inspire them. For information about how you can support the Bulldog Scholarship Fund, please visit www.bulldogscholarshipfund.com or call 559-278-7160.
Follow us on:
Twitter:Â @FresnoStateWRES
Instagram:Â FresnoStateAthletics
Facebook:Â FresnoStateAthletics
Snap Chat:Â FSAthletics
FB: Simeon "No Panic" Harris Feature
Wednesday, May 20
Valley Fueled Informational 2026
Tuesday, May 19
2026 Coaches Caravan: Turlock
Tuesday, May 19
BSB Media Availability: 5/8 (HC Ryan Overland, Sky Collins)
Friday, May 08