Lassen College Wrestling: 2025 Season Preview

The roar inside the mat room is growing louder, and the energy around Lassen College Wrestling is undeniable. With a roster packed with experience, talent, and fresh new faces, the Cougars are ready to attack the 2025–26 season under the leadership of NJCAA Hall of Fame Head Coach Lonnie Nalls.

This year's squad comprises returning state qualifiers, Academic All-Americans, and determined newcomers eager to make their mark. Let's meet the team.

The Sophomore Leaders

Kaleb David Gomez (149 – Bagdad, AZ | Social Science)

The Cougars will look to Gomez's consistency and blue-collar toughness this year as he steps into a bigger role at 149. He's worked hard in the offseason and is eager to make his presence felt in conference action.

Troy Valentine (125 – Lake Stevens, WA | Fire Technology)

One of the most experienced lightweights on the roster, Valentine's quickness and scrambling ability give him the tools to compete with anyone in the state. His leadership in the room sets the tone for the lighter weight classes.

Ethan Gonzalez (165/174 – Salinas, CA | Agriculture Science)

A versatile upper-weight wrestler, Gonzalez brings toughness and flexibility to the lineup. His ability to wrestle multiple weight classes makes him a crucial weapon in duals.

Conor Boyle (174 – Alturas, CA | Criminal Justice)

A returning 3C2A State Qualifier, Boyle proved he belongs at the top level last year. With valuable postseason experience, he's looking to climb even higher on the podium in 2025.

Alexander Davidson (141 – Phoenix, AZ | Social Science)

Ranked as high as #8 in Arizona during his prep career, Davidson has transitioned into a dependable piece of Lassen's middleweight lineup. Expect him to push for big wins in the always-stacked 141 class.

Callum Shea Kremer (141 – Chester, CA | History)

A proud local product, Kremer already holds an Associate Degree in Sociology and Social Science. On the mat, he brings steady wrestling and grit to a key spot in the middleweights.

Brian Mills (174 – Elk Grove, CA | Criminal Justice)

With regional placements and state qualification under his belt, Mills adds proven postseason success to the upper weights. He'll be counted on heavily in both duals and tournaments.

Angel Anaya (157 – Tulare, CA | Fire Science)

Anaya is the full package: a 3C2A State Qualifier, Academic All-American, and a 4.0 student. His balance of excellence on and off the mat makes him one of the program's leaders.

Christopher Wells (197 – Sparks, NV | Allied Health)

A returning State Qualifier who advanced to the blood rounds, Wells also earned Academic All-American honors. His power and mat savvy make him a force in the upper weights.

Christopher Rubalcava (174 – Salinas, CA | Business)

Rubalcava adds valuable depth and experience to the middleweights. Known for his work ethic and mat awareness, he'll be an important part of the Cougar lineup this season.

The Freshman Impact

Jason Valencia (165 – Salinas, CA | Kinesiology)

Coming from North Salinas High, Valencia brings toughness and hunger to the Cougar program. His raw talent will develop quickly under Coach Nalls' guidance.

Leland Macias (133 – Salinas, CA | Kinesiology)

A scrappy lightweight out of North Salinas, Macias brings speed and determination that will keep opponents on their heels.

Josiah Rosales (285 – Gonzales, CA | Auto Mechanics)

Rosales is a force in the heavyweight division. A First Team All-League selection in high school, he's ready to establish himself as a key anchor for the Cougars.

Alexander Osborne (125 – Crescent City, CA | Kinesiology)

A two-time North Coast Section Placer, Osborne adds serious firepower to the lightweights. Expect him to challenge for immediate starting time.

Mitchell Miller (141 – Tonopah, NV | Business)

Miller brings grit from Nevada's small-town wrestling scene, carrying Tonopah toughness into the middleweights.

Rodger Jones-Charles-Shelton (174 – Tulalip, WA | Fire Science)

A physical and determined wrestler, Jones-Charles-Shelton brings Pacific Northwest power to the Cougar upper-weight crew.

Mario Anthony Escajeda Jr. (133 – Reno, NV | Fire Science)

A grinder with relentless effort, Escajeda Jr. takes pride in his 90% high school attendance and brings that same commitment to the mat.

Emmanuel Alatorre (141 – Tulare, CA | Fire Science)

One of the most decorated freshmen in recent years, Alatorre was a 2x MVP, Sectional Champion, 3x Masters Qualifier, Top 50 in California, 2x League Champion, and a 3-year team captain. His résumé speaks for itself, and Cougar fans should be excited.

Evan Krantz (149 – Reno, NV | Criminal Justice)

Krantz enters Lassen as a 4x Nevada Regional Finalist, 2x Regional Champion, 4x State Qualifier, 3x State Placer, State Finalist, All-American, and the owner of 150 career high school wins. He's poised to be an immediate difference-maker at 149.

Ready to Compete

With veterans who know the grind of the postseason and freshmen bringing decorated résumés, Lassen Wrestling has a roster that demands respect. Coach Lonnie Nalls, a legend of the sport and NJCAA Hall of Famer, has built a group that reflects Lassen's competitive spirit: hardworking, resilient, and ready to scrap with anyone.